(ANSA) - KARPACZ, 09 SET - The security of the European Union's eastern borders in the face of hybrid threats, the costs of common defence and concerns over the slowdown in growth in the region were the central themes of the first day of the 35th edition of the Karpacz Economic Forum, the 'Davos of Eastern Europe', which opened yesterday in the presence of over 6,000 delegates from 60 countries. At the heart of the more than 500 events scheduled until 10 September is the search for strategic solutions on the theme 'The Architecture of the New Order - Stability in Times of Change'. The proceedings were opened by the presentation of the 9th edition of the SGH and Economic Forum Report, produced in collaboration with the Warsaw School of Economics. The study sounds the alarm over growth in Central and Eastern Europe, which risks being, in part, a 'mirage'. The rise in per capita income is, in fact, driven by a sharp demographic decline, which reduces the population and masks persistent structural weaknesses. Analysts also highlight difficulties in the labour market transition and growing social risks. Poland is a case in point, having slipped to 22nd place out of 27 in the EU Health Resilience Index. To reverse this trend, the Report identifies investments in infrastructure, a rapid energy transition and wider adoption of Artificial Intelligence in business systems as priorities. On the geopolitical front, the first afternoon panel discussions focused on the costs of collective security and the protection of the EU's eastern borders. Politicians and military experts emphasised the need for a genuine 'common defence architecture', capable of countering hybrid threats and protecting strategic supply chains. It was reiterated that the security of the eastern flank is no longer a local issue, but a decisive factor for the economic stability of the entire Eurozone. The first day concluded with the presentation of the annual awards. Polish Minister for Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak received the 'Man of the Year 2026' award for the country's infrastructure development plans. The SGH 2026 Economic Award was presented to Ryszard Florek, chairman and founder of FAKRO. (ANSA).