EVENING EVENT

Festive Reception

Sunday 28th September 2025
8 PM

Salzburg Residence, Carabinieri Hall

Residenzplatz 1, 5020 Salzburg

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

Dušan Sretović

Pianist at the Mozarthaus in Vienna, Serbia

In Cooperation with the KOLARAC ENDOWMENT in Belgrade

The reception is fully booked. Unfortunately, registration is no longer possible.

30 YEARS AUSTRIA IN EU

30 Years Austria in EU

Monday 29th September 2025
9 AM

Salzburg Congress,  Europasaal

Auerspergstrasse 6, 5020 Salzburg

LIVESTREAM

EUROPEAN ANTHEM

High School Maxglan

Music class

WELCOME

Franz Schausberger

Chairman of the Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE)

OPENING

Bernhard Auinger

Mayor of City of Salzburg

Karoline Edtstadler

Governor of Salzburg

„Austria - 30 years member in the EU“

With Austria's accession to the European Union on January 1, 1995, a new chapter in our country's history began. EU membership opened up numerous new opportunities for Austria; it was a decision for stability, cooperation, peace, and prosperity. Austria has benefited greatly from the EU's open trade policy, opening up access to a huge market for our exports. As an EU member, Austria has profited from the stable euro currency and the Union's economic strength. Our country has been granted access to various funding programs, primarily to support agriculture and regional development. Austrian citizens can work, live, and study in other EU countries. By participating in EU research and innovation programs, Austria has been able to strengthen its position in science and technology and benefit from financial grants. EU membership enables our country to exert political influence on the European stage, particularly in matters of foreign policy, trade, and security.

In the future, we must all work together to continuously improve the EU. For example, we must reduce bureaucracy and administrative burdens, which businesses and citizens perceive as too bureaucratic and cumbersome. Another important issue is migration: Austria has repeatedly expressed concerns about immigration affecting the labor market and social infrastructure. European agricultural policy is another point of contention. Austria, which has a strong agricultural sector, is calling for stronger and fairer support for domestic farmers. Austria fundamentally supports the EU's course on climate protection but calls for greater consideration of competitiveness. Austria calls for greater adherence to the principle of subsidiarity, which states that decisions should be made at the lowest political level wherever possible. Austria sees an increasing centralization of power at the EU level in some areas.

We discuss with the key players involved in Austria's accession to the EU in 1995 their views on Austria's prospects in the EU.

VIDEO MESSAGE

Franz Vranitzky

Frm. Federal Chancellor (1986 – 1997)

TALK

Johannes Hahn

Frm. EU-Commissioner (2010 – 2024)

Waltraud Langer

Contemporary witness, journalist, Director ORF Salzburg 

Wolfgang Schüssel 

Frm. Federal Chancellor. (2000 – 2007) & Foreign Minister (1995 – 2000)

MODERATION

Andreas Heyer

Journalist, ORF Salzburg 

DIALOGUE I

Europe - is there hope?

Monday 29th September 2025
10.15 AM

Salzburg Congress,  Europasaal

Auerspergstrasse 6, 5020 Salzburg

LIVESTREAM

A united Europe is undoubtedly a fascinating and challenging project, the significance of which is particularly evident in relation to current geopolitical, social, and economic developments. The question of whether hope is still justified can be viewed from various perspectives. Political tensions within the EU and in many European countries are palpable. Issues such as Brexit, populist movements, the refugee crisis, the war against Ukraine, the latest developments in the USA, the geopolitical situation, and the question of European integration are occupying politics, business, and society. There is certainly uncertainty about how Europe will develop in the long term. The financial crisis, the pandemic, excessive bureaucracy, inflation, and trade wars are putting our economy under severe pressure. In the Western Balkans, the accession candidates have both good and bad sides. And political extremes are relentlessly aiming to destroy a peaceful, united, democratic Europe.

Nevertheless, it is clear that the EU has repeatedly been able to reform itself and overcome challenges in the past. Despite everything, Europe remains an economic power that must make greater use of its potential. And, in any case, the states of Europe only stand a chance against other players in global politics

if they work together.

Hope is appropriate – but within a realistic framework. Europe faces major challenges, but they also offer significant opportunities for renewal and further development. Whether this hope bears fruit will depend on the political, economic, and social decisions made today.

MODERATION

Christian Ultsch

dep. Editor-in-Chief, Head of Foreign Policy, Die Presse

AUSTRIA & EU

Christian Stocker

Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria

EUROPE & HOPE

Andrej Plenković   (tbc)

Prime Minister of Croatia

EUROPE & MIGRATION

Magnus Brunner

EU-Commissioner for Migration & Home Affairs

Vladislav Kondratovič

Minister of Interior, Republic of Lithuania

HOPE FOR EU-ENLARGEMENT?

