IIEA Talks

In recent years, there has been a growing focus by governments on the criticality of offshore data cables, and the risks which they face. From accidental damage to acts of sabotage, the risks to undersea data cables continues to capture attention. In this panel discussion, experts from industry, government, and academia share their perspectives on the risks to underwater cables, and on how to ensure that this infrastructure remains secure and reliable.

Speakers include:

Sandra Delaney, General Council at EXA Infrastructure
Camino Kavanagh, Senior Fellow with the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) and a Visiting Senior Fellow with the Dept. of War Studies, King’s College London.
Margaret Stanley, Director of the Maritime Security Unit at the Department of Defence

In his remarks to the IIEA, Minister Valys presents Lithuania’s priorities for its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, with a focus on the work in the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) and General Affairs Council (GAC) in Cohesion configuration. Taurimas Valys elaborates on Lithuania’s priorities in ECOFIN, regarding continued support for Ukraine, the Savings and Investment Union (SIU), taxation, and the 2028-2034 EU budget and own resources, as well as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and Cohesion Policy in GAC (Cohesion). Taurimas Valys is the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania. He has more than 20 years of management experience in finance and previously served as Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, responsible for economic diplomacy, defence industry and diaspora. He has also served as an adviser to the Prime Minister on economic diplomacy and state-owned enterprise efficiency. Taurimas Valys holds degrees in International Relations and Political Science.

Keynote Address by Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health followed by a fireside chat with Audrey Carville.

"Driving Innovation for Patients"

This panel examines how sustained commitment to research, innovation and health system modernisation can accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation therapies across Europe. It also looks at how public policy, private investment and multi-stakeholder collaboration can improve patient outcomes while supporting a thriving life sciences ecosystem.

Panellists include:

Rainer Becker, Director of Medical Products & Innovation, DG SANTE, European Commission
Vytenis Andriukaitis MEP, Biotech Act Rapporteur for SANT Committee, European Parliament, and former European Commissioner for Health & Food Safety
Claire Skentelbery, Director General, EuropaBio
Avril Daly, President of EURORDIS - Rare Diseases Europe
Muiris O’Connor, Assistant Secretary at Department of Health, Head of Research & Development and Health Analytics.

"Sharpening Europe’s Competitive Edge"

This panel explores the policies and conditions needed to strengthen Europe’s position as a global leader in life sciences research, development and advanced manufacturing. In particular, the discussion focuses on how initiatives such as the forthcoming EU Biotech Act and related policy developments can support innovation, attract investment, build skills and enhance Europe’s competitiveness.

Panellists include:

Thomas Van Cangh, Deputy Head of Unit & Head of Biotech Task Force, DG SANTE, European Commission
Rachel Shelly, Global Head of Life Sciences & Food, IDA Ireland
Anouk De Vroey, Head of Government Affairs & Policy at Johnson & Johnson EMEA
Prof. Mark Ferguson, Former Chairman of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Board