Alpbach Moments 2024 - Annual Report of the European Forum Alpbach
Our Purpose
With a diverse, intergenerational and interdisciplinary community, the Forum influences key actors throughout the European continent to facilitate their learning and decisions.
When the European Forum Alpbach was founded in 1945, it was created with a dream – a dream about the future of Europe. The Forum’s initiators agreed wholeheartedly on the foundations of their dream: the fight against Nazism and Communism, democracy, freedom, peace and prosperity, as well as the nurturing of science and education. They agreed to meet in Alpbach for a couple of weeks each year to discuss the content of their dreams and to convert this content – if mutually agreed on – into reality.
The founders of Alpbach discovered that, in the pursuit of a common dream, opinions diverged about how to make it come true, with respect to both content and procedure. Out of these discussions however grew a platform with a think-tank populated by European intellectuals and doers, who had a profound influence on the shaping of Europe in the decades to come. Left or right was not the criterion; instead it was liberal or antiliberal.
The following decades brought about an astonishing development of the European integration project – politically and economically – and much more profoundly than the European Forum founders could have ever dreamed of. In 1958, several years after the first Forum Alpbach meeting, six countries founded the European Economic Communities with the goal of creating a common European market. When this task was completed, in 1992 a new treaty set the stage for the European Economic and Monetary Union, characterised by a deepening political integration. By 2013, the European Union had expanded to 28 states including 11 members of the former communist bloc. Such an achievement was probably far beyond the dreams of any Alpbach founder.
Europe’s role in world history was by no means flawless; it ranged from aggressive to destructive, from very brutal to just brutal. Rare were the times when Europe assumed a role that brought peace and prosperity to other parts of the world. Also because of its history, the European Union had never attempted to achieve military power, however the rapid development of its economic strength gave it a chance to defend its values of democracy, rule of law and a socially-oriented market economy on the world stage.
During the past 80 years, Europe has demonstrated to the world that the pursuit of peace, democracy, and the creation of a strong civil society, in combination with strong economic and scientific performance, can create something very valuable, not only for Europe but for the entire world.
Still today we ought to be worried about Europe’s future. Twenty years ago, the European Union was growing and so was Europe’s economic position in the world. Today, the EU is shrinking and so is Europe’s economic power. For the first time, our Union has lost a member, our economic strength seems to be fading away, our defence systems appear weak, and political tensions are rapidly on the rise. In short, Europe’s position as a strong influencer in the world is at risk. Europe is about to lose its global scientific and economic edge in a rapid manner, while the values of its societal strengths diminish.
In this new context, the European Forum Alpbach is as important for Europe today as it was in 1945. The Forum Alpbach’s purposes for today and beyond is therefore quite simple:
1
The European Forum Alpbach is a space and place for the emergence of reflection and action. It brings together the most innovative minds from politics, business, civil society, culture, and science to drive ideas for a strong and democratic Europe. With this diverse, intergenerational and interdisciplinary community, the Forum influences key actors throughout the European continent to facilitate their learning and decisions.
2
The Forum Alpbach offers transformational encounters between unlikely actors to create action that allows Europe to strengthen its global role as a responsible force for good – a leading role that not only benefits our continent but also the world and its joint prosperity and peace; a leading role that creates an environment allowing science and business to thrive and reassume equal footing with other geopolitical actors while also promoting and protecting civil society and the values we stand for.
3
This requires a major boost and changes in Europe’s education system, scientific environments as well as its financial and capital markets. Europe is required to further align its legal frameworks, rules and regulations as well as its political institutions to preserve the promise of open borders, cooperation and a good life for all.
The European Forum Alpbach is an inspirational place that opens minds and souls for Europe’s future – a forum that generates ideas and sparks action.
EFA24: Moment of Truth
The annual theme “Moment of Truth” reflects the crucial decisions that had to be made in 2024. With over 70 elections worldwide, the last year was a decisive one.
In 2024, we faced the moment of truth: Countries counting for more than half of the world’s population voted in the biggest election year in history. This had the potential to shake up international relations. Citizens of the European Union cast their votes in June and a new European Commission was formed in autumn. Therefore, the European Forum Alpbach had the unique opportunity to shape discussions on the EU’s political priorities for the next five years.
The elections revealed growing political and social polarisation in Europe, with truth being contested by different groups within our societies. Attempts of disinformation and foreign interference accompanied many elections, undermining trust in our democratic institutions. Tensions were exacerbated by ongoing wars, cost of living crises and climate disasters. This polycrisis is already putting Europe’s democracy and cohesion to the test. 2024 as the moment of truth had the future of the continent at stake. If Europe does not stand united and act decisively in future times, the threat of disintegration looms large.
Andreas Treichl EFA President
(until October 2024)
* until October 2024 ** from October 2024
Othmar Karas EFA President
(from October 2024)
Sabine Herlitschka Vice President**
Antonella Mei-Pochtler Vice President
Andreas Bierwirth Treasurer, Board Member Association*
Caroline Hornstein-Tomić Board Member Foundation
Klaus Welle Board Member Foundation**
Jenni Zeller
Board Member Association (FAN-Representative)
Christian Kern Vice President**
Marie Ringler Vice President
Peter Oberlechner Treasurer, Board Member Association**
Winfried Kneip Board Member Foundation
Klaudie Mrkusová Board Member Association (FAN-Representative)
Feri Thierry
Secretary General & Managing Director
Annual Review 2024
Under the annual theme “Moment of Truth”, EFA24 focused on the critical elections and decisions shaping Europe’s future course.
Opening EFA24
The full opening speech of Andreas Treichl, former President of the European Forum Alpbach, from the Europe in the World Days on 24 August.
This is the 80th time the European Forum Alpbach takes place. Next year it will see its 80th birthday. Alpbach was founded at the end of August in 1945. The war in Europe had already ended, it was about to end in Japan.
The Forum was founded by a group of scientists and resistance fighters, who had one goal: to give the young European generation the perspective of a democratic future to make sure that all the bloodshed and hate that they had lived through all their lives would never ever be repeated.
Next year, if everything goes well, we will celebrate 80 years of peace in Western Europe. That’s for European standards and a record period of time. We would have been able to celebrate 80 years of peace in all of Europe, hadn’t it been for the wars in former Yugoslavia and hadn’t it been for the brutal attack of Putin on Ukraine. If you leave everything else aside, wouldn’t it be time to think about the accession of the remaining European states to the European Union, as fast as possible. Just because of peace!
30 years ago, we celebrated the accession of Austria and Sweden and Finland and we grew the EU to 15 member states. If we look back at that time, in the middle and late 90s, we started opening the boarders within the Union, we celebrated Erasmus, we celebrated the fact that we turned the EU into the largest and most successful consumer market in the world. We celebrated a lot in the late 90s!
Then 2004 came, and we expanded the Union again by ten members at the same time, from 15 to 25; with Cyprus and Malta, but mainly with our friends in Eastern Europe; from the Baltics down to Hungary. We had a blast, we were on our way up, the unification had worked and we all benefitted from it. And then – somewhere around that time something happened. Anti-European forces had always been around, but I guess for a pretty long period of time, they were silenced simply by Europe’s success. With the economic and political success of Europe slowly fading away, they became more powerful. Like now, they claimed everything that went well for the nation states and blamed the European Union for everything that went badly. Then Brexit came.
And today, eight years later, I think we have to accept the fact that Europe is not a leader anymore. Neither economically, nor politically. We have become the masters of regulation, big announcements and mediocre execution. This brings no joy, this brings no pride, this does not create jobs.
Is it the nation states’ fault? Yes. Is it the EU’s fault? Yes. So what do we need to do?
The first step to solve a problem is to realize that you have a problem. We had brilliant politicians in the past, we had not so good ones in the past, in the EU and in the nation states. And we have the same situation now. But let’s take one example – and I apologize to many other politicians, because there are many more examples. Think back to Poland 20 years ago: Very Catholic. Very conservative. A country of argriculture and nastily stolen cars. At least, that was the image back then. Then, in 2007, Donald Tusk took over. Within seven years, he transformed Poland into a brilliant economic region, he turned Poland liberal and open-minded. Throughout the financial crisis, Poland was the most successful European state. Then Tusk became president of the European Council in 2014. Tell me one accomplishment that Donald Tusk had made during his period in this position until 2019 which was a breakthrough? I haven’t found one. Now Donald Tusk is Prime Minister of Poland again and he rocks the country. Hopefully he is successful again.
