Damita Pressl

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© Janic Wermuth
International Moderator & Journalist

Damita Pressl is an award-winning journalist, moderator and public speaking coach who leads high-level conferences and panel discussions across Europe. Previously, she worked as an anchor on Austrian national television and as a journalist at NZZ.

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Damita Pressl on the Schedule 2026

All times in CEST
Starting times
Afternoon
Opening: Conference Days "How Europe Wins"
90
The Opening of the Conference Days sets the stage for the Forum's central topic: How Europe Wins. It sets out what “winning” means in European terms, advocating for a world of positive sum power politics, fully aware of its limits and determined to thrive in a world it finds, rather than it wishes to be. The discussion frames a European proposition built on being powerful, peaceful and prosperous - and outlines what is at stake if Europe fails to act together. //INFO: This session is being translated and transcribed live using the Wordly app.
Congress Centrum Alpbach , CCA – Herz-Kremenak-Saal
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17:00 - 18:30 Opening: Conference Days "How Europe Wins"
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+5
ART
CLI
DEM
FIN
SEC
Content
Starting times
Morning
Hike | Efficiency vs Legitimacy: The Trade-Offs of “Cutting Red Tape”
English 180
Facing growing pressure for faster decisions, many governments turn to “cutting red tape”. Simplifying rules and processes can accelerate procedures, lower burdens, and encourage innovation, but may also weaken oversight, accountability and protection. Scrutinise how institutions and leaders balance these trade-offs between efficiency and legitimacy.//INFO: Wear sturdy shoes and bring drinking water.//INFO: In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place at the elementary school.
Congress Centrum Alpbach , Hike Start 2 | Bus Turning Area
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09:00 - 12:00 Hike | Efficiency vs Legitimacy: The Trade-Offs of “Cutting Red Tape”
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+3
DEM
Content
Starting times
Afternoon
Responsible Leadership in Crisis: Executive Talk with Beatrix Praeceptor
English 60
As geopolitical tensions unsettle societies, the promise of simple answers is gaining ground. Europe’s strength depends on another kind of leadership: clear without being authoritarian, decisive without losing humanity, and aware that decisions inside organisations are felt far beyond them, shaping trust, confidence and social resilience. 
Hotel zur Post , Hotel Post – Seminar Room
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15:30 - 16:30 Responsible Leadership in Crisis: Executive Talk with Beatrix Praeceptor
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+2
DEM
Network
Starting times
Morning
Hike | Data Ownership and Recapturing the Digital Commons
English 180
As data becomes a key economic and political resource, questions of ownership and control are increasingly urgent. Investigate how societies can reclaim the digital commons, data rights, and create governance models that balance innovation, public interest, safe spaces and democratic accountability.//INFO: Wear sturdy shoes and bring drinking water.//INFO: In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place at CCA-Flora-Hall.
Congress Centrum Alpbach , Hike Start 1 | CCA Square
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09:00 - 12:00 Hike | Data Ownership and Recapturing the Digital Commons
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+3
DEM
Content
Afternoon
When Children Take on the Role of Carers: The Unseen Role of Young Caregivers | Health Focus
90
They do the shopping, cook, take their relatives to the doctor, help their siblings, look after them and care for them – all whilst still going to school themselves. Due to their relatives’ chronic illnesses, ‘young carers’ often shoulder heavy responsibilities within their families that go unnoticed. This discussion sheds light on the realities of their lives and offers insights into a growing social alliance dedicated to supporting them – because young carers need all of us to help them shoulder these responsibilities whilst still being able to be children.
Congress Centrum Alpbach , CCA – Heiss-Rogger-Saal
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15:30 - 17:00 When Children Take on the Role of Carers: The Unseen Role of Young Caregivers | Health Focus
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+5
DEM
Content
Starting times
Afternoon
The Democratic Comeback: How the Rule of Law Wins
English 60
Across many countries, illiberal governments have weakened checks and balances, undermined judicial independence, and eroded public trust. Explore the prospects for reversing illiberal trends and restoring the rule of law in systems under strain that can fuel a broader democratic comeback.
Congress Centrum Alpbach , CCA – Heiss-Rogger-Saal
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14:00 - 15:00 The Democratic Comeback: How the Rule of Law Wins
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+3
DEM
Content