On 3 December, leaders, policymakers, and food system innovators from across Europe will gather for the event “Journey into the Europe of the future – The quality of local food systems for European food security.” Hosted by Camilla Laureti, Member of the European Parliament, the event will explore how cities and institutions can strengthen local food systems to ensure a sustainable and secure European future.
Opening Impulse: The Quality of Local Food Systems
The event will open with contributions from Claudio Serafini (Organic Cities) and Camilla Laureti (Member of the European Parliament), who will introduce the day’s key themes around resilience, collaboration, and sustainable food policies.
A keynote address will be delivered by Audrey Pulvar, Deputy Mayor of Paris, focusing on how major European cities can lead the transformation of food systems through urban agriculture, social initiatives, and climate-aligned strategies.
Panel 1: Public Procurement for Strong and Sustainable Local Supply Chains
The first panel will examine how public procurement can act as a driver for resilient and sustainable regional supply chains. Discussions will focus on procurement criteria, training, education, and the role of transparent information sharing.
Panelists will include:
- Kirstine Bille, European Committee of the Regions
- Marion Tanniou, France Urbaine
- Salerno Carlotta, Deputy Mayor of Turin
- Jean-Marc Louvin, ICLEI
- Herbert Dorfmann, Member of the European Parliament
- External link contributions will be provided by:
– Werner Ebert, German Organic Cities
– Herbert Weidinger, City of Vienna
This session will be introduced and coordinated by Claudio Serafini (Organic Cities).
Panel 2: Organic farming and urban planning, healthy habits for the wellbeing of citizens
The second panel will explore how organic farming, thoughtful urban planning, and community-oriented policies can shape healthier lifestyles for European citizens.
Panelists will include:
- Gilles Perole, Deputy Mayor of Mouans-Sartoux
- Ludovico Roccatello, Slow Food
- Tonino Bettanini, Milan Centre for Food Law and Policy
- Torsten Raff, City of Bremen
- Paulo do Nascimento, Cabral Member of the European Parliament
- External link contributions will come from:
– Daniele Ara, Deputy Mayor of Bologna
– Carsten Bargmann, City of Hamburg
The discussion will be introduced and coordinated by Maurizio Mariani (Eating City).
Panel 3: The European Action Plan for Organic Farming and Urban Food Strategies
The final panel will connect local initiatives with European policy by exploring the European action plan for organic farming and the rising relevance of urban food strategies.
The panel will feature:
- Luis Carazo Jimenez, European Commission
- Ats Kerli, European Economic and Social Committee
- Eduardo Cuoco, IFOAM
- Dario Nardella, Member of the European Parliament
- External link contributions will come from:
– Nicola Moegel, City of Nuremberg
– Andreas Fernandez, City of Trento
The session will be introduced and coordinated by Carlo Triarico (Associazione per l’Agricoltura Biodinamica).
A Forward-Looking Vision for Europe’s Food Future
By convening experts from cities, European institutions, and civil society, the event on 3 December will highlight how local action and European cooperation can reinforce one another. Together, participants will explore pathways toward a resilient European food system—one grounded in sustainability, health, and the strength of local communities.