I would love to see the EU rocking. It’s up to you to make this happen! I want to see great politicians finding ways to rock the EU and its institutions. I want pride and joy coming back about our accomplishments!
The present and former President of the European Commission acknowledged that Europe lost out on the internet, on digitalisation and AI, but promised that we will lead the green transition. And Europe is leading the world in the regulation of the green transition! But it’s not leading the transformation. That’s not good enough! The present and former President of the European Commission took a very clear and powerful position towards supporting Ukraine. Some of the nation states took strong actions but unfortunately not strong enough. Ukraine’s dire situation in the second year after the attack is proof of it.
We live in a brutal world, in which success demands longterm, full and decisive commitment of everybody involved. If we do not have that commitment for topics that are crucial for the future of Europe, such as defending our territory, our environment, democracy and rule of law and our prosperity – we will fail. We presently live in a world with two superpowers: One is a capitalist country under the control of a dictatorial communist regime. The other one
is a capitalist country in which wealth created in the hands of very few is so gigantic that it can influence politics in an unprecedented manner.
Let’s hope that the US will go into the right direction.
Let’s see which direction India will be taking.
Let’s see where Africa is going, the Middle East, the connection of BRICS states that try to create another geopolitical order.
But, I guess, for the next decades, one more geopolitical power that can live a healthy balance between politics, the business world and civil society would be just great for the world. It’s this balance that is the pillar of democracy, rule of law, freedom and human rights. If we want that kind of Europe, we have to create a stronger Union. We need a defense union to secure our borders wherever we define them – without outside help. Does this weaken the sovereignty of the Nation States? Yes. But it makes each of them stronger! If the Union wants to lead the world in green tech, does it weaken the Nation States’ sovereignty? Maybe yes, but it will make them stronger, too.
There are many other unions that we need to finalise, such as the capital markets union, the communications union, the transportation union. These are all topics for which sovereignty is totally unimportant and they will all make Europe stronger! And with all those things we should not wait as long as we waited in the airline industry. Are Belgium or Austria less sovereign since their local airlines are owned by Lufthansa? Definitely not, but it took them 50 years to find out. Let’s be a little faster with everything else.
We have to make a choice!
One part of the European spectrum of political parties has made its choice: the nationalistic parties. They clearly stand for less Europe instead of more Europe. With this position, they make it very clear that they are not a bit interested in Europe being a partner in shaping the future of the planet. With this position, they make it very clear as well, that they are not interested in Europe being sovereign.
In terms of defence, we will remain at the mercy of the US or we do things like Hungary and cozy up with the Russians and the Chinese at the same time. Nationalistic parties fully neglect the fact that politics, the world’s economy, and the business world have taken a dramatic shift in the sense – whether
that’s good or not – that size matters like never ever before. If Europe wants to be able to compete with the US and China, we need champions. In green tech and in many other industries. And we should demonstrate to the world that you can be very successful without longing for military supremacy by just being able to protect your sovereignty. Nationalists do not care about none of that. But the liberals, Christian and social democrats and greens just do not act decisive enough and fast enough.
Getting to action is what Alpbach is here for. This is the moment of truth. Here in Alpbach we have great minds from science, politics, business, civil society and the arts. And we have the best and most diverse group of the young generation I can imagine. And they are all here to fight for a better Europe.
Together, and only together we can help to create a better Europe. A Europe that knows exactly what it wants and how to get there.
A Europe full of pride, joy and happiness.
Andreas Treichl
EFA President (until October 2024)
Andreas Treichl at the opening speech of the Europe in the World Days.
The EFA modules
Five modules were directed towards a broad range of participants: people of the EUREGIO region, international scholarship holders, experts’ communities as well as European and Austrian politics, businesses and civil society.
SAT 17
SUN 18
MON 19
TUE 20
WED 21
THU 22
FRI 23
SAT 24
SUN 25 MON 26
TUE 27
WED 28
THU 29
FRI 30
EUREGIO DAYS
ALPBACH SEMINARS
LAB DAYS
EUROPE IN THE WORLD DAYS
AUSTRIA IN EUROPE DAYS
The EFA24 programme addressed the following four tracks:
• CLIMATE
• FINANCE AND ECONOMY
• SECURITY
• DEMOCRACY AND THE RULE OF LAW
Thematic Tracks
The event took place from 17 to 30 August 2024 with the annual theme “Moment of Truth“. Four thematic tracks shaped its contents.
Facts & Figures
The EFA24 brought together international participants from all generations. Adding to this success, the gender distribution was well balanced, and the digital tool “EFA app” was used extensively.
Participants
4,277
Sessions in total
Seminar Sessions
Enjoy the interplay of scientific, creative and skill-oriented seminars.
Networks
Get to know the other participants and exchange views on the EFA topics.
Chats
Join the circle, discuss complex challenges and spark action and reflection.
Works
Deep-dive, explore and engage in interactive group sessions with our high potential speakers.
Lab Sessions
Work together in closed and curated groups to find a solution for a specific challenge.
Hikes
Explore ideas on the go – Walk, listen and debate in inspirational surroundings which stimulate both mind and senses.
Rituals
Cleanse your mind and take some time to enjoy a moment of silence or physical exercise for your daily energy.
Socials
Get together over drinks and snacks, mingle with the crowd and share your insights of the day.
Stages
Listen to great thinkers and doers who debate and trigger your curiosity at the main stage events.
Happenings
Enjoy being part of the EFA community in a relaxed atmosphere with inspiring performances for special occasions.
Formats
Alpbach is not an ordinary conference, and neither are its formats. At EFA24, participants chose between ten different formats.
Former President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and Member of the European Parliament Svenja Hahn discussed the challenges of the current legislative period in Brussels together with Sueddeutsche Zeitung (from left to right).
Security
The Security Track explored approaches to European sovereignty in security and defence, the response to conflicts in its neighbourhood, and the EU’s development of a grand strategy to address economic and defence challenges.
Track Highlights
The Security Track examined the EU’s role in ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and how a new grand strategy for the EU could look like. European sovereignty was another crucial topic. The sessions addressed both the economic dimension of sovereignty, focusing on de-risking and the EU’s relationship with China, and the defence dimension with a particular emphasis on Europe’s defence industry and how to finance necessary investments.
One of the highlights was a discussion between the Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, the Secretary General of the Austrian Foreign Ministry (representing the Minister) Nikolaus Marschik, the former Prime Minister of Sweden Carl Bildt, the former Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez, and the Co-President of Club Alpbach Poland Jan Farfal on how Europe can strengthen its strategic sovereignty to prepare for a scenario in which the United States become less committed to European security.
Labs
European sovereignty in security and defence was also the topic addressed by one of the track’s labs. A curated group of distinguished experts from politics, business and academia discussed Europe’s most pressing defence capability gaps and priorities. They also looked at how Europe can overcome current challenges such as the fragmentation of its defence market and how necessary investments can be financed. The outcomes and recommendations of the lab will be presented in a White Paper.
The second lab aimed at “Unravelling Russia’s Informational Warfare”. Participants examined Russian narratives surrounding Ukraine, Russian influence operations within Western countries, and Russian campaigns targeting the rest of the world; and developed concrete policy recommendations on how to improve EU’s efficiency in preventing Russia’s disinformation operations.
More than 600 people listened to a discussion that included Austria‘s Federal Minister of Finance Magnus Brunner.
At the hike “No Nature, No Business”, CEO & EIT Climate-KIC Kirsten Dunlop (left) and other experts explored how to achieve long-term prosperity and economic resilience by becoming not only climate-neutral but climate-positive.
Climate
The Climate Track called for a unified and systemic approach to tackle the urgency of the climate crisis.