Igli Hasani

Foreign Minister of Albania

Claudia Plakolm

Minister for the EU, Austria

TALK -  live-connection to Kyiv

Taras Kachka

Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration of Ukraine

IS EUROPE COMPETETIVE?

Alexandru Nazare  (tbc)

Minister of Finance, Romania

DIALOGUE II

Moldova after the elections: Hope for EU Enlargement?

Monday 29th September 2025
12 AM

Salzburg Congress,  Europasaal

Auerspergstrasse 6, 5020 Salzburg

LIVESTREAM

Moldova, situated between the EU member Romania and Ukraine, is in a fragile situation. Domestically, the path of reforms and anti-corruption efforts must be continued. But do the people fully support this?

Geopolitically, the country is targeted by disinformation campaigns, election interference, and is affected by the security situation in Ukraine. Since 2022, the small country on the Dniester River has also been a candidate for EU membership as part of the "New Enlargement" initiative alongside Ukraine and Georgia.

Currently, Moldova faces significant challenges, including economic instability, political polarization, and ongoing security concerns due to its proximity to the conflict in Ukraine. The war has also led to increased refugee flows and energy supply uncertainties. At the same time, Moldova’s European integration ambitions represent a crucial opportunity to strengthen its democratic institutions, rule of law, and economic development. The EU’s support, both politically and financially, is essential to help Moldova navigate these difficulties and resist external pressures, fostering greater stability in the region.

Economically, Moldova remains one of Europe’s poorest countries, heavily dependent on agriculture, remittances from citizens working abroad, and limited industrial production. High levels of poverty and unemployment, especially among the youth, continue to challenge social cohesion. Politically, the country is marked by frequent government changes, a fragmented party system, and ongoing struggles against entrenched corruption. Society is diverse but deeply divided along regional, linguistic, and cultural lines, which sometimes exacerbates political tensions.  In terms of foreign policy, Moldova strives to balance its historical ties with Russia and its aspirations for closer integration with the European Union. This delicate balancing act is complicated by the unresolved conflict over the breakaway region of Transnistria. Internally, the government faces pressure to implement reforms quickly to meet EU accession criteria.

Energy security is another critical issue: Moldova could heavily reduce its dependence on energy imports from Russia. Efforts are underway to diversify energy sources and increase energy efficiency, with massive EU support.

The upcoming parliamentary elections are widely seen as a decisive moment for the country’s future, testing not only the strength of its democratic institutions but also the public’s willingness to continue supporting reforms and closer ties with the European Union. Political tensions and competing interests make the electoral process particularly complex, with external actors still attempting to influence outcomes through disinformation and other means. Furthermore, a recent referendum on EU membership reflected a narrow 50% backing for European integration.

In this panel, senior politicians, experts, and professionals from the business sector discuss how the election in Moldova will impact the country’s future path. Can Moldova continue on the European course of reforms and closer ties with the EU, or are the disruptions caused by oligarchs and external non-European powers stronger? How influential is Europe in Southeast Europe and the Black Sea region—and what do the people of Moldova actually want?

MODERATION

Michael Martens

Correspondent Southeastern Europe, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung FAZ

The Situation in Moldova   

Cristina Gherasimov (tbc)

Deputy Prime Minister for EU-Integration, Moldova   

PANEL

Khatia Kikalishvili 

Program Director Eastern Partnership, Zentrum Liberale Moderne, Berlin

Andreas Kiefer

Frm. Secretary General of Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (2010 - 2022)

Daniel Mușat

Regional Sales Director SEE & Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Zumtobel Lightning, Romania

Brigitta Triebel

Head of Konrad Adenauer Foundation office in Moldova – live connection to Chisinau

DIALOGUE III

Security of energy supply in Europe

Monday 29th September 2025

2.15 PM

Salzburg Congress,  Europasaal

Auerspergstrasse 6, 5020 Salzburg

LIVESTREAM

The EU is confronted with challenges regarding its energy supply security. With factors as the COVID-19 pandemic, that exposed the fragility of global supply chains or Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which highlighted the EU’s dangerous dependence on fossil fuel imports, or the ongoing inflationary, that have driven up energy prices across the continent.

Since 2021, electricity and gas prices have risen sharply, with gas prices on global markets playing a decisive role. Because natural gas remains essential for electricity generation, price spikes in the gas market have directly translated into elevated power prices for households and industry. Inflation has further exacerbated the situation. Although prices have somewhat declined since their peak, they remain well above pre-crisis levels and continue to burden consumers and businesses alike.

