The European Forum Alpbach is a space and place for the emergence of reflection and action. A forum that brings together young people from Europe and from all over the world with the most innovative minds from politics, business, civil society, culture, and science to drive ideas for a strong and democratic Europe. 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.

ERSTE Foundation at Alpbach

ERSTE Foundation is Main Partner of the European Forum Alpbach.

Be(e) Together in Alpbach – An Invitation From ERSTE Foundation

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. Topics that concern us all – be it in Alpbach, Tyrol or elsewhere in Europe – will be addressed in an active and participatory manner. New forms of community are needed: an evening to share what is important and to celebrate together!

• Be(e) Together – An Invitation From ERSTE Foundation
  • Social
  • 24 August, 18:30 – 21:00
  • Ort: The heart of Alpbach
  • https://www.alpbach.org/sessions/bee-together—an-invitation-from-erste-foundation

We’re looking forward to meeting you in Alpbach! Please also join us for the following sessions:

• The Geopolitics of Enlargement: A Way to Safeguard the European Space. Supported by European Council on Foreign Relations.
  • Chat
  • 25 August, 09:00-10:30
  • More information: https://www.alpbach.org/sessions/the-geopolitics-of-enlargement-a-way-to-safeguard-the-european-space

• “Hip Hope” – Reimagining the Future in the Balkans
  • Chat
  • 25 August, 14:00-15:30
  • More information: https://www.alpbach.org/sessions/hip-hope—reimagining-the-future-in-the-balkans

• (Re-)Creating Affordable Housing in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) 
  • Chat
  • 27. August, 10:00-11:30 
  • More information: https://www.alpbach.org/sessions/re-creating-affordable-housing-in-central-and-eastern-europe-cee

• Beyond Money: Improving Your Financial Well-Being
  • Work
  • 28. August, 09:00-12:30
  • https://www.alpbach.org/sessions/beyond-money-improving-your-financial-well-being

• What will the EU get from the accession of Ukraine? 
  • Chat
  • 28. August, 10:00-11:30
  • https://www.alpbach.org/sessions/what-will-the-eu-get-from-the-accession-of-ukraine

• Digital Bridges: Reaching the Marginalized
  • Chat
  • 28. August, 14:00-15:30 
  • https://www.alpbach.org/sessions/digital-bridges-reaching-the-marginalized

All details and tickets: alpbach.org

Cover picture: Photo (c) EFA/Philipp Huber