Track Highlights
Living Within Planetary Boundaries and Championing Climate Action Without Borders were this year’s climate track’s mottos. Staying within planetary boundaries and designing our economy around the balance between humans, technology and nature was hence one essential element of the debate. As continuous theme it kept emerging that we must overcome framing the relation between nature and business as a trade-off. Fostering social as well as global cohesion throughout climate policy was another central element. Debates focused on building resilience against a climate action backlash or increasing our climate handprint to keep the momentum for climate action going across all stakeholder groups. Challenges such as phasing out fossil fuels, regenerating the agri-food value chain or forging a just and green partnership with the African continent were also on the agenda.
With particular attention the climate track focused on the need for systemic change and personal transformation. Particular highlights were imagination activist Phoebe Tickell’s call not to think of the current crisis as a resource problem, but as an imagination problem. Fridays for Future activist Luisa Neubauer reminded everyone to broaden their understanding of innovation to include above all a new political culture able to address issues systemically.
Labs
The 10x100 Cities Lab brought together city representatives from Mannheim (Germany), Zurich (Switzerland) and Linz (Austria) to form transformation alliances for driving systemic transformation at the intersection of urban development, regional planning and urban-rural relations in light of the challenges and opportunities of the climate crisis.
Designed around the principle of emergence, the Climate Opportunity Leaders Lab convened leaders across sectors and generations around their shared sense of purpose. Empowering reflections were shared, meaningful relationships were built, and the ground for future joint actions was laid.
Development and innovation expert Amollo Ambole focused on transforming urban spaces globally to ensure a sustainable and liveable future in a chat during the Europe in the World Days.
“Harnessing AI in the Service of Democracy”:
on best practices, ethical considerations and policy implications.
Cédric Villani, professor at the University Lyon I & IHES (right)
Democracy and the Rule of Law
Within the Democracy and Rule of Law Track, strategies to counter polarisation and strengthen democratic resilience were explored.
Track Highlights
This year the Democracy and the Rule of Law Track set itself two main themes in tackling the key challenges faced by our democracies. On the one hand, under “Countering Polarisation and Strengthening Social Cohesion”, we tried to understand the fuels of societal fragmentation and find ways to counteract them. On the other hand, within “Building Democratic Resilience”, we reflected on the mega election year and looked at how to protect our institutions and societies against the dangers presented by anti-democratic forces.
In a variety of sessions and formats we discussed the elections, polarisation and far-right narratives, as well as the impact of new technologies, the use of AI and the danger of disinformation. Vibrant debates took place on tackling migration and demographics, and countering antisemitism and islamophobia. We also looked ahead: the priorities of the next EU Commission, prospects of re-democratisation in Poland, youth as catalysts for change and how democracy might look like in 2100 were worked on.
Amplifying youth voices was a particular focus this year, so it was fantastic to hear not just from veterans such as Joschka Fischer, but also have at least one speaker below the age of 35 in each EFA session, including young experts such as Sophie Pornschlegel.
Labs
Participants of “Future Crafting the Balkans: From Hope to Action” worked on introducing new perspectives capable of challenging entrenched norms and fostering innovative solutions for the Western Balkans, providing seed funding for the most promising projects. Meanwhile, the “Responsible Leadership – Business, Civil Society & Politics: Partners in Changing Times” identified partnership initiatives and strategic alliances, focusing on the responsibility of businesses for democracy, and the role in democratic literacy vis a vis the workforce, thereby creating a community of action.
President of the Republic of Kosovo
once again joined the EFA to address growing polarisation, the complexity of national identities, diverse cultures, and opposing ideologies.
Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu
Economist, public policy analyst and professor Joseph E. Stiglitz (left) in a conversation about economic inequality.
Finance and Economy
The Finance and Economy track focused on ways to mobilise capital for sustainable innovation, and addressed the causes and solutions of growing economic and social inequality.
Track Highlights
The sessions of the Finance and Economy Track centered around two main themes: Financing Innovation and the Green Transition, which explored how to mobilise capital for sustainable development and address the urgent challenges of climate change. The other focus was on Tackling Growing Economic and Social Inequality, which examined the root causes of inequality and potential solutions to this pervasive problem.
Notable sessions included a panel discussion with representatives from banks, the European Commission, and the climate sector, which explored the role of financial institutions in financing the substantial resources needed for the green transition.
Additionally, a thought-provoking debate among academics explored whether inequality is an inevitable aspect of modern economies, highlighting the complexities and challenges of creating a more equitable future.
Labs
In addition to the main discussions, the Finance and Economy Track featured three in-depth Labs, each focusing on critical aspects of financing innovation and addressing inequality.
One Lab focused on mobilising different sources of finance to support the growth of innovative companies in Europe and develop proposals to overcome structural barriers. In another Lab, a diverse group of experts explored successful European pension systems and aimed to generate recommendations for reforming the Austrian pension system (with work continuing in the coming months). Finally, in an interactive Hackathon, participants worked on projects to empower women and socio-economically disadvantaged groups through improved financial literacy, with prizes awarded for outstanding initiatives.
During the Lab Days experts met for deep-dive conversations, working on topics like „Making Pension Systems Fit for the Future“.
In an election campaign at the EFA24, participants voted on an optimistic, long-term vision for the future, reclaiming their power of imagination and taking a first step towards a better tomorrow.
Arts and Culture
Participants were invited to use artistic methods to reclaim their power of imagination and form new alliances.
2024 was a global super election year, and even the EFA saw two campaigns competing for the vote. As part of the Arts and Culture programme, two teams of artists, designers and researchers advocated utopian visions for a positive future in a collaborative project with the Vienna Design Week. All people in Alpbach, regardless of nationality or age, were able to participate in this very special election and to vote for SPA - Super Progressive Alliance’s techno-utopia - or RHIZOME RULE’s eco-socialism.
Votes were cast in specially designed election headquarters as well as in the EFA app. Voters were wooed with posters and flyers, workshops and performances, videos and jingles. Election goodies included pencils, stickers, badges, specially created playlists and bars of soap.
After the first week of EFA, a mysterious third poster campaign appeared, a dystopian counter-campaign declaring: Big Tech Is Your Friend.
Everything peaked at election night. Both parties shared their promises for a better future. Actors from London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts staged their version of the campaign manifestos. As votes were counted (with the help of election observers from Hungary and Georgia), a choir led by students from Vienna’s Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien performed. After a hotly debated election campaign, the results were finally declared: RHIZOME RULE won.
Campaign season was accompanied by performances and artistic workshops: Musicians such as DIVES, Tonica Hunter, Alicia Edelweiss and Rosa Anschütz made people dance (and cry with happiness) in unusual locations, while scientists and artists such as climate psychologist Thomas Brudermann and dancer Iris Omari Ansong explored topics like climate anxiety in interdisciplinary workshops.
Two competing teams of artists, designers and researchers advocated utopian visions for a positive future.
How was your experience?
Which statement describes the Forum best? (Multiple answers allowed, shown here: Top 3 answers.)
A social networking event or platform
A learning and knowledge exchange platform
A space and place that brings together young people from Europe and from all over the world with the most innovative minds from politics, business, civil society, culture, and science
Looking back on your experience in Alpbach - What was the most particular added value of the Forum for you? (Multiple answers allowed, shown here: Top 5 answers.)
To meet amazing people and learn from them
I got a better understanding of other people’s perspective
I learned something new I listened to extraordinary speakers
I was able to develop ideas together with others
How do you rate the quality of speakers?
Did the forum inspire you to take action?
Participants Survey
The feedback surveys present participant’s overall satisfaction with the 2024 event programme.
Each day, a networking session was hosted by women* engaged in EFA’s broader network, which offers the opportunity to connect, reflect and take action.
World of Women*
EFA strives for bringing togehter diverse voices and perspectives. In 2024, the effort to ensure gender equality within the programme and participation on site once again paid off.
Women* remain underrepresented in many areas of public life, a reality that stifles societal progress politically, economically, and socially. For too long, feminist issues have been overlooked at the European Forum Alpbach as well. The first official record of a working group addressing gender issues dates back to 1986, and it was not until the 1990s that a woman, Elisabeth HerzKremenak, joined the EFA board.
