EFA25: International Forum with Deep Regional Roots
From 16 to 29 August 2025, the European Forum Alpbach (EFA) will take place under the theme “Recharge Europe.”
As EFA celebrates its 80th anniversary, the focus turns not only to Europe’s future, but also to the region that has shaped the Forum for decades. In close collaboration with the Euregio Tyrol–South Tyrol–Trentino, this year’s Euregio Days (16–19 August) will expand to four days.
“The Euregio is a genuine partner. We are giving greater visibility to regional perspectives and linking them to Europe’s most important debates. Local identity meets European responsibility. This is what makes the European Forum Alpbach unique,” says EFA President Othmar Karas.
Alpbach as an Active Part of the European Dialogue
The extended Euregio Days will focus on innovation as a concrete response to present-day challenges. Simon Lochmann, Head of Department in the Tyrolean government and lead for the Euregio Days, explains that the programme will address regional competitiveness, talent retention, cross-border cooperation and the resilience of local communities. With a backdrop of economic uncertainty, demographic change and digital transformation, topics such as energy security, education and municipal innovation are gaining relevance. Tirol Day will once again open EFA25 in a festive spirit and is joined by the Euregio Awards and the biennial Euregio Academy as established parts of the Forum.
Themes of innovation and competitiveness will run throughout the entire EFA programme. “We see ourselves as a community built on shared values. Regional innovation stems from collaboration between science, business, politics and society,” says Lochmann.
Euregio Days are free to attend for everyone. In addition, residents of the Alpbachtal region receive a 95 percent discount on all other programme modules and day tickets, helping to make future-focused dialogue both accessible and inclusive.
A Strong Partnership with the Alpbachtal Region
The village of Alpbach has hosted the Forum since 1945 and continues to help shape its content and spirit. EFA places a strong focus on collaboration with local residents, businesses, producers and regional stakeholders. Barbara Runggaldier, EFA Experience Manager, explains that Alpbach and the surrounding area are both host and participant.
In 2025, many elements of the Forum will again be supported by regional businesses, from technical equipment and materials to culinary offerings. A wide range of cultural events will also be open to the public, including concerts, theatre performances and reflective sessions such as “Morgenstille” in partnership with the local parish.
Thomas Kahn, Managing Director of the Congress Centrum Alpbach, highlights the village’s role as a sustainability leader. Twenty of its accommodation providers are eco-certified, a concentration otherwise only seen in Vienna. The Forum has been held as a Green Meeting since 2010 and Alpbach was a national pioneer in this respect.
The Forum is also a significant contributor to regional value creation and employment. The Congress Centrum has grown together with EFA over the decades and is now a key player in the local economy. The European Forum Alpbach and the village known as the "village of thinkers" are deeply connected.
A Diverse Programme Across Five Modules
The EFA25 programme is structured into five thematic modules. The Euregio Days from 16 to 19 August explore the role of cross-border regions and opportunities for interregional cooperation. The Seminar Days from 17 to 22 August focus on educational and dialogue-based formats. The Lab Days from 21 to 23 August are dedicated to hands-on, experimental approaches. The Europe in the World Days from 23 to 26 August examine Europe’s global role. The Austria in Europe Days from 26 to 29 August focus on Austria’s position within the European Union.
Euregio Days are open to everyone free of charge. Residents of the Alpbachtal region benefit from a 95 percent discount on all other tickets and modules. Full programme details and ongoing updates are available at www.alpbach.org.
Photos of the Press Conference (Credit: Gabriele Griessenböck)
