#CEEAIChallenger 2026 launches: Regional AI debate series across Central and Eastern Europe
#CEEAIChallenger 2026 is a new edition of a regional initiative dedicated to the development of artificial intelligence in Central and Eastern Europe. The series of expert debates is organized by the Digital Poland Association together with regional partners as part of the CEE Digital Coalition initiative, with the aim of building a common CEE voice in the debate on the future of AI in Europe.
As part of the series, representatives of public administration, business, industry organizations, academia, and technology experts will meet in several capitals across the region to discuss the most important challenges related to AI development and deployment. The discussions will cover topics such as AI investment, technology adoption by businesses, digital skills and the future of work, as well as regulations and legal frameworks supporting innovation.
The series will open in Bucharest with a discussion focused on financing and investment in the AI sector across the CEE region. The next event in Prague will address the practical implementation of AI in businesses and barriers to technology adoption, particularly among SMEs. Another debate in Vilnius will focus on AI regulation, simplification of legal frameworks, and the development of a common regional approach to AI policy at the EU level. An additional event is also planned in Bratislava, dedicated to AI skills, education, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the labour market.
The series will conclude on 2 July 2026 in Brussels, where joint recommendations and conclusions developed during the regional debates will be presented.
The agenda:
๐ย 26 May โ Bucharest
Scaling AI investment
In cooperation with ANIS Romania
Invitation-only event
๐ย 15 June โ Prague
Accelerating AI adoption
In cooperation with AAVIT
Invitation-only event
๐ย 22 June โ Vilnius
From rules to results
In cooperation with INFOBALT
Invitation-only event
๐ย 29 June โ Bratislava
From skills to impact
In cooperation with IT Association of Slovakia (ITAS)
Invitation-only event
๐ย 2 July โ Brussels
Series finale
In cooperation with Business & Science Poland
Open event โ registration will launch soon