In response, the EU has taken significant steps to reform its energy landscape. The REPowerEU plan, launched in 2022, aims to eliminate dependence on Russian fossil fuels well before 2030. A more ambitious roadmap, introduced in 2025, outlines the complete phase-out of Russian fossil fuels and nuclear materials by the end of 2027, with national implementation plans due by the end of this year.

At the heart of the EU’s strategy is the Affordable Energy Action Plan, which targets both short-term relief and long-term structural cost reductions. Complementary reforms of the EU electricity market aim to reduce the influence of volatile gas prices by promoting forward contracts, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), and Contracts for Difference (CfDs) to ensure pricing stability for renewables.

Energy security has also become a top priority. Regulatory reforms now require Member States to fill gas storage facilities to 90% ahead of winter, and natural gas consumption has fallen by 17% since 2022. Infrastructure investments have diversified supply routes.

The EU is also pushing industrial decarbonisation through the Clean Industrial Deal, which sets ambitious targets for the electrification of industry and the annual deployment of 100 GW of new renewable energy capacity by 2030. Financial instruments such as the Industrial Decarbonisation Bank aim to support clean-tech innovation and accelerate the green transition.

However, the path forward raises critical strategic questions: Can the EU balance decarbonisation, affordability, competitiveness and security? Is the pace of transition under the European Green Deal economically and socially sustainable? What can Austria do and what are the challenges for national and regional energy and grid suppliers?



The long-term success of the Energy Union will depend on how effectively the EU balances energy sovereignty, market liberalisation, and environmental ambition — while remaining responsive to geopolitical disruptions and the needs of its citizens and industries.

MODERATION

Gundula Geiginger

Puls 4

KEYNOTE

Severin Gruber

Secretary General of the Ministry for Economy and Energy, Austria

PANEL

Michael Baminger

CEO of Salzburg AG

Gerhard Christiner

Board Member & CTO Austrian Power Grid APG

Tobias Gotthardt

State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, Free State of Bavaria

Orkhan Zeynalov

Deputy Minister of Energy, Azerbaijan – live connection to Baku

DIALOGUE IV

Mobility as motor for European integration

Monday 29th September 2025

3.30 PM

LIVESTREAM

Mobility plays a central role as a driver of European integration by promoting various dimensions of connectivity in Europe. It enables the free movement of citizens within the EU, a core principle of the EU. This means that people can travel, work, and live in other member states without restrictions. This mobility makes the labor market more flexible and open. Furthermore, mobility promotes cross-border trade and investment.

In the field of education and research, programs such as Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020 promote the mobility of students, teachers, and researchers within Europe. Mobility in education also contributes to strengthening European identity, as people from different cultural backgrounds come into contact and develop a better understanding of the diversity within the Union. Culture and tourism also benefit from the interaction of different European cultures and traditions. This promotes a stronger sense of European community and understanding.

Mobility also supports political dialogue and cooperation between EU member states. By bringing people from different countries into contact with each other, cross-border issues such as environmental policy, security, and human rights are discussed more intensively. Furthermore, mobility promotes exchange about political systems and the development of shared values.

Overall, mobility contributes to overcoming barriers, be they economic, social, or political. It strengthens ties between Member States and supports the creation of a common European market and closer cooperation in many areas. Mobility creates a sense of belonging to a common European community, which ultimately strengthens European integration.

Salzburg Congress,  Europasaal

Auerspergstrasse 6, 5020 Salzburg

MODERATION

Michael Kretz

Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief MeinBezirk Salzburg, Austria

KEYNOTE

Apostolos Tzitzikostas

EU Commissioner for Sustainable Mobility & Tourism

INSIGHT

Alexander Pertsovsky - live connection from Kyiv   

CEO Ukrainian Railways Ukrzaliznytsia

TALK - Mobility in the frame of the Hungarian EU-Presidency 2025

Tibor Navracsics

Minister of Public Administration and Regional Development, Hungary

PANEL

Kurt Bauer

Head of Long-Distance Transport & New Rail Business, ÖBB-Personenverkehr AG, Austria 

Ralph Beisel   

Managing Director German Airport Alliance ADV, Germany

Ilka Dubernet

Acting Head of Department for Transport Markets & Services, Institute of Transport Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Germany

Vera Hofbauer

Head of the Traffic Section, Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure, Austria

Åsa Ågren Wikström 

Member of Västerbotten County Council, Chairwoman Scandria-Alliance, Sweden

INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP

War of words – disinformation campaigns against European democracy

In cooperation with the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation in Vienna

Monday 29th September 2025
5.15 PM

Salzburg Congress

Auerspergstrasse 6, 5020 Salzburg

The threat to democratic processes and social coexistence posed by disinformation and hybrid attacks is rapidly increasing. FIMI (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference) by Russian actors is intensifying in particular. This interactive workshop will discuss current goals, narratives, strategies, and actors, and explore countermeasures.

