Mathias Burghardt

The panel converged on a clear diagnosis: Europe must move beyond the logic of a consumer market and rebuild its own production power. For years, Europe too often relied on the assumption that open trade and low prices were enough. But geopolitical shocks of recent years – war, trade tensions with the US and China, energy vulnerability and accelerating dependence on foreign digital technology – have exposed the limits of that model.

From June 2 to 4, 2026, in Stockholm, our Annual General Meetings (AGM) and Advisory Boards delivered three days of insight, connection and a shared ambition to redefine value creation. In the year of our 30th anniversary, Ardian welcomed over 400 LPs, representing 300 companies, to Stockholm for our 25th AGM - our first AGM held in Northern Europe.

Mathias Burghardt explains how geopolitical rupture and sovereignty are reshaping investment priorities. Europe is emerging as a core destination across energy, digital and infrastructure. Source : Pitchbook - Geography Europe - As of December 31, 2025 - Latest year includes estimates A new era is underway.