Euregio in Alpbach: Dialogue, Innovation, Culture
1,700 participants from Tyrol, South Tyrol, and Trentino joined the Euregio Days at the EFA25 to discuss regional development, competitiveness, and Europe’s future.
Euregio in Alpbach: Dialogue, Innovation, Art and Culture United
This year’s Forum is dedicated to its 80th anniversary. Under the theme “Recharge Europe”, the spotlight is not only on Europe’s future but also on the region that has shaped the Forum for decades. The partnership with Euregio Tyrol–South Tyrol–Trentino has been further deepened: for the first time the Euregio Days extended across four days (16-19 August), showcasing the diversity and innovative spirit of the region.
"With the Euregio Days we highlight regional perspectives and connect them with Europe’s big questions. In Alpbach, local roots meet European responsibility – and that is where the Forum’s unique strength lies,” said EFA President Othmar Karas.
Opening Highlights
The celebrations began with this year’s Tyrol Day, followed by a special programme at the Congress Centre. President Othmar Karas, together with Governors Anton Mattle (Tyrol), Arno Kompatscher (South Tyrol) and Maurizio Fugatti (Trentino), welcomed former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and other distinguished guests to officially launch the Euregio Days and EFA25.
Young Talent in Focus
The finale of the Euregio Awards placed young researchers and innovators centre stage. The winner of the 14th Euregio Young Researcher Award was Eva Casotti from the University of Innsbruck for her work in quantum physics. Second place went to Elena Fogazzi from the University of Trento, while Julia Hofmann from the Medical University of Innsbruck took third.
In addition, companies RevIVe MedTech, B2Labtech and Wiegon GmbH impressed the audience with their innovative projects – all fine examples of research and entrepreneurship that strengthen the region in the long term.
Culture at the Heart of the Forum
A wide-ranging cultural programme has always been a hallmark of the European Forum Alpbach. This year it opened with an extraordinary performance blending punk, dialect and quantum physics. A writer and a linguist – both from Alpbach – explored the essence of their village, weaving together the stories of locals and newcomers.
This was followed by a special concert: Ernst Molden and Aliosha Biz performed together for the first time in the church of Molden’s parents’ adopted home. In this unique setting, music and storytelling merged into an experience that brought local heritage and cultural innovation vividly to life.
80 Years of the European Forum Alpbach
The Forum’s 80th anniversary also offered a moment to look back. Former speakers, long-time participants and contemporary witnesses shared personal memories spanning eight decades, showing how the Forum’s history is deeply intertwined with individual experiences and a shared vision.
Over four days, it became clear that the Euregio is far more than geographical proximity between Tyrol, South Tyrol and Trentino. It is a union of science, entrepreneurship, culture and memory – sending a strong signal for a Europe of solidarity and forward-looking policy.
More about EFA25
Discover more about the European Forum Alpbach.