Forum Alpbach takes place under annual theme “Recharge Europe”
80 years after its foundation, the Forum provides concrete solutions for Europe’s most pressing challenges from 16 to 29 August.
Europe needs a fresh burst of energy. Under the heading “Recharge Europe”, the European Forum Alpbach (EFA) 2025 is making its 80th anniversary the starting point for tangible visions. “Europe is currently experiencing more simultaneous crises than at any other time since 1945. That is why we need a bold vision to make Europe more competitive, capable and innovative”, EFA President Othmar Karas explains. “According to the motto ‘Recharge Europe’, we want to provide Europe with new energy for the challenges ahead so that the EU can once again take on a leading role globally.”
Successful Modul Structure is maintained – Specification of tracks
While the successful module structure is retained for the EFA25, the four tracks – Climate, Security, Democracy, and Finance and Economy – are further refined through specific questions. “The founders of the European Forum Alpbach worked on solutions to rebuild Europe. In this spirit we are placing concrete objectives at the centre of our formats and discussions in 2025 – exactly 80 years later“, Karas explains, referring to the eight track topics that define the content of EFA25. All information is available at www.alpbach.org/efa25.
In case you have any questions please contact:
Andreas Berger
Head of Unit Communications, European Forum Alpbach
presse@alpbach.org
+43 1 718 17 11 25
EFA25 – Detailed Tracks
As in previous years, four tracks define the European Forum Alpbach’s work in 2025. During the “Europe in the World Days” and the “Austria in Europe Days”, the EFA25 sets additional priorities to obtain concrete answers to the most pressing questions in the respective areas.
The “climate” track is dedicated to find solutions for the key challenges of this century: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Europe must unite, utilise opportunities, and transform markets to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
Track Topics:
- 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
Democracy is in decline worldwide, marked by polarisation and disinformation. The “Democracy and Rule of Law” track explores how democratic institutions and global alliances can be strengthened and adapted to the digital era.
Track Topics:
- 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
Europe is facing economic challenges such as slow growth, unemployment and demographic pressures. The “Finance and Economy” track seeks solutions to secure prosperity and strengthen Europe’s global role.
Track Topics:
- Europe in the World Days: Innovation as Europe’s Competitive Edge in Global Transformations
- Austria in Europe Days: Regaining Competitiveness: A Call for Action
Global power politics and the war in Ukraine are challenging the international order. Starting point for the “Security” track is the need for Europe to strengthen its security and provide a united, strategic response.
Track Topic:
- 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
EFA25 – Detailed Modules
On 16 August 2025, the Euregio Days (16 to 19 August) formally kick off the European Forum Alpbach. Outstanding research and innovation are awarded, and the “Tyrol Day” marks a festive highlight.
Simultaneously, the Alpbach Seminars (17 to 23 August) start on 17 August 2025. Hundreds of international scholarship holders come together for five days to engage in in-depth discussions and gain new food for thought.
From 21 August 2025, experts from various fields tackle predetermined issues and develop concrete solutions together during the Lab Days (21 to 23 August).
The Europe in the World Days bring together numerous European decision-makers from politics, business, science and culture for the season kick-off in Alpbach.
The Austria in Europe Days conclude the EFA event (26 to 29 August), highlighting Austria’s perspective on European issues. Leading representatives from civil society, business and politics enter into dialogue with each other and with the next generation.
The first draft of the programme will be published in spring 2025.