With the launch of the “EFA World of Women*” (WoW*) initiative, initiated in 2023, the visibility of women* at the EFA event has been significantly enhanced, aiming for a deeper and more inclusive understanding of Europe’s challenges. The initiative also created professional networking opportunities for women*, such as the daily networking hour. In 2024, we introduced the opportunity for scholarship holders to join the Women in STEM focus group, promoting gender diversity and innovation through the Female* Talents in STEM programme as part of the WOW* @ EFA initiative.
The WoW* initiative is championed by all female* board members and driven by women* from the EFA Board, Council, Forum Alpbach Network, partner organisations, and the EFA Association.
The impact of the initiative can be found in EFA’s gender balance, with 55 % of scholarship recipients, 51 % of contributors, and 43 % of all participants identifying as female*. As WoW* continues, it serves as a cornerstone for systemic change, fostering an inclusive environment that harnesses the full potential of every individual.
EFA had an exceptional women‘s* quota with 51 % female* speakers at this years‘ event in Alpbach.
Some of our sessions with a focus on women* at the EFA24 event
Women in AI Lab
Workshops in cooperation with Euregio hosted by Women in Artifical Intelligence Austria
WoW* connects at EFA: A Networking Hour for Women*
Network hosted by Caroline Hornstein-Tomić (Board Member, EFA), Sophie Rendl (Frauendomäne), Michaela Fritz (Vice Rector for Research and Innovation, Medical University Vienna), Marita Erler (Mondi Group), Mariela Fogante (IAEA), Irene Giner-Reichl (EFA-Council Chairperson)
The Next Generation is Female_Mothers of Europe: A New Chapter
Network Session supported by the Federal Chancellery of Austria, in cooperation with the female factor
Looking for a Man in Finance? Let‘s Talk Money, Ladies!
Network Session supported by Female Founders
Women* Empowerment Summit: Female* Sustainability Innovators Leading the Future
Social supported by Granat
Women’s* Forum: Feminist Economics as a Compass in Times of Polycrises?
Chat hosted by Initiativgruppe Alpbach Wien, with Barbara Schuster (Economist at Momentum Institut), Luisa Neubauer (Climate Activist & Author, Fridays for Future), moderated by Anna-Sofie Wedl (Student of Microbiology and Philosophy)
Pitch: Empowering Women and Disadvantaged Groups through Financial Literacy
Stage supported by Liechtenstein Group
These activities took place throughout the year in close collaborations with our partner organisations:
Be(come) a Leader: Equipping Women for the Moment of Truth as a part of the Female Future Festivals
The power of networks: How the right contacts help to achieve professional success (Munich)
Building resilience: Dealing with challenges and resistance as a female leader (Bodensee)
Fireside Chats
with Sanam Shantyaei (Public Information Officer, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization) and Sintija Oskalne (Confidence and Security Building Measures Officer, OSCE) as a part of GLOBSEC’s CEE Her initiative and in cooperation with OSCE
Hold Them Down: The Gendered Roots of Violent Extremism
Lecture in cooperation with the Central European University (CEU) by Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss (Professor, School of Public Affairs and School of Education, American University Washington)
“Shaping Urban Futures” is a cornerstone of the commitment to addressing the climate crisis through innovation in urban development and construction. Over a three-year programme cycle the European Forum Alpbach bridges theory and practice and opens an interdisciplinary dialogue about the path to a net-zero future. The initiative unites partners from the construction industry, environmental organisations and academia to align practices with the goals of the Paris Agreement, fostering actionable solutions for sustainable and liveable cities.
It also connects visionary stakeholders to foster physical and social innovation for sustainable construction and liveable cities. The initiative explored a wide range of topics at the EFA24. Participants from various sessions worked on solutions, addressing resource scarcity in construction, balancing urban housing demands with emission reductions, and advancing energyefficient and regenerative building practices. Discussions also focused on overcoming financial and regulatory barriers to green technologies, and identifying innovative funding models to make sustainable construction more accessible.
Shaping Urban Futures at EFA24
• 10x100 Cities Lab (Mercator Foundation Switzerland, Politics for Tomorrow, Dark Matter Labs, Global Parliament of Mayors)
• Circular Economy in the Construction Industry (Lab supported by Strabag AG)
• Turn Green: Inventory Management for a Sustainable Future (Chat supported by Adomo)
• Imagining Green, Sustainable and Regenerative Cities (Chat supported by IKEA)
• Stories Of Transformation – How We Cope With Fundamental Change (Chat Do Cities Manage Fundamental Change Better than National Governments? and Network supported by the City of Linz and Chamber of Labour Upper Austria)
• Vienna New Deal – Prospects for a Climate-Friendly Futur (Hike supported by the City of Vienna)
• (Re-)Creating Affordable Housing in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) (supported by Erste Foundation)
• Beyond Concrete – Alpbach IDEAS project by Racha Doughman to raise awareness for alternative building materials
Shaping Urban Futures
“Shaping Urban Futures” is an initiative that invites partners of the European Forum Alpbach to contribute valuable expertise to EFA’s Climate Track and in return broadens their scope for action.
While the scholarship programme is aimed at young changemakers between the ages of 18 and 30, Alpbach in Motion (AIM) serves as a platform for up to 40 exceptional managers and founders aged 30 to 40 who are committed to shaping and transforming Europe.
This year, 39 participants came together during the “Europe in the World Days” (August 24–27) for an engaging peer-to-peer learning experience, focused on innovative, out-of-the-box solutions. The program encourages young professionals to drive change within their industries, ecosystems, and broader social environments. Participants came from 12 different countries and had an average age of 35 years.
This year’s lab was facilitated by Jamie Bristow, a writer and policy expert specialising in the intersection of inner and outer transformation and sustainability, and Pamela von Sabljar, an expert in leadership, personal development, and behavioural science. Together with the cohort, they explored the four key leadership quests: the quest for self-regulation, quest for receptivity, quest for sense-making, and the quest of collaboration. As suggested by the programme’s name, discussions were largely held “in motion” during reflective, decelerating hikes.
Alpbach in Motion
Outstanding young professionals gathered for a one-of-a-kind leadership experience.
“Inspiring, enriching, and wonderful. I spent two weeks in the Tyrolian alps, getting to know new people from different corners of the world, engaging with inspiring professionals and academics, and more importantly discovering new sides of myself.”
The EFA scholarship programme is a vital pillar of the Forum, providing for its variety of perspectives and intergenerational exchange.
The Scholarship Programme
Around 500 young talents from all over the world were awarded with a scholarship for the EFA24 event.
The European Forum Alpbach Scholarship Programme offers an incredible opportunity for students, young professionals, change-makers, and curious minds in general to attend the prestigious event in August. Scholarship holders gain access to the full programme, including five days of scientific and skillsbased seminars, where they can engage in insightful discussions, experience unique session formats, and create meaningful and lasting connections.
At the beginning of this year, we reached out to talented and impact-oriented individuals aged 18 to 30/35, inviting them to apply for a scholarship for the European Forum Alpbach 2024. To ensure we reached a diverse pool of candidates, we shared the call for applications widely through the EFA network, leveraging newsletters, social media, and targeted emails to communities and organisations that could help us identify promising applicants.
Applications opened on March 5. By the end of the month, we had received around 6,600 applications from 160 countries through our online application tool, along with an additional 1,000 applications submitted via the Forum Alpbach Network’s clubs. After a thorough selection process, we awarded around 500 scholarships to individuals representing 63 different nationalities. Among them were around 300 scholarship holders who attended the forum the first time.
The scholarship holders attended the entire forum, from August 17 to 30, starting with a Welcome Ceremony in Herz-Kremenak Saal at the Congress Centrum Alpbach on the evening of August 18. The ceremony, featuring an opening speech by Andreas Treichl, contributions from the FAN, local Alpbach representatives, the Ombudsteam, and an artistic performance by two students from the Music and Arts University of Vienna, offered an overview of the programme, social events, and helpful advice for making the most of the two weeks.
“The sense of community at EFA was extraordinary. The programme encouraged interaction through so many different events and informal networking opportunities, which helped create lasting friendships.”
Focus groups
Our scholarship holders come from all over the world, display diverse sets of skills, and enrich the many formats of the forum with their knowledge. To further increase the diversity of scholarship holders at the forum, we introduced focus groups to reach people who have not been as widely attracted as other groups of young people. This year we especially invited the participation of female talents in Science/Technology/Engineering/ Mathematics (STEM), as well as talents in urban development, engineering, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, finance, and talents from the Global South.
