European Forum Alpbach 2025

Recharge Europe

The EFA25 will take place from 16 to 29 August. Information will be added on an ongoing basis. Ticket sales and the first draft of the programme will be available in the spring 2025.

Eighty years after the end of the Second World War, Europe stands at a crossroads.

The values that shaped post-war Europe – democracy, human rights, rule of law and social market economies – are being tested in an era defined by rapid technological change, geopolitical shifts and an existential ecological crisis. Europe needs a fresh burst of energy. As the global competition for influence, resources and innovation intensifies, Europe’s response must go beyond defending past achievements. It must promote an ambitious vision for the future.

At the European Forum Alpbach 2025, we will explore how Europe can forge a path that combines competitiveness with its values and unique strengths. Together we will work on a dynamic European model that inspires and leads while preserving what is good and beautiful about our continent: from climate leadership and economic innovation to strengthening our democracies and ensuring our security in a volatile world. Together, we will renew Europe’s potential.

A shared vision for a comprehensive renewal of Europe galvanised the founders of the European Forum Alpbach eighty years ago. Their approach is no less valid today. To ensure lasting peace and prosperity, Europe must continue to reinvent itself, rooted in values that go beyond economic metrics.

Join us at the EFA25 to recharge Europe: an energised Europe that preserves its foundational principles while embracing change to build a better future for all. Proud of what it stands for. Ready for what is to come.

Within the framework of this year’s annual theme, the Thematic Tracks at EFA25 will once again focus on the four main challenges of our time.

Climate

Climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution are defining challenges of this century. Europe has made a commitment to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Reaching climate targets and exercising global leadership is becoming ever more challenging in light of a shifting political focus. Cross-sector and border collaboration and a focus on the economic opportunities of the transition are urgently needed. Europe must act and implement with greater unity than ever before, capturing hearts and minds, and transforming markets as it does.

• Europe in the World Days: Collaborate to Compete: Making the Climate Transformation Real

• Austria in Europe Days: United in Emergency: Towards a Stronger Climate and Energy Union

Finance and Economy

The European economy is facing a number of challenges caused by geopolitical shifts, technological advances and climate change. Long-standing deficiencies such as slow growth, rising unemployment, stagnating productivity and demographic pressures further jeopardise Europe's prosperity. The Finance and Economy track explores possible solutions to these multifaceted challenges that threaten Europe's role in the world, aiming to strengthen its competitiveness and secure the financing of its future prosperity.

• Europe in the World Days: Innovation as Europe's Competitive Edge in Global Transformations

• Austria in Europe Days: Regaining Competitiveness: A Call for Action

Security

The rise of military conflicts, dynamic shifts in Europe’s neighborhood, and the new U.S. administration coupled with the emergence of new blocs, induce a disintegration of global governance. This necessitates a reassessment of multilateral institutions and the international security framework. Europe must assert itself as a strategic actor by enhancing its geopolitical influence, boosting security and defence, and reducing dependencies. The new geopolitical reality demands a decisive, unified EU response to navigate an increasingly fragmented global landscape.

• Europe in the World Days: Geopolitical Realignment: Asserting Europe's Role in a Contested World of Power Politics

• Austria in Europe Days: Towards a European Defence Union: Goals, Roles and Responsibilities

Democracy and the Rule of Law

After decades of expansion, democracy is in a worldwide decline. Liberal democracy is on the defensive under internal and external pressure. We are witnessing polarisation and the rise of populism and authoritarian politics. Disinformation and deep mistrust in governments and media are crucial factors. Democratic institutions and processes must be strengthened. Global alliances of democratic states, civil society and experts need to mobilise to develop solutions suited to today’s information and technology context.

• Europe in the World Days: People and Power: Strengthening Truth and Trust

• Austria in Europe Days: Democracy and Rule of Law in the Digital Age: AI, Disinformation and Media