EFA defied the Iron Curtain and became a platform for exchanging ideas between Polish intellectuals from the country and those in the West. The Forum also played an important role in sustaining a direct link between Poland and its vibrant émigré community. Among those who visited the Forum, there were prominent intellectuals such as Leszek Kołakowski, Jerzy Stempowski (a.k.a. Paweł Hostowiec), Ija Lazari-Pawłowska, Marian Przełęcki (Prof. Kotarbiński's Department) and Andrzej Malewski.
The 1954 Forum was featured in a historical account written by Paweł Hostowiec, published in one of the editions of ‘Kultura’.
European Forum Alpbach
The European Forum Alpbach is Europe’s leading political and economic conference. Founded in 1945 in the Tirolean village of Alpbach, Austria, EFA is one of Europe’s oldest events gathering key decision-makers. CEOs of major companies, policy makers, academics, Nobel prize laureates, entrepreneurs and innovators visit EFA to discuss the continent's most urgent challenges and contribute to the mission of building up a stronger Europe.
Each August, the European Forum Alpbach gathers nearly 4,300 participants from over 100 nations, transforming the quaint mountain resort of Alpbach into Europe’s informal capital—a vibrant hub of innovation, dialogue, and intellectual exchange.
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Four Thematic Tracks
Achieving net-zero carbon emissions and fostering innovative, job-creating companies require more than just bank financing. Mobilising diverse funding sources and building a fully integrated European capital market are essential for ensuring Europe’s prosperity. At the same time, addressing economic and social inequalities demands collaboration between businesses, policymakers, and civil society. Lifelong learning, inclusive policies, and responsible business practices are key to countering the challenges of globalisation and technological change, paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future.
Club Alpbach Poland at EFA
Since 2022, Club Alpbach Poland has been playing an active role in shaping the Forum’s agenda, contributing to various activities and debates during the European Forum Alpbach. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been involved in.
We took part in a main stage panel on European strategic sovereignty, featuring Carl Bildt - Co-Chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations - and foreign ministers of Austria and Croatia - Nikolaus Marschik and Gordan Grlić Radman.
We actively participated in 10+ seminars and labs, discussing tech, climate, and finance with world’s leading experts, including Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz or José Manuel Barroso.
We organised a panel debate on the topic of the future of the Three Seas Initiative with policy experts from Croatia, Poland, and Ukraine.
We organised a fireside chat with Andreas Bierwirth, former CEO of Magenta Telecom and CCO at Austrian Airlines to discuss the future of the airline industry.
Former Speakers
Alexander van der Bellen
President of Austria
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
Leader of the Belarusian opposition
Joseph Stiglitz
Economist, Nobel Prize Laureate
Sandrine Dixon-Declève
President, Club of Rome
Maia Sandu
President of Moldova
Josep Borrell
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs
Ban Ki-moon
f. UN Secretary General
Timothy Snyder
Historian, Yale University
The Origins of EFA
In August 1945, when Europe lay in ruins and American troops were stationed alongside their Soviet counterparts in Berlin, a group of Austrian freedom fighters decided to run discussions on the fate of Europe. 77 years later, the European Forum Alpbach is one of the most important summits where politicians, experts, scholars and businesspeople discuss crucial developments for our continent.
Polish Links at EFA
Alpbach and Poland’s EU Journey
Władysław Bartoszewski - a politician, social activist, journalist, historian, former Auschwitz prisoner, Warsaw Uprising participant, and former minister of foreign affairs, participated in the Forum in August 2000, promoting the idea of Polish accession to the European Union, which he expressed in his paper entitled 'Vision of Europe - the Polish Point of View”. Four years later, on May 1, 2004, Poland officially joined the European Union.
The Format of the Forum
The European Forum Alpbach, which takes place over two weeks, is filled with a diverse range of engaging events, ranging from panel discussions, workshops, and expert labs to mountain hikes, demonstrations, and rituals. The primary components of the Forum available to our scholarship holders are the Alpbach Seminars, Europe in the World Days and Austria in Europe Days.
Euregio Days
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.
Alpbach Seminars
Alpbach Seminars
The Forum for outstanding young talents to learn, debate and engage.
Apart from being able to participate in all conference events, scholars participate in Alpbach Seminars. These are week-long academic, business, artistic, and practical workshops led by experienced professionals and experts in their fields.
Lab Days
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.
Europe in the World Days
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 shape these four days, including hikes, chats, stages, workshops, and rituals.
Austria in Europe Days
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.
Sounds Exciting?
The European Forum Alpbach is a truly unique conference, offering participants the chance to connect with Europe’s most prominent leaders, gain inspiration, and create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime. If you’re interested in being part of the event, explore scholarship opportunities. Applications open in March.