/Presidency

Taftie Presidency theme 2026: Together through turbulent times

Together through turbulent times

Business Finland already noted it in its first session on geostrategic tensions: we are heading towards ‘turbulent times’. European Commission President von der Leyen confirmed this statement in her State of the Union and the competitiveness challenges were clearly highlighted in the Draghi report.

The VLAIO presidency is taking place during this turbulent period, which is characterised by challenges concerning competitiveness, climate ambitions, and geopolitical developments.

We will face these challenges together during the VLAIO presidency, under the slogan ‘Together through turbulent times’. ‘Together’ refers to the importance of collaboration, not only between TAFTIE agencies, but also between each agency and its ecosystem, where VLAIO, with the VLAIO network, has a strong starting position.

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TAFTIE
Presidency Programme 2026

The Taftie Executive Committee

Mark Andries
Chairperson of the Board
VLAIO Taftie Presidency 2026
Mark Andries
Maarten Sileghem
Executive Secretary
VLAIO Taftie Presidency 2026
Maarten Sileghem
Alain Thielemans_
Treasurer
VLAIO Taftie Presidency 2026
Alain Thielemans

Presidency
Support

Jef Willems
Jef Willems
Deputy Executive Secretary
Wim
Wim de Corte
Event Manager
Els Schelfhout
Els Schelfhout
Administrative Assistance