EFA24

The European Forum Alpbach 2024, held from 17 to 30 August under the theme "Moment of Truth," focused on the critical elections and decisions shaping the future course of Europe.

EFA24 Module

EUREGIO

Euregio Days

The Forum for people who want to find regional solutions to global problems.

The people of the Tyrol/South Tyrol/Trentino Euroregion gather in Alpbach. Outstanding research and innovation will be awarded and “Tyrol Day” marks a festive highlight.

Info KLEI Nbreit

Participation in the Euregio Days is free of charge, although you will need an admission ticket.

Seminars KLEIN

Alpbach Seminars

The Forum for outstanding young talents to learn, debate and engage.

Each year, EFA awards about 600 scholarships to young people. The Alpbach Seminars offer five days of inspirational and thought-provoking sessions.

Labs KLEIN

Lab Days

The Forum for innovative minds to deep dive, envision and co-create on a specific topic.

Selected experts (by invitation only) work on predetermined issues and find answers to specific questions.

Eitw KLEIN

Europe in the World Days

The Forum for Europeans who drive ideas for a strong and democratic Europe.

Key actors of European politics, the economy, science, and culture meet in Alpbach for the season kick-off. A variety of innovative formats shapes these four days, including hikes, chats, stages, workshops, and rituals.

Aie KLEIN

Austria in Europe Days

The Forum for those who shape Europe from an Austrian perspective.

To define Austria’s role in Europe and vice versa, the Austria in Europe Days mark the season opening of Austrian politics. Key actors of civil society, business, and parliament productively engage with each other and the next generation.

EFA24 Speakers Selection

speaker-image

Pascal Lamy

Chairman

Climate Overshoot Commission

speaker-image

Joschka Fischer

Former Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs

Federal Republic of Germany

speaker-image

Sylvie Goulard

Professor of Practice in Global Affairs and Geopolitics

SDA Bocconi School of Management

speaker-image

Carl Bildt

Co-Chair

European Council on Foreign Relations

speaker-image

Beate Meinl-Reisinger

Party & Club Leader

NEOS - The New Austria and Liberal Forum

speaker-image

Yemi Osinbajo

Former Vice President of Nigeria

Climate Action Platform for Africa

speaker-image

James O'Brien

Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs

U.S. State Department

speaker-image

Maria Demertzis

Professor of Economic Policy, Senior Fellow

European University Institute, Bruegel

speaker-image

Werner Kogler

Federal Spokesperson & Vice Chancellor

Green Party

speaker-image

Joseph E. Stiglitz

Economist, Public Policy Analyst and Professor

Columbia University

speaker-image

Karoline Edtstadler

Federal Minister for the EU and Constitution

Austrian People's Party

speaker-image

Luisa Neubauer

Climate Activist & Author

Fridays for Future

speaker-image

Michael Kofman

Senior Fellow

Carnegie Endowment

speaker-image

Norbert Totschnig

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management

Republic of Austria

speaker-image

José Manuel Barroso

Former President of the European Commission

speaker-image

Enrico Letta

Former Prime Minister of Italy

speaker-image

Nipun Mehta

Founder

ServiceSpace

speaker-image

Anton Zeilinger

Professor Emeritus/ Senior Scientist

University of Vienna/ IQOQI Vienna, Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW)

speaker-image

Sandrine Dixson-Declève

Co-President

The Club of Rome

speaker-image

Alma Zadić

Federal Minister of Justice

Republic of Austria

speaker-image

Cédric Villani

University Professor

University Lyon I & IHES

speaker-image

Gordan Grlić Radman

Minister for Foreign and European Affairs

Republic of Croatia

speaker-image

Anja Meierkord

Labour Market Expert

OECD

speaker-image

Jakov Milatović

President

Montenegro

speaker-image

Arancha González Laya

Dean Paris School of International Affairs

Sciences Po

speaker-image

Werner Stengg

Cabinet Expert

European Commission

speaker-image

Hina Rabbani Khar

Former Foreign Minister

Islamic Republic of Pakistan

speaker-image

Helle Thorning-Schmidt

Former Prime Minister

Kingdom of Denmark

speaker-image

Miroslav Lajcak

EUSR for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues

European External Action Service

speaker-image

Rainer Blatt

Professor of Physics

University of Innsbruck

Theme and Tracks

The annual theme “Moment of Truth” reflects the crucial decisions that have to be made in 2024. With over 70 elections worldwide, this year is a decisive one.

