European Forum Alpbach

SchiDD | CC BY-SA 4.0

WHAT IS THE EUROPEAN FORUM ALPBACH? - A Stronger Europe for the Good of Everyone

The European Forum Alpbach (EFA) is an Austrian nonprofit based in Vienna that hosts an annual event which brings together voices from politics, science, business and culture, including both young thinkers and experienced decision-makers - a think tank for Europe’s future.

Jump straight to our resources on the ➡️ European Forum Alpbach

Founded in 1945, the Forum has developed into a platform that builds bridges between generations and disciplines across Europe. Participants have the opportunity to engage with some of our most pressing challenges in workshops and lectures. Anyone interested in the future of Europe will find a space for exchange and reflection here.

Wisekalpbach | CC BY-SA 4.0

What are the Goals of the EFA?

The initiators' dream is to continue “the fight against Nazism and Communism, and the dream of democracy, freedom, peace and prosperity, as well as the nurturing of science and education.”

Much has changed since the first meeting: there is now a Common European Market, a European Economic and Monetary Union, and the European Union has expanded to 27 countries.

In the 8 decades since the forum's establishment, the EU has lost a member (Brexit), its economic strength is weakening, there has been an increasing drive for militarisation, and global political tensions are high.

Priorities include:

• Driving ideas for a strong and democratic Europe.
• Strengthening Europe's role in the world as a responsible force for good.
• Fostering shared prosperity and peace.
• Promoting Europe’s equal footing with other geopolitical actors in science and business.
• Aligning Europe’s legal frameworks, rules, regulations, and political institutions to preserve the promise of open borders, cooperation, and a good life for everyone.

The forum is not just a conference, but a chance to provoke thought. It invites participants to help shape the world of tomorrow. It is a meeting place for all those who want more than just talk and who are ready to take the future into their own hands.

Franziska Kafka | CC BY-SA 3.0

The EFA in 2026 - How Europe Wins

In 2026, 530 scholarship recipients from more than 40 countries will attend. The forum will attract a diverse mix of people, from high-ranking government officials and up-and-coming talent to influential figures.

Events will be overseen by EFA President Othmar Karas, and over 4,000 participants from around 100 nations are expected. Alexander Van der Bellen (Austrian Federal President), Joseph E. Stiglitz (Nobel laureate in economics), and Magnus Brunner (EU Commissioner) have all confirmed their attendance.

The event takes place in the breathtaking Tyrolean Alps every August/September and is an excellent opportunity to share your project, brainstorm, and make important new connections.

The European Forum Alpbach is now a renowned, interdisciplinary platform for science, politics, economics, and culture. The 2026 theme is “How Europe Wins”.

It will explore the following questions:

• Is Europe currently on the road to victory?
• Can Europe still win on the decisive issues? If so, alone or with which partners?
• Does someone have to lose for Europe to win?
• What is Europe missing to be a born winner – and what do we already have?

The two-week program is divided into three core blocks:

• Academy Days (August 24–30): Focused on academic training and the exchange of scholarship holders.
• EUREGIO Days (August 28–30): Cross-border dialogue focusing on the Euroregion
• Conference Days (August 30 – September 4): The main conference with global keynotes, panel discussions, and networking.

Flickr | Bundesministerium für europäische

What are the Four EFA Tracks?

All seminars and discussions will focus on four pressing European topics for the future. What makes Alpbach special is that these tracks are not considered in isolation. Major issues such as the future of healthcare systems or the regulation of artificial intelligence are specifically discussed from the perspective of all four tracks.

• Climate - Here, the focus is on the green transformation. Discussions centre on how Europe can achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and maintain a functioning and resilient economy.
• Finance & Economy - This track focuses on European competitiveness. It addresses economic challenges caused by geopolitical shifts (between the U.S. and China), technological advances, and climate change. Europe's prosperity is currently jeopardised by slow growth, rising unemployment, stagnating productivity and demographic pressures.
• Security - The rise of military conflicts, the U.S. administration under Trump, the emergence of new blocs, and the war in Ukraine have resulted in the disintegration of global governance. Unification of Europe has never been more essential as it seeks to enhance its geopolitical influence, boost security and defence (through a European defence union), and reduce outside dependencies.
• Democracy & the Rule of Law - In the face of disinformation, the rise of populism and authoritarianism, mistrust in governments, and digital polarisation, democracy across the globe is on the decline. This track seeks ways to make democratic institutions crisis-proof, strengthen citizens’ trust, and create global alliances of democratic states.

How Can I Attend?

Those interested can purchase tickets directly through the official European Forum Alpbach website. The Forum also awards a comprehensive scholarship program annually for students and young professionals through the global Forum Alpbach Network.

It is recommended to purchase your tickets early to save 50% on face value. Organising transport and accommodation can be done as early as April, as prices will increase closer to the date and hotels are set to be fully booked.

Author: Dr. Norbert Stute and Rachael Mellor, 25.01.26, latest update, 13.07.26, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

For further reading on the European Forum Alpbach, see below ⬇️