The Tyrolean village of Alpbach is once again transforming into a place of dialogue, reflection, and action. Under the motto "How Europe Wins," more than 4,000 participants from around the world will attend the 82nd European Forum Alpbach (EFA) until September 4th. This year's focus will be on questions concerning Europe's capacity to act, its competitiveness, its sovereignty, and its geopolitical role. In addition to numerous prominent figures from politics, business, science, and culture, Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, along with four other heads of state, will be visiting the Forum.
As has been the tradition since 1945, the EFA scholarship holders will begin the event. During the first week, the so-called "Academy Days", a total of around 700 young people from 63 countries will come together. Almost ten times that number applied for one of the coveted places and went through a comprehensive selection process.
Next Generation of Confident Europeans
"At the EFA, we don't just talk about the future of Europe. Here the future is present, it has a say and shapes the Forum. Our aim is to empower and connect the next generation of confident Europeans," emphasizes EFA President Othmar Karas, highlighting the networking aspect of Alpbach. This extends "across national borders, generations, and disciplines. That's what makes the EFA so unique and effective," Karas adds.
Towards the end of the first EFA week, the Euregio-Days (August 27-30) are focussing on the role and importance of regions for the success of Europe. Before the second week opens on Sunday, August 30, with former Italian Prime Minister and EU reform expert Enrico Letta, the traditional Tyrol Day with the three provincial governors from the Euregio Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino – Anton Mattle, Arno Kompatscher and Maurizio Fugatti – forms the link between regional and international affairs.
Summit of Heads of State Including Youth Dialogue
The extent to which the EFA maintains its position as a forum for exchange beyond traditional formats, even in its ninth decade, is evident not only in the sheer number of individual programme items — a good 250 sessions in 12 days — but also in several highlights on the calendar. Perhaps the most prominent: Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen will use a meeting with his counterparts from Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Belgium on September 2 for joint consultations in Alpbach, followed by a youth dialogue.
"EFA26 should not only be an unforgettable experience for the participants. We also want to be measured by results and concrete measures," promises Karas ahead of his second forum as EFA President. The foundation for the "How Europe Wins" action plan will be laid by representatives of "Next Generation Europe" in Alpbach. Attendance at the Euregio Days was free.