FAN INITIATIVES

About

The Forum Alpbach Network connects 34 alumni clubs in over 20 countries, bringing together former participants of the European Forum Alpbach across borders and generations. Through cross-club initiatives, these clubs collaborate on concrete European topics, make them visible in public debate, and organise events throughout the year. Driven by intergenerational exchange and the EFA365 spirit, the network turns ideas into action and contributes to shaping a strong, democratic Europe.

FAN Event Social Media

Democracy Initiative

The FAN Democracy Initiative brings together former EFA-scholarship holders to apply their expertise from diverse sectors to the positive development of democracies. At the European Forum Alpbach and throughout the year, we create spaces for exchange, new perspectives, and practical solutions. At the same time, we pursue the goal of building partnerships and alliances, leveraging synergies, and amplifying collective impact.

What We Do

We organize panel discussions and international webinars as well as classic Alpbach formats such as Fireside Chats and Food for Thought. Dialogue around key challenges and effective levers connects international speakers, partners, and stakeholders from politics, civil society, business, and academia.

Example of our work: In cooperation with the Liaison Office of the European Parliament and as part of EFA365 and the European Capital of Democracy, we organized the panel discussion “Social Media – A Business Model That Endangers Democracy?” in November 2025 at the House of the European Union in Vienna.
 

Background

Across Europe and internationally, democracies face challenges such as polarization, loss of trust, geopolitical tensions, and digital transformation. For our initiative, points of democratic engagement are broadly defined, ranging from quality education and human-centered technology to climate action and social participation.

In this complex and fast-moving world, we focus on the most pressing challenges and the levers that can make a meaningful difference. By pooling expertise and resources, we aim to use these levers as effectively as possible and promote practical, high-impact solutions. Wherever possible, this conceptual approach runs through our events, projects, and partnerships.

Contact

If you share our vision and would like to contribute your expertise, visibility, or resources, we look forward to exchanging ideas. Collaboration is possible at the Forum and throughout the year at various locations in Europe and internationally.

Mail
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Maria Schödl (+43 664 823 1998)
Club Alpbach Salzburg
FAN Democracy Initiative: Initiator & Representative

Alisa Schaible (+49 151 1965 1911)
Club Alpbach Germany
FAN Democracy Initiative: Online Webinar Series & Representative

Young participants at a panel discussion organised by the Health Initiative.

Health Initiative

The FAN Health Initiative is a cross-club initiative – a group of driven young professionals in the healthcare sector. Our mission is to ensure that health becomes a core pillar of European political decision-making.

What We Do

Over the past year, we have actively engaged with key policymakers and stakeholders in the healthcare sector to strengthen the role of health in Europe’s future. At the European Forum Alpbach, we successfully contributed to several health-focused events, including a panel discussion on “The Non-Negotiables in Health – What to Do for a Future-Ready System.” Throughout the year, we also hosted fireside chats, fostering open and interdisciplinary dialogue.

More about Health at the EFA25. 

Background

Health systems are under growing pressure, from demographic change to workforce shortages and innovation gaps. We believe that resilient, future-ready health systems are crucial for a strong Europe. By connecting policy, practice, and young leadership, we turn dialogue into action.

Contact

If you share our vision and want to contribute expertise, visibility, or resources, contact us:

Mail

Christina Klopf
Club Alpbach Niederösterreich
FAN Health Initiative Representative

Paul Thöne
Club Alpbach Tirol
FAN Health Initiative Representative