Selection process
After an initial screening to ensure formal criteria were met (age, English proficiency, first-time application), a selection committee of 147 members reviewed the applications. They evaluated candidates based on their educational and professional background, extracurricular activities, and essays. This year’s scholarship applicants were asked to set up a working group which they felt could address either the most pressing issues Europe is facing today or their moment of truth this year. To ensure fairness, all applications were anonymised and reviewed by two selection committee members. In cases where the scores differed by more than six points, a third member was brought in to review the application.
Once the applications were assessed, the EFA jury, consisting of Mubashara Akhtar, Almina Bešić, Martin Kainz, and Klaus Poier, made the final selection of scholarship holders. The goal at this stage was to ensure a fair balance of focus groups, regional, academic, and gender representation, while strictly adhering to the set criteria. To foster diversity among EFA participants, special consideration was also given to applicants from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, ethnic or religious minorities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, individuals with disabilities, and refugees or displaced persons.
The EFA is particularly proud of the diversity within its scholarship cohort, which includes participants from four continents and 63 different countries.
Jean Monnet Professor in EU Law at the HEC Paris Alemanno Alberto (in the front) was one of the seminar chairs and shared his knowledge on how to rejuvenate democracy by designing and embracing political innovations.
Alpbach Seminars
Artistic, scientific and skillsbased seminars took place for scholarship holders from around the globe.
The seminars at the European Forum Alpbach 2024 took place for five consecutive days during the first week of the forum. A total of 26 seminars were held, divided evenly between mornings and afternoons, providing a blend of scientific as well as skills-based and art seminars. The scientific and some of the skills-based seminars were embedded into one of the four EFA Tracks. During lunch breaks, the participants could join “Food for Thought” discussions and “Open Your Mind” sessions.
Each scholarship holder had the opportunity to attend two of the 26 seminars, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Participant numbers ranged from 20 to 45 participants, depending on the teaching design. Just like the scholarship holder, the Seminar Chairs came from across the globe, representing countries like Kenya, the United States, South Korea, and Spain. The morning seminars explored topics such as innovation frameworks in economic policy, the role of digitalisation in fostering green innovation to achieve decarbonisation, and the impact of emerging and disruptive technologies on European defence strategies. One seminar also focused on reengaging youth in the democratic process.
A big highlight of the week was a Model UN session that brought together three seminars for a morning. They came to a full agreement on a resolution on the topic of the use of AI for climate mitigation, accounting for carbon emissions, and the need to ensure equity and control for the spread of misinformation.
The afternoon seminars at the European Forum Alpbach offered a blend of artistic and skills-based sessions, allowing participants to engage in hands-on learning. Topics ranged from exploring the fashion industry’s shift toward sustainability through upcycling, a visit to a local supplier, to creating collaborative dance and music inspired by nature in the Woodland Dialogues. A seminar led by Royal Academy of Dramatic Art students focused on ensemble dynamics, while others covered creative writing, (de-)polarisation, mental health, and financial literacy through interactive approaches. Peerto-peer seminars, led by students from partner organisations together with mentors on site, fostered collaborative learning and leadership development.
There were 26 seminars to choose from, including “The Unfolding Space Revolution: Space for Prosperity, Peace and Future Generations”.
Alpbach Pride celebrated its 4th edition, this time together with the Federal Minister of Justice in Austria Alma Zadić (left).
FAN programme at the EFA24
A variety of official sessions at the EFA24 were organised by the Forum Alpbach Network (FAN), its Clubs Alpbach (CA) and the Initiative Groups (IG).
Road to Alpbach - Exhibition
19 August to 24 August 2024
“Road to Alpbach” was a photography and art community project hosted by the Forum Alpbach Network Committee, aimed to bring together scholarship holders before the Forum. It highlighted the incredible diversity of people attending the European Forum Alpbach.
International Evening
21 August 2024
No other place captures the idea of a global village like Alpbach does during the EFA. With the International Day, the diversity of cultures represented by international scholarship holders was celebrated. The international evening was centred around the topic “Defying Labels”.
Reinventing Economics: How to Make it More Useful? CA Netherlands
25 August 2024
This chat was hosted by Club Alpbach Netherlands and elaborated on the economic growth model that developed after the 1990s and has been distorted by shocks such as the global financial crisis of 2008, the COVID-19 pandemic, rising climate change, and the war in Ukraine.
The Three Seas Initiative: An Empty Promise? CA Poland/Croatia 26 August 2024
Deemed as a bridge-builder for the region, the Three Seas Initiative has also been dubbed as potential disruptor. Its initial design was about connectivity, the final step of the EU integration of that region. However, under the Trump presidency it was increasingly projected as an instrument challenging Franco-German perspective in the EU. With US elections coming, Club Alpbach Poland and Club Alpbach Croatia raised the question of moving beyond an abstract regional concept.
Speakers Night is the popular public speaking contest; a platform for scholarship holders to showcase their oratorical skills on the big stage.
Diaspora Speaks Up: Why the EU Should Join Bosnia and Herzegovina, Not Vice Versa
26 August 2024
The EU faces a pivotal moment, driven by geopolitical shifts to focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), a historic crossroads. Despite challenges in corruption, rule of law, and democracy, B&H offers vital lessons. Integration can bolster democratic values and reforms within the EU. The diaspora, straddling dual identities, serves as a bridge, fostering a new era of collaboration and friendship between the EU and B&H. This session was hosted by Club Alpbach Niederösterreich and Initiative Group Alpbach Sarajevo.
Climate Induced Migration: Elephant in Europe’s Room CA Iraq
28 August 2024
Migration is often treated like the elephant in the room when discussing climate change, but Europe will receive more and more migrants fleeing due to extreme weather conditions from regions such as the Middle East. Club Alpbach Iraq questioned the readiness of Europe to deal with a surge in climate migrants and asked for the role countries in the Middle East should play.
Feminist Economics as a Compass in Times of Polycrises
29 August 2024
This chat was hosted by Initiativgruppe Alpbach Wien and discussed how feminist economics through their consideration of care work and power structures provide impetus for a new economic direction in times of multiple crises.
War-Born Resilience for European Businesses and Critical Infrastructures
29 August 2024
While the Russian Federation focuses its economy on weaponisation, Europe, after 30 years of peaceful prosperity, finds itself unready for defence. Meanwhile, businesses in Ukraine as well as all the economy had to adapt to the new reality of constant threats, blackouts, cyber-attacks and lack of resources. Kyiv Initiative Group Alpbach asked what EU member states and companies can learn from Ukraine to enhance their resilience.
Bringing together Young Changemakers with Current Stakeholders
Throughout the Forum, we encourage scholarship holders to participate in small fireside chats with high-level speakers. These informal chats are often facilitated by FAN members. For instance, fireside chats with personalities such as Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, Joseph Stieglitz, Luisa Neubauer, Alma Zadić and many more were organised at the EFA24.
The Climate Strike and the Alpbach Pride have become an integral part of the annual conference and are organised by the FAN. In addition, FAN members worked closely with the EFA team to make the Forum a more inclusive and safer place for all participants.
Activism at the Forum
The Forum Alpbach Network (FAN) organises a variety of activities including the Alpbach Pride parade.
Norbert Totschnig, Federal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management of the Republic of Austria, shared his insights into the implementation of torrent and avalanche control disaster protection in Austria.
Participants co-created just transition narratives for the EU in a workshop supported by the the Robert Bosch Foundation & the Mercator Switzerland Foundation.
Europe, believe in yourself! – Silvia Angelo, Member of the Executive Board of the ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG, Sabine Herlitschka, CEO of Infineon Technologies Austria AG, Doris Vettermann, EU journalist, Gerda Holzinger-Burgstaller, CEO of Erste Bank Austria (from left to right), and other experts addressed the topic of a competitive business environment.
The Forum Alpbach Network (FAN) consists of 35 Clubs Alpbach (CA) and Initiative Groups (IG) that operate on a voluntary, non-profit basis all around the year across Europe, the Caucasus and Africa. Amongst others, their activities span running and funding their own scholarship programmes, organising events in the spirit of EFA365 and cooperating on international initiatives.
