Riga to Host Major European Forum on the Future of Work and AI in 2026

On March 16, 2026, more than 600 government, business, and academic leaders from across Europe will convene in Riga for the “Future of Work in the Age of AI”, a major European Forum focused on mobilising leaders, accelerating collaborations, and translating ideas into practical solutions to strengthen Europe’s workforce for the AI era.

It is estimated that 61 percent of jobs will be augmented by generative AI, enabling significant productivity gains, while 7 percent of roles are expected to require long-term transition. Generative AI alone has the potential to add 1.2 trillion euros to the EU economy within a decade.

According to Evita Simsone, Director of the State Employment Agency : “Europe’s workforce is evolving fast, and AI is reshaping how Europeans learn and work. Becoming AI-literate will be essential for everyone entering or already in the workforce. This is not only about using new technologies but about developing the ability to apply them to real tasks while strengthening the creative and problem-solving skills that make Europe competitive. As AI adoption accelerates, we must ensure that people, businesses, and governments can adapt together and make the most of this opportunity.”

Organised by the Future of Work Institute in Riga and ERDA, and supported by the State Employment Agency of Latvia and Google, the Forum will bring together leaders from government, business, academia, and innovation sectors. Participants will explore the need for new forms of leadership and cross-sector cooperation to build a resilient, adaptable, and AI-ready workforce for a competitive and secure Europe.

According to Zane Čulkstēna, founder of ERDA and Future of Work institute in Riga: “Europe faces ageing populations, talent shortages, and fragmentation across education, training, and labour-market systems. We need to strengthen the links between industry and education, support lifelong learning, and ensure that people have access to the skills and pathways required to succeed. By aligning learning with real job-market needs, mobilising talent, and unlocking growth in emerging and creative sectors, we can turn this region’s  potential into real-world impact.”

Through data-driven insights, expert dialogue, and practical case studies, the Forum will help shape the European agenda for skills, resilience, and growth, keeping people at the centre of technological change.

Held on March 16, 2026, in Riga, Latvia, and accessible on-site and via live stream, the event is committed to inclusion and accessible participation for all, including people with disabilities.

For further information, please contact:

Signe Nīgale

Email: signe.nigale@erda.lv