MODERATION

Michael Stellwag

Project Manager, Multilateral Dialogue Konrad-Adenauer Foundation Vienna

SPEAKER

Markus Schwinghammer

Expert for FIMI (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference), DisInfo Consulting, Vienna

In cooperation with:

EVENING EVENT

Salzburg Evening

Monday 29th September 2025
8 PM

Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln

Lindhofstrasse 7, 5020 Salzburg

The “Bräustübl”, the largest beer restaurant in Austria, has been around since 1621 – more than 400 years ago. The beer comes from wooden barrels and is served in stone mugs, accompanied by traditional dishes. Participants of the Salzburg Europe Summit have the opportunity to have interesting, informal conversations and network in a friendly atmosphere. The Bräustübl is a place of encounter, of tradition - a piece of living history in the center of Salzburg's world cultural heritage.

WELCOME

Helmut Falschlehner

Member of the Board of IRE

MUSIC

Ensemble DANICA

Head: Zoran Šijaković

DIALOGUE V

The Future of the Circular Economy

An event held during the Austria-Liechtenstein EUSALP Presidency

EUSALP - EU Macroregional Strategy for the Alpine Region

Tuesday, 22nd October 2024
9 AM

Salzburg Congress,  Herbert von Karajan Saal

Auerspergstrasse 6, 5020 Salzburg

LIVESTREAM

The transition towards a circular economy is a key priority for Europe as it seeks to address environmental challenges, reduce resource dependency, and foster sustainable economic growth. Unlike the traditional linear model of "take, make, dispose," the circular economy promotes a regenerative system in which resources are kept in use for as long as possible, waste is minimized, and materials are reused or recycled into new products.

At the European level, the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) form the backbone of policy efforts to drive this transition. The EU aims to become climate-neutral by 2050, and circularity is seen as essential to achieving this goal. Key sectors targeted include plastics, electronics, textiles, construction, and food systems. The EU supports innovation, eco-design, waste reduction, and the development of circular business models through funding and legislative frameworks.

The EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) brings together seven countries (Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, and Switzerland) and 48 regions within the Alpine area. The region is unique due to its ecological diversity, strong industrial base, and tourism-dependent economies. However, its mountainous geography also presents environmental and logistical challenges that make the shift to a circular economy both urgent and complex.

Currently, the EUSALP Presidency is jointly held by Austria and Liechtenstein. Under their leadership, the focus is placed on strengthening regional cooperation to promote sustainable economic development, with a strong emphasis on advancing the circular economy. Priorities include fostering innovation in resource efficiency, enhancing cross-border collaboration on sustainable tourism, and supporting SMEs in adopting circular business models.

In the EUSALP context, the circular economy is seen as a strategic tool to:

• Protect natural resources and landscapes,
• Enhance regional cooperation and innovation,
• Strengthen local economies, especially in rural and mountainous areas,
• Reduce waste and carbon emissions

Despite growing momentum, the shift to a circular economy in the EUSALP region faces barriers such as regulatory fragmentation, lack of awareness, and limited access to funding for SMEs. Continued collaboration among regional governments, businesses, and research institutions is essential.

Moving forward, the integration of circular principles into regional development strategies, public procurement, and education will be key to making the circular economy a reality in the Alpine region and beyond.

MODERATION

Werner Sejka

Puls 4

INTRODUCTION

Harald Stranzl

Ambassador, Coordinator EUSALP, Foreign Ministry of Austria

PANEL

Werner Bakali

Innovation Salzburg GmbH and Bioeconomy Austria, Austria

Sebastian Gann 

Director for Sustainability, ZUMTOBEL Group

Wolfram Kalt

Managing Director, AustroCel Hallein, Austria

Tamara Myers

SDG Expert, SOURCE, Switzerland 

Christine Vallaster

Strategy & CSR for companies in the frame of Circular Economy, University of Salzburg

In cooperation with:

EXCURSIONS

Best practice factory tour: Leube GmbH & Stiegl Brauwelt

Tuesday, 30th September 2025

12 AM

Excursion and factory tour of model companies with a focus on the circular economy.

Leube Zement GmbH

Production of building materials with minimal CO₂ emissions

leube.eu

Stiegl Brauwelt GmbH

Circular economy in brewery and gastronomy

brauwelt.at

End of excursion and return journey to Salzburg is around 4:00 PM.

Registration for the excursions is mandatory!

In cooperation with: