The Breakfast Club with Declan Costello

The Breakfast Club returns.

Our early-morning series brings together a small group of members for a closed-door exchange under Chatham House rules. This conversation is moderated by Philip Tod, a European Commission official and member of TheMerode, in a format designed for direct, thoughtful participation.

This edition welcomes Declan Costello, who played a central role in shaping the European Commission's economic response to the Covid-19 crisis and now leads SG REFORM.

As Europe faces mounting challenges, from competitiveness and industrial policy to defence, resilience and enlargement, policymakers are increasingly asking a fundamental question: what kind of economic model does Europe need for the decade ahead?

Using the EU's unprecedented response to the pandemic as a starting point, this conversation will explore what worked, what did not, and what lessons can be drawn for Europe's future. Has the Recovery and Resilience Facility changed the way Europe thinks about investment and economic governance? What should be preserved, what should be reconsidered, and what comes next?

7:30 – Welcome, coffee and breakfast

8:00–9:00 – Conversation and audience Q&A, ending sharply at 9:00

Breakfast includes viennoiseries, yoghurt, fruit, granola, overnight oats, chia pudding, fresh juices, tea and coffee.

This format is limited to 20 members and offers the opportunity for a serious conversation in an intimate setting before the working day begins.