Fostering a vibrant international community: Alpbach is where we are!
The FAN representatives convene for monthly online meetings and two inperson conferences to exchange knowledge, prepare the next Forum, initiate joint projects, and strengthen the network . In the last year, the network was invited to Salzburg (Austria) and Budva (Montenegro) by CA Salzburg and Montenegro.
FAN project series on the European elections
The FAN stands for international cooperation, dialogue, diversity and internationality. With the support of the EFA and Ideas4Europe, we organised a project and event series revolving around the elections with the goal of animating especially young people to vote. Projects and events included: a poster campaign, the Euregio Youth Day, a report for the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, tight cooperation with Palumba (voting advice app) and various fireside chats and talks.
FAN events
Over the past year, the FAN hosted over 100 events on diverse topics. Club Alpbach Croatia focused on marine preservation, IG Armenia addressed the Artsakh crisis, and IG Vienna, CA Tyrol and CA Macedonia explored feminism and gender equality. CA Montenegro, Salzburg, Brussels, and Styria held discussions on regional and European politics, while IG Kosovo tackled energy transition and CA Trentino explored science communication. The Africa Alpbach Network discussed diaspora experiences, Club Alpbach South Tyrol showcased an exhibit on women refugees’ rights, and Club Alpbach Czechia Slovakia and Liechtenstein reflected on their shared history.
Alpbach is wherever the FAN is!
The Forum’s network of former scholarship holders carries insights and inspiration from Alpbach to the world.
At the FANC “Speed Friending” scholarship holders had the opportunity to make a memorable first impression.
The AIM Alumni Club, with more than 200 members, serves as a vibrant community of former participants of the Alpbach in Motion Leadership Lab, fostering transformative leadership, personnel growth and peer exchange. In 2024, the Club continued to thrive through impactful activities and events in Vienna, including the Fireside Chat with Andreas Treichl, the traditional Vineyard Walk & Talk featuring Andreas Treichl and Feri Thierry, a lunch talk with Othmar Karas, and the General Assembly in October, where members gathered for strategic discussions and updates. At the heart of the Club’s activities is the AIM Alumni Community Lab as an official part of the EFA programme, which united alumni under the EFA24 theme “Moment of Truth.” This initiative provides a dynamic platform to share experiences, strategies, and tools for transformative leadership. Through collaborative events with the current AIM cohort, the Lab creates a space for peer learning, reflective discussions, and interactive formats such as nature hikes, openspace sessions, and intimate conversations. In a trusted environment, participants address pressing challenges, gain new perspectives, and cocreate innovative solutions. By fostering networking, collective learning, and supporting both personal and professional development, the AIM Alumni Club not only strengthens its engaged community but also empowers its members to act as dedicated ambassadors of the Forum, extending its spirit and impact.
Alpbach in Motion Alumni Club Executive Board and Financial Auditors
Mariebeth Aquino, Kelsey Beltz, Britta Heissenberger, Jordan Georgiev, Emanuel Kaspar, Janet Kutschert, Kuba Macheta, Chris Wenna , Alexander Mitter, Julia Spitzbart
AIM Alumni Club
With more than 200 members out of 400+ former participants, the AIM Alumni Club is an independent association which organises events and social gatherings for continuous peer-to-peer exchange.
At the check-in the AIM Alumni Club participants came together at the EFA24.
AIM Alumni Club
Former Alpbach in Motion (AIM) participants organise events for change-makers in different professional fields and support their community throughout the year.
One of the Executive Dinners of the EFA took place in November 2024 in the Palais Liechtenstein, Vienna.
EFA365 Activities
Through various initiatives and events, the EFA community approaches pressing challenges not only at the annual event, but during the course of an entire year.
EFA365
The EFA provides a space for action and reflection throughout the whole year. In the sense of EFA365, we offer different activities and present a more active, consistent and unified EFA to our target groups.
EFA365 is implemented through initiatives such as:
• Alpbach IDEAS: Teams of young people develop solutions for real-world problems within the four EFA tracks and refine their ideas into feasible projects.
• Community Events: EFA or the FAN organises thematic events together with partners, especially in Vienna and the target markets Brussels and Berlin.
• Track Newsletters: Each track community(Democracy, Security, Finance and Economy, Climate) is provided with relevant updates and insights.
• Continuation of the EFA Lab topics and communities throughout the year.
• Contribution to and attendence of international conferences of partner organisations.
Some highlights of the EFA365 programme and events include the following:
Eine Allianz für die Zukunft
23 January 2024, Vienna
• Panel on reconciling the interests and goals of agriculture, reforestation, and biodiversity in times of the climate crisis. Speakers included Alexander Bernhuber, Franz Essl, and Lena Schilling, moderated by Nadja Hahn (ORF).
• In cooperation with the European Parliament Liaison Office. Zeitwende 2.0
30 January 2024, Berlin
• Debate on EU reforms and enlargement perspectives. Speakers included Dr. Anna Lührmann, Dr. Thu Nguyen, and Jim Cloos, moderated by Matthew Karnitschnig (POLITICO).
• In cooperation with the European Parliament Representation in Berlin.
Hätte, hätte Lieferkette
18 March 2024, Vienna
Discussion on making EU supply chains resilient and sustainable amid global crises. Speakers included Andreas Schieder, Antonella Mei-Pochtler, and Peter Klimek, moderated by Andreas Schnauder (Der Pragmaticus).
• In cooperation with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Vienna.
EU Media Freedom Act: A Step in the Right Direction?
23 April 2024, Vienna
• A debate on media influence in Austria and the potential of the EU Media Freedom Act (EMFA). Panelists included Helmut Brandstätter, Eva Dichand, and Nikolaus Forgó, moderated by Anna Wallner (Die Presse). In cooperation with the European Parliament.
The Single Market’s Next Chapter: A Vision for Its Future
6 May 2024, Vienna
• On the basis of Enrico Lettas’ then recently published report, he and Othmar Karas discussed the challenges of facing the Single Market and explored possible solutions to ensure its continuing promotion of prosperity and unity in Europe.
• In cooperation with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Vienna.
Inhabit the Future
September 2024, Vienna
• Artistic Intervention at the VIENNA DESIGN WEEK with the futuristic election campaigns exhibited at the EFA24.
Former Prime Minister of Italy Enrico Letta and President of the EFA and Former First Vice-President of the European Parliament Othmar Karas led an insightful discussion on the future of the European single market in May 2024.
Ideas for Europe
This initiative strengthens political participation by developing solutions for and with citizens from peri-urban and rural areas. Ideas for Europe (I4E) seeks to counteract political disenchantment and abstention by promoting European values and encouraging public engagement. The project focuses on generating ideas that enhance citizenship competencies, with a particular emphasis on media literacy. It invites citizens to discuss ways of fostering active citizenship and shares these insights through training sessions with local authorities. Additionally, I4E works to co-create prototypes that reinforce democratic participation, bridging the gap between citizens and politics while fostering a more inclusive and engaged European democracy.
The following events and workshops took place in 2023 and 2024 as part of Ideas for Europe:
FAN EU Elections Event Series (2023–2024)
organised by the Forum Alpbach Network (FAN), encouraging participation in EU Elections 2024, particularly among young Europeans
• Euregio Youth Day – My First European Election (11 May 2024, Bolzano, Italy) workshops, a hike, and discussions to foster engagement
• Official Launch of Palumba App (30 April 2024, Barcelona, Spain)
Launch of a youth-focused app from Alpbach Ideas 2023 to boost voter turnout, with keynotes, panels, and networking
• EU Election Poster Campaign (May 2024, Austria and South Tyrol)
Visually engaging campaign with EU-themed posters and an interactive quiz to spark curiosity and awareness
Alpbach IDEAS Bootcamps and Infopoint
• Local Academy Training, 20–21 June 2023, Vicenza (Italy), hosted by ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy
• Skill-based Webinar fostering engagement, democracy, and preparation for Alpbach IDEAS 2024
• Workshops and debates on EU institutions, elections, and values hosted by THE CIVICS Innovation Hub (March 2024, Varaždin, Croatia) for students aged 17-18
• Workshop Series: Who’s Lying Now? Identifying and Countering Disinformation hosted by Alliance4Europe
Alpbach IDEAS
Alpbach IDEAS was born from a vision to encourage action beyond the EFA event. With this programme, we want to offer an innovative format allowing us and our EFA network to continue working on ideas which blossomed during the yearly EFA event. It is designed to foster creativity, innovation, and collaboration among participants. Each year, participants take part in socalled IDEAS Camps, where they work through ideation processes, and refine their ideas. Alpbach IDEAS is facilitated by EFA’s trusted partner, Pioneers Innovation GmbH.
