Archive & Retrospective

Review “Europe and Hope”
21st Salzburg Europe Summit, 28 to 30 September 2025

SPECIAL – Art Exhibition

Opening of “European Regional Culture”

Sunday, September 28, 2025
11:00 AM


Salzburg Congress, Mozart Hall

Auerspergstraße 6, 5020 Salzburg


Art exhibition featuring artists from Brčko District, Bosnia and Herzegovina. In cooperation with the Croatian cultural association HKD “Napredak” Sarajevo, Podružnica Brčko District BiH.


The Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) presents regional European art and culture, the connection between history and modernity, and the regional cultural diversity of Europe as part of the "Salzburg Europe Summit." Zoran Šijakovic, IRE Special Advisor for Regional Culture, curated the exhibition. It was opened in the presence of political and diplomatic representatives from Latvia and Austria, as well as the artist.


GREETING

Franz Schausberger

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

Siniša Bencun

Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina


OPENING

Mirko Mečić

President of Napredak, Brčko District, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Stefan Schnöll

Deputy Governor of Salzburg, responsible, among other things, for culture


Artistic Director

Dusko Samardzija

HKD “Napredak”, Brčko District, Bosnia and Herzegovina


IRE-FORUM

The challenges of demographic change in the EU

Sunday, September 28, 2025

3 p.m.


Salzburg Congress

Auerspergstraße 6, 5020 Salzburg


Demographic change in Europe over the past few decades has been characterized by several developments. These developments, such as the changing family structure, have impacted the social structure and family policies of many countries. Particularly in Western European countries, the population has aged significantly due to lower birth rates and higher life expectancy than before. This aging population also presents considerable challenges in financing pensions and healthcare. Migration and immigration also play a role in societal change. While immigration helps to stabilize problematic population trends, many integration-related issues pose challenges for policymakers and society. In numerous rural and peripheral regions, the population is declining as many young people move to cities or emigrate, while the population in large cities is growing rapidly. This exacerbates the imbalance between urban and rural areas.

Overall, demographic change in Europe is a complex mix of an aging population, low birth rates, and migration, resulting in both economic and social transformations. This change is particularly evident in the care sector. A growing number of people require professional care, sometimes around the clock, increasing the pressure on families and caregivers. Many care facilities struggle with staff shortages, leading to overwork and stress for existing staff. Policymakers are recruiting caregivers from other countries, including Southeast Europe and Asian nations, which in turn is driving demographic shifts in those regions. The increased use of new technologies in care is also being discussed. However, this sector remains heavily reliant on the human element.

Overall, society and politics face complex questions. We will attempt to answer these through constructive discussion at this year's IRE Forum.


PULSE

Peter Lehner

Chairman of the Social Insurance Institution for the Self-Employed (SVS), Austria


KEYNOTE

Lisa Warth

Head of the Population Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)


PODIUM

Alexander Biach

Director General of the Social Insurance Institution for the Self-Employed (SVS), Austria

Daniela Gutschi

State Councillor for Health, Salzburg

Jürgen Osterbrink

Head of the Institute for Nursing Science, PMU Salzburg & Director WHO CC for Nursing & Patient Safety, PMU Salzburg

Sirpa Pietikäinen (Live broadcast to Finland)

Member of the European Parliament & Rapporteur for the European Care Strategy, Finland


MODERATION

Heidi Huber

journalist


YOUTH FORUM

Youth, Europe & Democracy

Sunday, September 28, 2025

5:00 PM


Salzburg Congress

Auerspergstraße 6, 5020 Salzburg


Another highlight of the 21st IRE-Salzburg Europe Summit is the Youth Dialogue, taking place for the third time. This small-scale exchange offers young people, especially school and university students, the opportunity to gain direct insights into the processes at the heart of Europe. A key aspect of these discussions is the exchange of views, visions for the future, and current crises. The participation of young people is crucial for a vibrant and sustainable democracy. Young people bring fresh and often unexpected perspectives and innovative ideas to socio-political discussions. We must listen to these perspectives as well, in order to ensure mutual understanding and progress.


DISCUSSION PARTNERS

Sophia Kircher

Member of the European Parliament, Austria


MODERATION

Stephan Schweighofer

University of Salzburg, Austria


SPECIAL – Colloquium

Attitude, orientation, hope

Sunday, September 28, 2025

5:00 PM


Salzburg Congress, Herbert von Karajan Hall

Auerspergstraße 6, 5020 Salzburg


Why The European Union needs to rediscover its values – and how it can do so.

An event in cooperation with the Order of St. George.