In 2024, we face the moment of truth: Countries with more than half of the world's population will vote in the biggest election year in history. This has the potential to shake up international relations. Citizens of the European Union cast their votes in June and a new European Commission is expected to form in autumn. Therefore, the European Forum Alpbach has a unique opportunity to shape discussions on the EU's political priorities for the next five years.

The elections reveal growing political and social polarisation in Europe, with truth being contested by different groups within our societies. Attempts of disinformation and foreign interference will accompany many elections, undermining trust in our democratic institutions. Tensions are exacerbated by ongoing wars, cost of living crises and climate disasters. This polycrisis will put Europe's democracy and cohesion to the test. 2024 is the moment of truth, with the future of the continent at stake. If Europe does not stand united and act decisively, the threat of disintegration looms large.

Ic The Climate Opportunity

Climate

Living Within Planetary Boundaries: The ecosystem sets the ecological budget for all human activities. In order to preserve and regenerate our planet’s biospheres, we need to shift our economy from continuous growth expectations towards finding the balance between humans, technology and nature. 

Championing Climate Action Without Borders: It is essential to consider the universality of climate policies. Climate action at unprecedented scope will only happen if people across society are invited to step up, and the burden of the crisis is shared fairly. Social and global cohesion and a solution-driven and just transition are the basis for reaching global climate targets. 

Fin

Finance and Economy

Financing Innovation and the Green Transition: Our transition to net-zero carbon emissions, the promotion of innovative companies that generate employment,and demographic change cannot be financed by banks alone. The mobilisation of different sources of financing and the development of a strong and fully integrated European capital market are crucial to ensure Europe's prosperity.

Tackling Economic and Social Inequalities: To counteract the negative effects of globalisation and technological change, businesses must collaborate with policymakers and civil society. Lifelong learning and upskilling, inclusive social and labour market policies and responsible business practices lead to a more equitable future for all.  

Sec

Security

Strengthening European Sovereignty and Security: The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine highlighted Europe’s dependence on the United States for security and defence and on Russia for energy. The EU needs to reduce those dependencies, increase its competitiveness, and assume responsibility for its security. A geopolitical EU must also be able to handle conflicts and provide for security in its neighbourhood. 

International Relations in a Multipolar World: International Relations are increasingly characterised by the rise of new powers, growing global competition and the erosion of multilateralism. At the same time, the pandemic, the climate crisis and the Russian war have shown how interconnected the world is. Europe should shape international relations in accordance with its interests and values and contribute to reinvigorating multilateralism. 

Ic The Future of Democracy and the Rule of Law in Europe

Democracy and the Rule of Law

Countering Polarisation and Strengthening Social Cohesion: Societal fragmentation is fueled by the construct of antagonistic “enemy” groups. This growing phenomenon is heightened by economic grievances, the changing social and media space, and attempts to capitalise on divisions. Understanding the causes of these dynamics helps counteract them.

Building Democratic Resilience: In 2024, the demand for representation, voter choice and accountability is big. No democracy is immune to the challenges presented by anti-democratic forces. We need to protect our institutions, the rule of law and the rights and freedoms that underpin our democracy, and deepen civic engagement.

Programme 2024

Saturday, 17. August

Starting times

Sunday, 18. August

Starting times

Monday, 19. August

Starting times

Tuesday, 20. August

Starting times

Wednesday, 21. August

Starting times

Thursday, 22. August

Starting times

Friday, 23. August

Starting times
Morning
Morning Seminars
English 210
The Alpbach Seminars aim to provide scientific knowledge, arts and personal skill development tools to young scholarship holders from all over the world. In the morning seminars, the focus will be on scientific insights and cutting-edge knowledge presented in an interactive, tangible, and entrepreneurial manner, encouraging critical reflection. These seminars will be structured around the four thematic tracks of the European Forum Alpbach offering hands-on experiences through simulations, best practices, and case studies. The scientific seminars are hosted by Seminar Chairs who excel in diverse scientific disciplines. 
09:00 - 12:30 Morning Seminars
Seminar
Labs: Multi-Day Working Sessions
English 210
Labs are 1.5-day facilitated working session with a closed and well-selected group of 30 participants that has a joint purpose with the goal that this group, first, becomes a community of action, and second, finds answers to a larger, cross-cutting problem. The EFA24 Labs | European Forum Alpbach
09:00 - 12:30 Labs: Multi-Day Working Sessions
Anything Goes? Truth and Progress in Science and Society
English 210
Discuss provocative ideas and challenge conventional views on truth and scientific change in a free society. Are the ideas of truth and reason able to navigate us through the sea of alternatives and contradicting information? Is there one truth or many? Is there a crisis of knowledge? How real is reality? Can relativism explain different cultures and societies? What determines the quest for knowledge in science: “Trial and Error” or “Anything Goes”?
Volksschule , Volksschule Erdgeschoß 3
speaker-image speaker-image
09:00 - 12:30 Anything Goes? Truth and Progress in Science and Society
speaker-image
+1
Seminar

