ZEW Lunch Debates

We are delighted that our ZEW Lunch Debates have become a permanent fixture in the calendar of events in Brussels, the capital of Europe. Launched in 2014, the series focuses on the major challenges facing the European Union.

At this event series, ZEW researchers present their own ideas and policy recommendations, which is followed by an intense discussion about their findings and proposals with EU decision-makers, and Brussels-based experts. Audience participation in the debates is warmly encouraged.

Taking place in the European quarter of Brussels at lunch time, the 90-minute events are aimed at staff of EU institutions, as well as representatives from the realms of business, the media, non-governmental organisations, and academia.

Participation is free and by invitation.

If you are interested in attending, please write us at lunchdebates@zew.de

Financing the Green Transition: The Role of Private Capital (18.03.2025)

Group photo of (from left no right): Dr. Daniela Heimberger, Head of the ZEW service unit “International Co-operation and Public Relations“, Alessandra Atripaldi (EU Commission and DG FISMA), Bodo Lehmann, (Head of the Representation of the ...

Bodo Lehmann (Head of the Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union) welcoming the guests and participants of the Lunch Debate. © Philippe Veldemann

Professor Dr. Karolin Kirschenmann, deputy head of the ZEW research department “Pensions and Sustainable Financial Markets”, during her keynote speech. © Philippe Veldemann

Professor Dr. Tabea Bucher-Koenen, head of the ZEW Research Department “Pensions and Sustainable Financial Markets” moderated the panel discussion and took part in it herself. © Philippe Veldemann

Participating in the panel discussion were (from left to right): Professor Dr. Karolin Kirschenmann, deputy head of the ZEW research department “Pensions and Sustainable Financial Markets”, Nathalie Larrousé (EBRD), Caroline Le Meaux ...

Nathalie Larrousé, Head of Green Capital Market at EBRD, during the discussion. © Philippe Veldemann

Caroline Le Meaux, Global Head of ESG Research, Engagement and Voting at Amundi, during the discussion. © Philippe Veldemann

Alessandra Atripaldi, Deputy Head of Capital Market Union at the European Commission, during the discussion. © Philippe Veldemann

Bodo Lehmann, Head of the Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union, and ZEW Managing Director Claudia von Schuttenbach © Philippe Veldemann

The Lunch Debate provided space for dialogue and exchange between science and politics. © Philippe Veldemann

Picture gallery at Flickr

Photo of Organisers and participants of the Lunch Debate, from left to right: Bodo Lehmann (Head of the State Representation), Dr. Daniela Heimberger (Head of International Affairs and Public Relations at ZEW), Kilian Gross (European Commission), Dr. Dominik Rehse (ZEW researcher), Claudia von Schuttenbach (ZEW Commercial Director), Luca Bertuzzi (freelance tech journalist), Olga Nowicka (OpenAI).

Organisers and participants of the Lunch Debate, from left to right: Bodo Lehmann, Dr. Daniela Heimberger, Kilian Gross, Dr. Dominik Rehse, Claudia von Schuttenbach, Luca Bertuzzi, Olga Nowicka. © Philippe Veldemann

Participants of the panel discussion on stage (from left): Dr Dominik Rehse (ZEW), Kilian Gross (European Commission) and Olga Nowicka (OpenAI), moderated by Luca Bertuzzi.

Participating in the panel discussion (from left): Dr Dominik Rehse (ZEW), Kilian Gross (European Commission) and Olga Nowicka (OpenAI), moderated by Luca Bertuzzi. © Philippe Veldemann

Bodo Lehmann is on stage and welcomes the guests and participants of the Lunch Debate.

Bodo Lehmann welcomes the guests and participants of the Lunch Debate. © Philippe Veldemann

Dominik Rehse on stage during his presentation.

Dominik Rehse presents the Red Teaming concept. © Philippe Veldemann

Olga Nowicka from OpenAI during the discussion.

Olga Nowicka (OpenAI) © Philippe Veldemann

ZEW economist Dominik Rehse during the discussion.

Dominik Rehse (ZEW) © Philippe Veldemann

Kilian Gross from the European Commission during the discussion

Kilian Gross (European Commission) © Philippe Veldemann

Participats of the panel discussion on stage (from left): Dr Dominik Rehse (ZEW), Kilian Gross (European Commission) and Olga Nowicka (OpenAI), moderated by Luca Bertuzzi.

Participating in the panel discussion (from left): Dr Dominik Rehse (ZEW), Kilian Gross (European Commission) and Olga Nowicka (OpenAI), moderated by Luca Bertuzzi. © Philippe Veldemann

Dominik Rehse is on stage. He presents his research.

Dominik Rehse presents the Red Teaming concept. © Philippe Veldemann

Moderator Luca Bertuzzi (r.) in conversation at the welcome reception. © Philippe Veldemann

People standing together. They are talking.

The Lunch Debate also provided time for discussions and dialogue between science and politics. © Philippe Veldemann

Picture gallery at Flickr

The panel speakers before a presentation at the ZEW Lunch Debate.

The panel speakers of the ZEW Lunch Debate on 18 October 2023 in Brussels. © Philippe Veldemann

Bodo Lehmann, Head of the State Representation of Baden-Württemberg welcomes the guests to the ZEW Lunch Debate.

Bodo Lehmann (Head of the State Representation of Baden-Württemberg) welcomes to the ZEW Lunch Debate. © Philippe Veldemann

Dr. Zareh Asatryan during his presentation at the ZEW Lunch Debate.

Dr. Zareh Asatryan giving a keynote speech. © Philippe Veldemann

Professor Lewis Dijkstra in a discussion with Professor Friedrich Heinemann at the ZEW Lunch Debate.

Lewis Dijkstra, PhD discusses with Professor Friedrich Heinemann. © Philippe Veldemann

Alison Hunter at the microphone of her presentation at the ZEW Lunch Debate.

Alison Hunter at the panel discussion during the ZEW Lunch Debate on 18 October 2023. © Philippe Veldemann

Dirk Kranen with microphone in his hand during his presentation at the ZEW Lunch Debate.

Dirk Kranen, Federal Ministry of Finance, at the ZEW Lunch Debate. © Philippe Veldemann

Stef Blok during his presentation on the podium at the ZEW Lunch Debate in Brussels.

Stef Blok of the European Court of Auditors on the podium at the ZEW Lunch Debate in Brussels. © Philippe Veldemann

Picture gallery at Flickr

Bodo Lehmann (Head of the Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union) welcomes the guests to the Lunch Debate. © Philippe Veldeman

Dr. Katrin Sommerfeld (ZEW), Barbara Surdykowska (Solidarność), Ben Butters (CEO Eurochambres), Barbara Kauffmann (DG EMPL, Director Employment) and Professor Dr. Nicolas Ziebarth (ZEW) [from left to right] © Philippe Veldeman