Fostering Conviviality: the Spirits Sector in Europe’s Social DNA

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​Beyond their economic function, bars, cafés and local meeting places across Europe act as essential “third places” that anchor everyday community life and reflect a culture of conviviality deeply embedded in Europe’s social DNA.

For centuries, these spaces have enabled people to come together, whether briefly or for extended moments, to share ideas, connect and engage in conversation. Conviviality is not only shaped by these places, but also sustains social cohesion and inclusion, remaining vital even in an increasingly digital society.

​This 90-minute session will bring together speakers from across policy, academia and industry to explore how conviviality contributes to individual and collective life, how these spaces are embedded in Europe’s cultural and culinary heritage, and how they continue to evolve in a changing social and economic landscape. The discussion will also provide a clearer understanding of how the spirits sector helps keep Europe’s social fabric vibrant, by supporting the traditions, craftsmanship and local ecosystems that enable these shared moments, while identifying ways to sustain and adapt environments that foster human connection and community bonds.