This year’s IDEAS programme kicked off with an exciting event, where last year’s winners shared their success stories and experiences. Over the course of the forum, participants could attend three InfoPoints to ask questions and clarify their doubts. The heart of the initiative was the two-day IDEAS camp, where participants dove into the foundations of design thinking, identified and prioritised problems, formed teams, and developed solutions. They crafted IDEA Cards and produced video reels to present their concepts.
After a public voting on the video reels and a jury review by EFA board members, staff, and a FAN representative, four standout ideas were selected to move forward. Besides getting support from a mentor from the EFA network, these winning teams are now participating in both an online and an on site bootcamp in Vienna to further develop their ideas.
We are looking forward to seeing what the teams will work on over the course of the year and are excited to have them join us at EFA25 to present their experiments and learnings!
Your support makes it possible
Various types of financing enable the organisation to continuously pursue its mission of strengthening the European continent.
Budget sources*
Scholarships and tickets of clubs
Public institutions and grants Others
* As of January 2025, subject to approval by the EFA General Assembly in spring 2025.
Sponsorships, funding foundations, ticket sales, public subsidies, donations, talent development, membership fees and scholarships from the Clubs ensure the work of the organisational team throughout the year and enable us to work independently.
Budget and expenses
How are the projects and the annual event of the European Forum Alpbach financed?
Boris Marte, CEO of ERSTE Foundation, moderated the discussion by posing the question: Can digitalisation bridge divides and foster true inclusion?
Climate activist and author Luisa Neubauer was part of the opening of the Austria in Europe Days.
The Lab “Circular Economy in the Construction Industry” was supported by Strabag AG and part of the initiative Shaping Urban Futures.
What our partners say
Our recent survey on partner satisfaction reveals encouraging insights, highlighting the value we bring to our partners.
Partner Satisfaction
Support
86 % answered “absolutely” (41) or “rather” (45) yes to whether they were sufficiently supported by the organisers.
Content
83 % of the respondents feel that they had sufficient possibilities to include their ideas and formats in the programme.
Partners rated their overall experience at EFA24 with 7,4 out of 10 points (compared to 7 out of 10 in 2023).
Media Presence
The media resonance analysis highlights meaningful coverage, demonstrating the significance and reach of the EFA.
Number of clippings
Number of media
Total reach
Partner Evaluation & Media Presence
The insights from our partners and media showcase the impact and value of our efforts.
Anton Zeilinger, Nobel laureate for physics, at his book talk of „Dance of the Photons“.
High-class panel at the opening of the Europe in the World Days: Damita Pressl, Journalist and Moderator at NZZ, James O‘Brien, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs at the United States Department of State and Yemi Osinbajo, Former Vice President of Nigeria and Founder of Climate Action Platform for Africa and Marina Vanni, member of the Forum Alpbach Committee (from left to right).
In this network session supported by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) the urgency and necessity of an infrastructure expansion was discussed.
Executive Board
The boards of the European Forum Alpbach Association and the European Forum Alpbach Foundation consist of seventeen dedicated people with one goal: To positively contribute to the future of Europe. The Association and the Foundation are chaired by Othmar Karas who is elected president/chairman since October 2024. Together with a team of international experts, he is responsible for the orientation and strategy of the European Forum Alpbach.
President Association and Chairman Foundation
Andreas Treichl*, Othmar Karas**
Vice Presidents Association
Sabine Herlitschka**, Christian Kern**, Antonella Mei-Pochtler, Marie Ringler
Other Members Executive Board Association
Andreas Bierwirth (Treasurer)*, Peter Oberlechner (Treasurer)**, Klaudie Mrkusová (FAN), Jennifer Zeller (FAN)
Other Members Executive Board Foundation
Caroline Hornstein-Tomić, Winfried Kneip, Klaus Welle**
Members
of the Forum Alpbach Network (FAN) Board
Jennifer Zeller (Chair), Klaudie Mrkusová (Vice Chair), Florian Boschek, Andreas Maierhofer, Philipp Mendoza, Dorotea Neuberg
Honorary Presidents of the EFA
Franz Fischler, Heinrich PfusterschmidHardtenstein (†), Andreas Treichl**
Jury of the EFA Foundation
Mubashara Akhtar, Almina Bešić, Martin Kainz, Klaus Poier
Arbitration Board
Katharina Scherke, Matthias Strolz, Franz Zöchbauer; Substitute member: Michael Neider
Auditors
Rainer Schrems, Karl Sevelda
Strategic Advisory Council (SAC)***
The Strategic Advisory Council advises and supports the organisation in all its activities. Its members ensure that the continuity in the connection to the historical roots and values of the European Forum Alpbach as well as the pluralistic anchoring in democratic society is preserved or strived for. The SAC consists of up to 40 members as well as the members of the Executive Board, the Chairpersons of SAB and IAB, three representatives of the FAN, the Honorary Presidents and the auditors.
Chair of the SAC
Irene Giner-Reichl*
Vice Chair of the SAC
Werner Wutscher *
Co-Chairs of the SAC
Armin Laschet **, Mairead McGuinness**
Markus Bischofer (co-opted), Brigitte Brenner, Cathryn Clüver Ashbrook, Verena Ehold, Lisa- Marie Fassl, Irene Giner-Reichl, Erich Gornik*, Wolfgang Habermayer, Michael Haider*, Valerie Hengl, Michael Hirschbrich**, Bruno Hofbauer, Herwig Hösele, Michael Ikrath, Thomas Kahn (co-opted), Sabina Kaslatter Mur*, Georg Kopetz, Elisabeth Krainer-Senger-Weiss, Larissa Krainer, Kathryn List, Hans Mahr**, Christian Macek*, Bernhard Marckhgott, Josef Margreiter, Sophie Martinetz, Clemens Mayr-Harting**, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Dieter Natlacen, Bernhard Niesner, Leonard Novy, Wolfgang Petritsch, Klaus Poier, Sophie Pornschlegel, Filip Radunovic, Andrä Rupprechter**, Rupert Sausgruber, Martin Schulz**, Agnes StreisslerFührer, Matthias Strolz, Stefan Wallner, Martin Weiss**, Christoph Wenna, Werner Wutscher Board Members: Sabine Herlitschka**, Christian Kern**, Antonella Mei-Pochtler, Marie Ringler, Andreas Bierwirth (Treasurer)*, Peter Oberlechner (Treasurer)**; FAN: Florian Boschek, Andreas Maierhofer, Jenni Zeller; Honorary Presidents: Franz Fischler, Andreas Treichl**; SAB: Michaela Fritz; IAB: Thomas Mayr-Harting; Auditors: Günther Schrems, Karl Sevelda
* until October 2024 ** from October 2024 *** formerly: Rat
A dedicated group of individuals supports the EFA, making the annual event come to live. The majority contributes on a voluntary basis, apart from the fulltime organisational team.
Scientific Advisory Board (SAB)
The Scientific Advisory Board supports the Executive Board and other bodies of the association with academic guidance. It contributes to programme design, the selection of speakers, moderators, and seminar leaders, and the formats of the event. It consists of up to 40 recognised academics and people from public and cultural life as well as the Chairperson of the IAB and three representatives of the FAN.
