The historic Oradea Fortress in Romania is set to become the epicenter of European financial innovation on June 17–18, 2026, as it hosts the 5th anniversary edition of the UNCHAIN Festival. This high-level summit will bring together over 800 senior leaders and decision-makers from more than 40 countries, representing a unified front for the future of finance in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).
A Distinguished Keynote and Global Participation
This year’s summit is headlined by Prof. Marek Belka, former Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Poland. A renowned economist with a career spanning the IMF and the European Parliament, Prof. Belka will provide critical insights at the intersection of economics and public policy.
He will be joined by an elite lineup of:
- Central Bank Governors from across the CEE region.
- Regulators from the European Commission and the European Banking Authority.
- Industry Giants and disruptors from Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and beyond.
Navigating the “Finance Fortress”
Moving beyond the “fintech” label, the 2026 edition adopts the theme of the “Finance Fortress,” focusing on regional resilience and the “EU Inc.” vision. The agenda is designed to tackle the most pressing challenges of the decade, including:
- The Digital Euro: Modernizing payments while preserving monetary sovereignty.
- AI Governance: Moving AI from a “blunt tool” to an internal efficiency engine in banking.
- Asset Tokenization: Leveraging DLT to enhance capital market efficiency.
- Cybersecurity: Ensuring operational resilience under the DORA framework.
Spotlight on Innovation
A dedicated segment of the festival will showcase the most dynamic ecosystems in the region, providing a platform for top disruptors from the CEE and Baltic countries. “UNCHAIN Festival was created for meaningful dialogue,” says Alexandra Pollack, Founder and CEO. “The 2026 edition marks a significant step in connecting ecosystems to accelerate innovation”.
The event will conclude by honoring excellence through the UNCHAIN Awards, recognizing the most outstanding innovators shaping the regional financial landscape.
Tickets are almost gone. Secure your spot now: unchainfestival.com/tickets.