Saturday, 24. August

Starting times
Noon
EFA Connects: Lunch Tables
120
If you don’t feel like having lunch by yourself or if you are interested in meeting fellow EFA participants, why not join one of the EFA Connects lunch tables! Strike up a conversation and make new contacts. The tables are not hosted, so you are on your own. How about a question about the best Kaiserschmarren in Alpbach or recommendations for the afternoon programme? EFA Connects lunch tables are located in the Erste Lounge in the CCA café and in the restaurants Jakober and Berghof, and are marked by little EFA flags.  
Ort Alpbach
12:00 - 14:00 EFA Connects: Lunch Tables
WoW* Connects: A Networking Hour for Women*
120
As part of the EFA World of Women* initiative, EFA is taking extra efforts to encourage female* contributors, both in programming and participation. Every day, from the Europe in the World Days to the Austria in Europe Days, two dedicated hours will be hosted by women* engaged in EFA’s broader network, which offers the opportunity to connect, reflect, and take action. // INFO: To ensure a focused and engaging experience, we won't be providing any catering. Participants are, however, free to order lunch and beverages at their own cost. //    
Gasthaus Jakober , Gasthaus Jakober - Speisesaal
speaker-image
12:00 - 14:00 WoW* Connects: A Networking Hour for Women*
speaker-image
International Bazar
180
No place captures the idea of a global village quite like Alpbach during EFA. With the International Bazar we will further distil this rich tapestry of cultures into a thick spirit, for all to come and sample. Join us as the countries represented at Alpbach show off the very best of their homelands at individual booths. Whether through food, music, or art, we invite you to a journey around the globe without the need to catch a plane.INFO: Please feel warmly invited to attend the International Bazar in your traditional clothing. The EFA Code of Conduct needs to be respected. 
Ort Alpbach , Sportanlage Alpbach - Fußballplatz
13:00 - 16:00 International Bazar
Evening
FANC Seminar Closing Party
270
The Seminar Days are over! We celebrate the closing of the first week at the European Forum Alpbach with a traditional Festhütten Party in Inneralpbach. Join us for an unforgettable night. //INFO: Please bring enough cash to pay for your food and drinks. No card payment.The EFA Code of Conduct must be respected.
Festhütte , Festhütte
22:00 - 02:30 FANC Seminar Closing Party
Be(e) Together – An Invitation from ERSTE Foundation
120
To round off the opening of the Europe in the World Days, ERSTE Foundation invites you to an evening of music, culinary and installation interventions in the heart of Alpbach. Opening a space for people to communicate, and to celebrate togetherness.We start the evening at the big table - the place where what belongs together comes together: a 15-metre-long table in the heart of Alpbach. Bread, butter, pickled vegetables from chefs and other heroes. And honey from all over Europe.    
Ort Alpbach , Dorfplatz
18:30 - 20:30 Be(e) Together – An Invitation from ERSTE Foundation
Be(e) Together in Concert – Alicia Edelweiß
60
In the Alpbach parish church, we dive deep into the world of sound and ambience. After an introductory concert played by Benny Omerzell on the church’s own organ, we give the stage to Alicia Edelweiß. The Viennese singer and songwriter gracefully crosses the genre borders between pop and folk and creates a poetical atmosphere. An evening to share what is important and to celebrate together! 
Ort Alpbach , Kirche
20:30 - 21:30 Be(e) Together in Concert – Alicia Edelweiß

