Shaping Europe Together: EFA and Tirol

In Alpbach, a community roundtable brought together Othmar Karas with citizens, municipal representatives, and other members and stakeholders of the Alpbach community. In this informal yet substantive setting, participants gained insights into the EFA26 programme and engaged in an open discussion. The exchange reflected a defining characteristic of the Forum: while European in scope, it remains deeply rooted in the local community that has hosted it for more than eight decades. In recognition of this unique relationship, all residents of the Alpbachtal will, for the first time, receive free access to the Forum in 2026. The gathering reaffirmed the idea that meaningful European dialogue often begins at the local level – in conversation, proximity, and mutual appreciation. 

The events in Alpbach and Innsbruck highlighted the close relationship between the European Forum Alpbach and Tirol and reinforced the Forum’s long-standing conviction that Europe’s future depends not only on decisions taken in capitals and institutions, but also on the strength, innovation, and cooperation of its regions.