Chair of the SAB
Michaela Fritz*
Vice Chair of the SAB
Howard Williamson*
Co-Chairs of the SAB
Michaela Fritz**, Gabriel Felbermayr **
Nadia Al-Bagdadi, Andreas Altmann**, Brigitte Bach, Christoph Badelt**, Felix Creutzig, Maria Demertzis, Anna Durnova, Tamara Ehs**, Heinz Fassmann**, Franz-Stefan Gady, Katharina Gassner, Philipp Gerbert, Misha Glenny, Ian Goldin, Bernhard Haslhofer, Markus Hengstschläger, Sabine Junginger, Monika Köppl-Turyna**, Mark Leonard, Dominik Markl, Katja Mayer, Josef Mitterer, Manfred Nowak, Barbara Prainsack, Michael Reiterer, Keywan Riahi, Diemut Schilling, Veronika Sexl**, Nona Shepphard, Leena Srivastava, Georg Steinhauser, Katrin Suder, Kavita Surana**, Ulrike Tanzer**, Velina Tchakarova, Nathalie Tocci, Renata Uitz
FAN: Florian Boschek, Dorotea Neuberg, Jennifer Zeller; IAB: Thomas Mayr-Harting
International Advisory Board
The International Advisory Board consists of up to 40 internationally recognised personalities from politics, business, science and society. It advises the Executive Board on programme development and speaker selection and supports the association in its networking activities.
Chair of the IAB
Thomas Mayr-Harting *
Vice Chair of the IAB
Thomas Wieser *
Co-Chairs of the IAB
Thomas Mayr-Harting**, Arancha Gonzáles Laya**
Catherine Ashton, Carl Bildt, Anna Maria Corazza Bildt, Melissa Fleming*, Florence Gaub*, Katja Gentinetta, Eamon Gilmore, Hermann Hauser, Jean-Claude Hollerich, Wolfgang Ischinger, Ivan Krastev, Miroslav Lajcák, Pascal Lamy, Philippe Narval, Katarzyna Pisarska, Geneviève Pons, Daniel Sachs, Anya Schiffrin, Martin Selmayr, Bruno Stagno-Ugarte, Joseph Stiglitz, Cédric Villani, Alois von Liechtenstein, Margot Wallström*
Honorary Presidents: Franz Fischler, Andreas Treichl**
Committees
Security
Robert Brieger (Chair), Cathryn Clüver Ashbrook, Jan Farfal, Franz-Stefan Gady, Elisabeth Kornfeind, Thomas Mayr-Harting, Antonella Mei-Pochtler
Democracy and the Rule of Law
Irmgard Griss (Chair), Alberto Alemanno, Caroline Hornstein-Tomić, Martin Kreutner, Peter Neumann, Sophie Pornschlegel, Barbara Prainsack, Mariella Rieder, Klaus Welle
Climate
Kirsten Dunlop (Chair), Felix Ambros, Christiane
Brunner, Irene Giner-Reichl, Marie Ringler, Gernot Wagner
Finance and Economy
Burkhard Balz (Chair), Gabriel Felbermayr, Sabine Herlitschka, Prosper Mageza, Andreas Treichl, Thomas Wieser, Werner Wutscher
Arts & Culture
Christoph Thun-Hohenstein (Chair), Jakob
Dunkl, Andrea Grill, Marie-Therese HarnoncourtFuchs, Winfried Kneip, Claudia Larcher, Cornelius Obonya, Sabine Reiter, Eva-Maria Schitter, Georg Schnitzer, Elisabeth Schweeger
Seminars
Michaela Fritz (Chair), Caroline Hornstein-Tomić, Winfried Kneip, Katja Mayer, Dorotea Neuberg, Howard Williamson
Funding
Peter Oberlechner (Chair), Philipp Berkessy, Birgit Berthold-Kremsner, Andreas Bierwirth, Oliver Suchocki, Othmas Karas, Winfried Kneip, Andreas Maierhofer, Rainer Newald
Organisational Team
The team of the European Forum Alpbach is located in Vienna and manages the overall organisation of the main conference and the further events during the year. It ensures proper financing, professional coordination, media coverage, and oversees the annual scholarship programme.
Secretary General & Managing Director
Feri Thierry
Eldin Bajric, Nadine Beisteiner, Andreas Berger, Veronika Boussetta, Theodora Danek, Eva Maria Freinberger, Robert Galambos, Christoph Girbinger, Markus Hafner-Auinger, Maximilian Handl, Helene Hartmann, Dagmar Hengl, PaulJakob Hofer, Péter Hunya, Ivar Juvhaugen-Dehn, Kevin Kaiser, Clemens Klausbruckner, Anna Köhler, Evgeniia Korkeshko, Maryna Kviatkivska, Sophie Langer-Hansel, Bibimaya Larice, Elke Lerch, Mara Mehnert, Sandra Moreira-Weitgruber, Vinzenz Müller, Bettina Nahajowski, Sven Nelander, Melissa Német, Ankica Nikolić, Ulla Offenbeck, Jana Pflästerer, Johannes Piller, Jasmin Praschberger, Jasmina Retschitzegger, Clara Rindler-Schantl, Barbara Runggaldier, Stefanie Sailer, Leopold Schmertzing, Johannes Schneeberger, Carla Skiadopolous, Samo Stern, Anna Stockhammer, Mirta Surlina, Christina Taferner, Anna Takacs, Ekaterina Tenner, Annamária Tóth, Sophia Weber, Axel Zahlut
* until October 2024 ** from October 2024
Partners, thank you!
Our partners are essential for the success of the European Forum Alpbach. They are private donors eager to support EFA’s purpose, philanthropic funders sharing the goals we set in our four tracks, corporate sponsors from all sectors, as well as public institutions from the local, national, and European level. Together we will continue to build on the very fundaments of democracy, European unity, solidarity and dialogue. The European Forum Alpbach is not just a conference: Alpbach is wherever you are and wherever you act in the name of a united Europe and global solidarity.
The Alpbach Circle unites an exclusive group of committed Europeans and supporters of EFA’s purpose. It was founded under the leadership of Karl Sevelda, with the goal of ensuring the long-term existence of the Forum and securing its future and ability to foster meaningful change. The donations support the Talent Development Programme and help strengthen EFA’s independence.
Alpbach Circle
Everything we do is possible through the financial support of our partners. They help connecting key actors and building a network of change.
Main Partners
Premium Partners
Supporters
Arthur D. Little
AustrianStartups
AVL List
BERGERecotrail
Börsianer
Female Founders
Finders & Company
Frauenthal Holding
Gebrüder Weiss
Hans(wo)men Group
Humanocare
I.E.C.T. Hermann Hauser Management
GmbH
König Holding
Krieglstein & Company
Lenzing Papier GmbH
Mayr-Melnhof Karton
McKinsey
Miba
mtms Accreditation
MyAbility
Oesterreichische Kontrollbank
Aktiengesellschaft (OeKB)
Porr AG
Privatquelle Gruber
Romulus Consulting
Schachinger Logistik
Schindler Attorneys
Schoeller Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment
Sheconomy
Speedinvest
Sprenger Gerstbauer Consulting GmbH
Startup House Austria
TGW Logistics Group GmbH
UNIQA Insurance Group AG
Zeppelin Group
Ashoka
Berndorf Private Foundation
Camera di Commercio di Trento
Central European University
Chamber of Commerce of Bolzano/Bozen
Club Alpbach Steiermark
Club of Rome
Dark Matter Labs
Dr. Éva Kahán Foundation
European Capital of Democracy
European Cultural Foundation
European Region Tyrol South Tyrol
Trentino
Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy
Founders Pledge
Friends of Europe
Gemeinde Alpbach
Global Parliament of Mayors
Granat
King Baudouin Foundation
Klima Biennale Wien
Lung Yingtai Cultural Foundation
Parmenides Foundation polisphere
Political Capital
Politics for Tomorrow
Schwarzman Scholars
Sigma Squared Society the female factor
Treehouse Giving (Alessandra Bravi & Sebastian Heinzel)
Vienna Design Week
Vienna Shorts – International
Short Film Festival
Wirtschaftskammer Tirol
Alois Steinbichler
Claudia Garuti
Martin Grüll
Dr. Strohmayer Foundation
Ewald Nowotny
Franz Rauch
Friedrich Jergitsch
Georg Kopetz
Guntard Gutmann
Peter Bartos
Peter Kunz
Imprint
Picture Credits: Bogdan Baraghin, Philipp Huber, Elisabeth Mandl, Marko Risović, Andrei Pungovschi
