Founded in 1945, the European Forum Alpbach is an interdisciplinary platform that brings together innovative individuals from politics, business, civil society, culture, academia, and the younger generation. They are committed to our mission of shaping a stronger Europe for the benefit of all. We stand for a forward-looking, democratic society and, through our events, provide impulses for the further development of the European integration project. The EFA Foundation is committed to contributing to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and aims to raise awareness among its audience. Furthermore, it maintains partnerships with organizations dedicated to sustainability.
The EFA Foundation organizes events at various locations, particularly in Vienna and Alpbach, Tyrol, as well as online events.
We provide our services exclusively on the basis of these General Terms and Conditions (GTC). These apply to all legal relationships between the EFA Foundation and participants, even if not expressly referred to, and apply equally to paid and free events. Participants’ terms and conditions are not recognized, even if known, unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing in individual cases.
Should individual provisions of these GTC be invalid, the validity of the remaining provisions and agreements based on them shall remain unaffected. An invalid provision shall be replaced by a valid provision that most closely reflects the purpose of the invalid one.
The version valid at the time of contract conclusion shall apply.
The following provisions apply to the main event “European Forum Alpbach” in Alpbach, Tyrol, to online events, and to other events organized by the EFA Foundation.
In addition, the provisions for the respective event format (online or on-site) must be observed. These can be found in the section “European Forum Alpbach on-site” (Clause 16).
All registrations for EFA Foundation events are handled via an online registration platform. After successful registration and completion of the payment process, participants receive access to the event app and matchmaking platform. The event app platform is operated by plazz AG (www.polario.app). The EFA Foundation points out that personal data is collected, processed, and used on the operator’s website. Only the operator’s terms and privacy policy apply:
Alternative forms of registration (written, in person, or by phone) are not possible. Registration requires the participant’s name and contact details (postal address, phone number, e-mail), unless stated otherwise.
Registration is made in the name of a specific person and is generally non-transferable. In certain cases, a right of representation may exist if explicitly permitted by the EFA Foundation (e.g., for partners or sponsors).
Registration is binding. Once processed, participants receive an electronic confirmation. Registrations are considered in the order received.
The EFA Foundation reserves the right to define specific admission criteria for certain events. There is no legal entitlement to participation.
If participation is subject to specific requirements, these will be communicated separately.
Participation rights are non-transferable.
Participation is only possible after prior registration and—if applicable—payment of the participation fee.
Fees for on-site and online events do not include costs for catering, accommodation, or other services unless explicitly stated otherwise.
The EFA Foundation uses Stripe to process payments and enable electronic payment methods (e.g., credit card payments). Participants are redirected to Stripe’s website.
The Foundation notes that personal data is collected and processed there. Only Stripe’s terms and privacy policy apply.
Stripe, Inc. is headquartered in San Francisco, USA, with its European branch in Dublin, Ireland. Data may be processed within the EU; transfer to the USA cannot be excluded. Stripe undertakes appropriate safeguards under GDPR.
The EFA Foundation has no influence over Stripe’s data processing.
Stripe’s privacy policy: Stripe Privacy Policy
Payment for paid events is made during online registration. Payment methods include credit card, SEPA direct debit, or voucher code. Participation fees are subject to a VAT rate of 10%.
There is no statutory right of withdrawal for online event tickets (§ 18 para. 1 no. 10 FAGG). The EFA Foundation does not offer invoice corrections or ticket transfers.
For the main event “European Forum Alpbach” and other on-site events, participants may withdraw within 14 days without giving reasons.
The withdrawal period is 14 days from contract conclusion.
To exercise this right, notify:
European Forum Alpbach Foundation
Mariahilfer Straße 47/1/2, 1060 Vienna, Austria
Phone: +43 (1) 718 17 11
Email: forum@alpbach.org
You may also use an electronic withdrawal form. Timely dispatch is sufficient to meet the deadline.
n the event of withdrawal, we will reimburse all payments received from you without undue delay and at the latest within 14 days from the day on which we receive your notice of withdrawal. For this reimbursement, we will use the same means of payment that you used for the original transaction, unless expressly agreed otherwise. You will not be charged any fees for this reimbursement.
If you have requested that the services begin before the expiry of the withdrawal period, you must pay an appropriate amount. This amount corresponds to the proportion of the services already provided up to the time of withdrawal in relation to the total scope of the services provided for in the contract.
Short-term programme changes do not entitle participants to refunds.
In case of major changes (e.g., cancellation of event days), partial refunds may be granted.
Participants are responsible for checking updates.
The EFA Foundation may replace speakers or modify the program if necessary.
The Code of Conduct is part of these GTC and applies to all activities, including online behavior rules (netiquette).
Event materials (brochures, websites, newsletters, documents) are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced or used commercially without consent.
Photo, video, or audio recordings for commercial use are strictly prohibited without prior permission.
By participating, participants agree that events may be recorded or photographed.
They grant the EFA Foundation and licensed third parties the right to use their image, name, voice, and statements worldwide across all media, without additional consent or compensation.
This includes rights to edit, use, and grant usage to third parties.
Personal data is processed in accordance with Austrian law (DSG) and GDPR. Further details: Privacy Policy
The EFA Foundation is not liable for loss or damage to personal items. Claims for damages (unless related to core contractual obligations) are excluded unless caused intentionally or by gross negligence.
Indirect damages, including loss of profit, are excluded.
No liability is assumed for the accuracy or completeness of event materials or speakers’ statements.
For the event “European Forum Alpbach” in Alpbach, Tyrol, as well as for other on-site events of the EFA Foundation, the following provisions shall apply in addition to the above general terms.
Advance registration is required. Participation is limited to invited or confirmed individuals.
Participants receive badges or access credentials.
Ticket cancellations apply only to on-site events. Requests must be sent to: accounting@alpbach.org
Refunds (minus fees) are issued within 30 days.
Early-bird tickets can only be cancelled free of charge until October 15, 2025.
The following applies to all other tickets:
Cancellation before June 30, 2026: A processing fee of EUR 70.00 will be charged.
Cancellation from July 1 to July 31, 2026: A cancellation fee of 50% of the participation fee will be charged.
Cancellation from August 1, 2026: 100% of the participation fee will be charged.
The EFA Foundation reserves the right, in the event of disease outbreaks or the imposition of official epidemic or pandemic measures that make the organization of events difficult or impossible, to terminate participation agreements with immediate effect and refund any payments already made. Costs owed to third parties (such as travel and accommodation expenses) will not be reimbursed in this case. The EFA Foundation will promptly inform participants of such termination using the provided contact details.
Participants are requested to observe the visa and other travel regulations applicable for entry into Austria. Visas can only be issued by Austrian authorities or accredited foreign representations. The EFA Foundation has no influence over the visa process. The EFA Foundation does not provide travel insurance. Travel to and from the event is not included in the participation fee.
It is the sole responsibility of participants to arrange suitable accommodation in good time for on-site events. Participants have the option to book accommodation for attending the “European Forum Alpbach” in Alpbach via Alpbach Tourismus GmbH (ATG). The General Terms and Conditions of Alpbach Tourismus GmbH apply.
For all disputes arising from the contractual relationship, the courts with subject-matter jurisdiction for Vienna Inner City shall have exclusive jurisdiction. However, the EFA Foundation is also entitled to bring an action at the participant’s place of residence or registered office. Austrian law shall apply, excluding the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) and the conflict-of-law rules of private international law. The place of performance is Vienna.
Version: 1 April 2026