Sunday, 25. August

Starting times
Morning
Let's Talk to Each Other: Impulses in a Speechless World
English 180
In a world of rapid change, fragmentation and polarisation mark society and politics. Although contemporary challenges require close international cooperation, the willingness and ability to engage in dialogue are dwindling. Democracy is under pressure, alternatives are appearing and Europe has to explain itself. How can defence policy support a stable space for discussions? //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of bad weather, shuttles will bring you to the location 
Congress Centrum Alpbach , CCA Terrasse
speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image
09:00 - 12:00 Let's Talk to Each Other: Impulses in a Speechless World
speaker-image
+2
Sec
Is Economic Inequality Inevitable?
English 90
Since the 1980s, wealth and income inequality has started to rise again in many countries. While some, such as the US, have seen a significant increase in inequality, others, such as Sweden, have maintained relatively stable levels. Explore the reasons for these divergent trends: What are the roots of inequality and which policies can make a real difference? //INFO: This session will be translated by Wordly. If you would like to listen to the translation, please bring headphones suitable for your device.
Congress Centrum Alpbach , CCA Schrödinger-Saal
speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image
09:00 - 10:30 Is Economic Inequality Inevitable?
speaker-image
+5
Dem
Fin
Winds of Radical Change in European Politics?
English 180
European politics is witnessing unprecedented shifts, challenging established structures and giving rise to new movements. This two-part debate will initially investigate whether a radical change in the European political landscape has in fact occurred, dissecting election results and the driving forces behind them. We will then discuss the broader implications, whether there will be a radical change in the trajectory of Europe and Europe's role in the world. //INFO: This session will be translated by Wordly. If you would like to listen to the translation, please bring headphones suitable for your device.
Congress Centrum Alpbach , CCA Herz-Kremenak-Saal
speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image
09:00 - 12:00 Winds of Radical Change in European Politics?
speaker-image
+6
Dem
Risky Business: Europe's Economic (In-)Security
English 180
The pandemic and the war in Ukraine have shown Europe’s dependencies in critical areas. Since then, there has been a lot of talk about “de-risking”: mitigating risks and limiting strategic dependencies. However, it’s still not clear what this would mean for Europe. How much de-risking is necessary to safeguard Europe’s economic security and when does de-risking itself become a risk to the economy?  //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the upper floor of the elementary school. 
Ort Alpbach , Buswendeplatz
speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image
09:00 - 12:00 Risky Business: Europe's Economic (In-)Security
speaker-image
+4
Fin
Sec
The Geopolitics of Enlargement: A Way to Safeguard the European Space
English 90
The EU Enlargement is increasingly seen as an effective foreign policy tool to diminish the influence of external powers in the Eastern Neighbourhood and the Western Balkans. Reframing European integration as a strategy to provide security for the neighbourhoods, as well as make EU Member States safer, will certainly strengthen the EU’s standing as a geopolitical actor - for example through a sustainable peace settlement for Ukraine and sound security arrangements for Moldova.
Congress Centrum Alpbach , CCA Liechtenstein-Hayek-Saal
speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image
09:00 - 10:30 The Geopolitics of Enlargement: A Way to Safeguard the European Space
speaker-image
+4
Sec
No Nature, No Business
English 180
All human economic activities rely on natural resources and ecosystems. Yet, the state of nature and biodiversity is critical all around the globe. Hear different concepts and strategies about how businesses can integrate nature and biodiversity goals into corporate strategies. It is explored how to achieve long-term prosperity and economic resilience, by becoming not only climate-neutral but climate-positive. //INFO: Bring hiking shoes and sufficient water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the upper floor of the elementary school.
Congress Centrum Alpbach , CCA Vorplatz
speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image
09:00 - 12:00 No Nature, No Business
speaker-image
+4
Cli
Fin
The Elephant in the Room: Goodbye, Cognitive Dissonance
180
How do you train your inner dragon? Inner conflicts are part of being human. When personal aspirations and reality diverge as we face major crises, cognitive dissonance comes into play: we know it is time to act, but our inner dragon keeps us lingering in inaction. This workshop invites you to an experiment: by combining approaches from environmental psychology with movement, dance and improvisation, you will look for ways to train our inner dragon: How can we set impulses that help us overcome inner conflicts and move in a new direction both mentally and physically?
