EFR Inspiration Days: 'The Economy of Defense'
8th and 9th of April 2026
8th and 9th of April 2026
The EFR Inspiration Days is one of the most prestigious student-organized events in Europe, aimed at being the most innovative, society-aligned experience that connects and inspires students from all faculties. The EFR Inspiration Days 2026 is a dynamic two-day event designed to broaden the perspectives of students and alumni by connecting them with a diverse range of leaders, industry experts, and thought-provoking discussions. Beyond just career insights, the event challenges participants to think differently, embrace new ideas, and engage with professionals from various fields. With a strong focus on both business and socio-economic topics, it offers a unique platform for networking, learning, and inspiration.
On April 8th, 2026, Day 1 of the EFR Inspiration Days will focus on business, featuring a Lunch Roundtable at Excelsior (12:30-16:00), where students can engage in small-group discussions with business leaders, founders, and employees from top firms. This exclusive opportunity provides a chance to gain valuable career insights, explore various industries, and forge important connections. The attending speakers include: Laura van Geest (Director of AFM), Koen Haegens (Redactor at de Groene Amsterdammer), Sibille de Cartier (Belgian Ambassador) and a lot more inspiring people. The day will conclude with Networking Drinks, offering a relaxed setting for attendees to continue conversations with speakers and peers.
On April 9th, 2026, Day 2 will gather at the Erasmus Paviljoen to discuss a socio-economic issue (14:30-18:00). The day will begin with an Exclusive Interview with Alar Karis (President of Estonia), that will receive the World Leader Cycle Award, providing an in-depth look at his career, experiences, and perspectives, along with an interactive Q&A session. This will be followed by a Panel Discussion on ‘The Economics of Defense‘ where Pieter Hasekamp (Director of CPB), François Bausch (Former Minister of Defense in Luxembourg) and Maarten Smidts (Director of Industry and Innovation at the Ministry of Defense) will discuss how economies sustain war effort, including short and long term consequences, and how governments maintain political stability and legitimacy in such periods. The event will wrap up with Networking Drinks, offering a casual environment for students and alumni to make connections
This event is the successor to the well-known EFR World of Business Congress.
For any questions, please contact us at: info@efr-inspirationdays.nl.
The Lunch Round Table is the direct successor of the Conference Platform of the EFR Business Week. The lunch will consist of 20 prominent speakers including CEOs and founders of various companies. They will discuss topics related to the theme of the EFR Inspiration Days with 60 highly motivated students. This way the students can learn from the insights of the speakers, but also challenge themselves and present their own views on the topics.
As the Keynote Speaker, former Secretary-General of the European Commission, Alexander Italianer was a guest at the EFR Inspiration Days 2025. He gave a College-tour like interview to the room filled with ESE students and alumni.
Join as our moderator for the panel this year is journalist, columnist, and presenter Jort Kelder. You might know from the flagship program of NPO, Op1, his radio show Dr. Kelder & Co, his weekly column in het Financieele Dagblad, or perhaps from the rather witty Snobcast. In the public eye, he's renowned as one of the sharpest moderators around, yet thankfully with a sense of humor.
Ali Niknam is a highly regarded entrepreneur known for his innovative contributions to the fintech industry. As the founder and CEO of bunq, he has demonstrated remarkable vision and leadership, driving the company to new heights of success. With a huge commitment to user-centric principles, Niknam has reshaped the banking experience.
Alexander Rinnooy Kan is a highly respected figure in both the academic and business realms, celebrated for his exceptional contributions to various fields. With a distinguished career spanning academia, business, and public service, Rinnooy Kan has earned widespread admiration for his visionary leadership and profound expertise.
