EFA25: Opening of the Austria in Europe Days 2025
Federal President Van der Bellen and three quarters of the Austrian government in attendance
The Austria in Europe Days are starting today at the European Forum Alpbach with a strong line-up of political leaders. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs jointly open the fifth and final module of EFA25. Marking 30 years of Austria’s EU membership, the program focuses on the country’s role within the European Union and in shaping its future. With almost three quarters of the Austrian government present in Alpbach, the Forum once again underlines its importance for national politics and Europe’s wider debate on the future.
„We want a Europe that thinks deeply, decides wisely, and acts together. We must show the next generation that a united Europe is not just a chapter in a history book - it is work in progress that needs their hands and hearts,” emphasised Othmar Karas, President of the European Forum Alpbach, at the opening of the Austria in Europe Days.
Joining the discussion alongside the two presidents are Austria’s Minister for Europe Claudia Plakolm, BusinessEurope Director General Markus Beyrer, and former Austrian Chancellor and current EFA Vice President Christian Kern. The session is moderated by Sarah Wheaton, Chief Policy Correspondent at POLITICO and host of the EU Confidential podcast.
The Austria in Europe Days build directly on the Europe in the World Days, which successfully took part from 23 to 26 August and examined Europe’s place in a rapidly changing global order.
EFA25 continues until 29 August, featuring around 500 sessions addressing Europe’s key future challenges. More than 4,000 participants are expected to attend. Media accreditation remains open.