Schulhäusl , Schulhäusl
speaker-image speaker-image
09:00 - 12:00 The Elephant in the Room: Goodbye, Cognitive Dissonance
speaker-image
+1
Art
Cli
Space and Sustainability – Exploring Best Practices, Technology and Policy Solutions
90
The space economy and its applications can improve the daily lives of people worldwide through their contributions to, among other things, connectivity, environmental monitoring, satellite navigation, mobility, weather forecasting and many more. The wish and need to increase access to these applications and services and their benefits also brings the need to protect the outer space environment. In a constructive discussion, the panelists will cover use cases and best practices of space and its applications, the various regulatory frameworks and policy developments as well as the ways to preserve the use of space for future generations.
Congress Centrum Alpbach , CCA Flora-Heiss-Rogger Saal
speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image
09:00 - 10:30 Space and Sustainability – Exploring Best Practices, Technology and Policy Solutions
speaker-image
+4
Cli
Conflict Resolution in Times of Crises – From Communication to Cooperation
180
For those of us on the outside of today’s violent global and local conflicts, we have an obligation and the challenge of a generation to try something different: having conversations, even without having all the solutions – lessons from the Muslim Jewish Conference.  
Hotel Post , Hotel Post - Seminarraum
speaker-image
09:00 - 12:00 Conflict Resolution in Times of Crises – From Communication to Cooperation
speaker-image
Dem
Youth’s perspective in security: ts role in combating cyber-threats in an increasing
60
Join the Fireside Chat and discuss together with the President of the Republic of Kosovo.
Congress Centrum Alpbach , CCA Flora-Heiss-Rogger Saal
speaker-image speaker-image
10:45 - 11:45 Youth’s perspective in security: ts role in combating cyber-threats in an increasing
speaker-image
+1
Dem
Reinventing Economics: How to make it more useful?
60
The economic growth model that developed after the 1990s has been distorted by shocks such as the global financial crisis of 2008, the COVID-19 pandemic, rising climate change, and the war in Ukraine. Economics as a discipline may need to look for a renewal. Inspired by the International Monetary Fund’s “Finance & Development March 2024’” issue, this session will explore how to make economics more useful for tackling the big issues of our time. //INFO: This session will be translated by Wordly. If you would like to listen to the translation, please bring headphones suitable for your device.
Congress Centrum Alpbach , CCA Schrödinger-Saal
speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image
11:00 - 12:00 Reinventing Economics: How to make it more useful?
speaker-image
+3
Fin
Noon
EFA Connects: Lunch Tables
120
If you don’t feel like having lunch by yourself or if you are interested in meeting fellow EFA participants, why not join one of the EFA Connects lunch tables! Strike up a conversation and make new contacts. The tables are not hosted, so you are on your own. How about a question about the best Kaiserschmarren in Alpbach or recommendations for the afternoon programme? EFA Connects lunch tables are located in the Erste Lounge in the CCA café and in the restaurants Jakober and Berghof, and are marked by little EFA flags.  
Congress Centrum Alpbach
12:00 - 14:00 EFA Connects: Lunch Tables
WoW* Connects: A Networking Hour for Women*
120
As part of the EFA World of Women* initiative, EFA is taking extra efforts to encourage female* contributors, both in programming and participation. Every day, from the Europe in the World Days to the Austria in Europe Days, two dedicated hours will be hosted by women* engaged in EFA’s broader network, which offers the opportunity to connect, reflect, and take action. // INFO: To ensure a focused and engaging experience, we won't be providing any catering. Participants are, however, free to order lunch and beverages at their own cost. //   
Gasthaus Jakober , Gasthaus Jakober - Speisesaal
speaker-image
12:00 - 14:00 WoW* Connects: A Networking Hour for Women*
speaker-image
Alpbach IDEAS Infopoint
English 60
Welcome to the Alpbach IDEAS Infopoint, a dedicated space during the lunch break, where potential participants of the Alpbach IDEAS programme can gather information and engage in conversations on ideas for a more democratic and sustainable Europe. This daily event offers the opportunity to learn more about the Alpbach IDEAS programme and process, and exchange ideas with experts on specific topics.   
Volksschule , Volksschule Erdgeschoß Turnsaal
12:30 - 13:30 Alpbach IDEAS Infopoint
Brown Bag Lunch - Talk mit José Manuel Barroso & Svenja Hahn
English 60
Together with Sueddeutsche Zeitung we discuss the challenges of the current legislative period in Brussels.//Info: In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place in the CCA Flora-Heiss-Rogger Saal.
Congress Centrum Alpbach , CCA Loggia
speaker-image speaker-image speaker-image
12:30 - 13:30 Brown Bag Lunch - Talk mit José Manuel Barroso & Svenja Hahn
speaker-image
+2