KEYNOTE

Vinzenz Stimpfl-Abele

Procurator of the Order of St. George


PODIUM

Jan Peter Balkenende

Former Prime Minister of the Netherlands (2002–2010), Royal Minister of State

Kristin de Troyer

Theologian, University of Salzburg

Bohdan Dzyurakh

Apostolic Exarch for Ukrainian Catholics of the Byzantine Rite in Germany and Scandinavia

David Engels

Philosopher and historian

Karl Habsburg

Former Member of the European Parliament, entrepreneur, Grand Master of the Order of St. George

Franz Schausberger

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


MODERATION

Claudia Reiterer

journalist


EVENING EVENT

Reception hosted by the state and city of Salzburg

Sunday, September 28, 2025

7:30 p.m.


Salzburg Residence, Carabinieri Hall

Residenzplatz 1, 5020 Salzburg


Reception hosted by the state and city of Salzburg in the old Prince-Archbishop's Residence.


30 YEARS OF AUSTRIA IN THE EU

Europe and hope

Monday, September 29, 2025

9:00 a.m.


Salzburg Congress, Europasaal

Auerspergstraße 6, 5020 Salzburg

With Austria's accession to the European Union on January 1, 1995, 30 years ago, a new chapter began in our country's history. EU membership has 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, which has given our exports access to a huge market. As an EU member, Austria has benefited from the stable euro currency and the economic strength of the Union. Our country has receivedAccess to various funding programs, primarily supporting agriculture and regional development. Austrian citizens can work, live, and study in other EU countries. Through participation in EU research and innovation programs, Austria has strengthened its position in science and technology and benefited 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. This includes reducing bureaucracy and administrative burdens, which are perceived by businesses and citizens as excessive and cumbersome. Another important issue is migration: Austria has repeatedly expressed concerns about immigration's impact on the labor market and social infrastructure. European agricultural policy is another point of contention. Austria, with its strong agricultural sector, demands stronger and fairer support for domestic farmers. Austria generally supports the EU's approach to climate protection but calls for greater consideration of competitiveness. Austria also calls for greater adherence to the principle of subsidiarity, according to which decisions should be made at the lowest possible political level. Austria perceives an increasing centralization of power at the EU level in some areas.


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

EUROPEAN ANTHEM

New Middle School Music Maxglan


GREETING

Franz Schausberger

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


OPENING

Bernhard Auinger

Mayor of the city of Salzburg, Austria

Karoline Edtstadler

Governor of Salzburg, Austria


VIDEO MESSAGE

FFranz Vranitzky

Former Chancellor of the Republic of Austria (1986–1997)


PODIUM

Johannes Hahn

former EU Commissioner (2010–2024)

Waltraud Langer

Eyewitness, journalist, ORF Salzburg regional director

Wolfgang Schüssel

Former Foreign Minister (1995–2000) and former Federal Chancellor (2000–2007) of the Republic of Austria


MODERATION

Andreas Heyer

Journalist, ORF Salzburg


DIALOGUE I

Europe – is hope still warranted?

Monday, September 29, 2025

10:15 a.m.


Salzburg Congress, Europasaal

Auerspergstraße 6, 5020 Salzburg

A united Europe is undoubtedly a fascinating and challenging project, the significance of which is particularly evident in light of current geopolitical, social, and economic developments. The question of whether hope is still warranted 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 in Ukraine, the latest developments in the US, the geopolitical situation, and the question of European integration are preoccupying politics, business, and society. There is certainly uncertainty about how Europe will develop in the long term. Our economy is under considerable pressure due to the financial crisis, the pandemic, excessive bureaucracy, inflation, and trade wars. In the Western Balkans, the candidate countries present both positive and negative developments. And political extremists are ruthlessly aiming to destroy a peaceful, united, and 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 is an economic power that needs to leverage its potential more effectively. And, in any case, the states of Europe only have a chance when they work together to compete with other players in global politics.


Hope is warranted – but within realistic limits. Europe faces major challenges, but these 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.


OPENING AND WELCOME

Bernhard Auinger

Mayor of the city of Salzburg, Austria

Franz Schausberger

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


KEYNOTE – Austria and Europe

Claudia Plakolm

Federal Minister for Europe, Austria


SPEECH – Europe needs unity

Magnus Brunner

EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration


PODIUM – Hope for EU enlargement

Josip Brkić

Deputy Foreign Minister, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Igli Hasani

Chairman of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, former Foreign Minister (2023–2025), Albania

Claudia Plakolm

Federal Minister for Europe, Austria


TALK – Europe and Ukraine

Taras Kachka

Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Ukraine


MODERATION

Christian Ultsch

Head of Foreign Policy and Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Die Presse, Austria


DIALOGUE II

Moldova after the election: Hope for EU enlargement?

Monday, September 29, 2025

12:00


Salzburg Congress, Europasaal

Auerspergstraße 6, 5020 Salzburg


Moldova, situated between EU member Romania and Ukraine, finds itself in a fragile situation. Domestically, the path of reforms and anti-corruption efforts must continue. But do the people fully support this? Since 2022, the small country on the Dniester River has also been a candidate for EU membership under the "New Enlargement" program, together with Ukraine and Georgia.


Moldova currently faces significant challenges, including economic instability, political polarization, and persistent security concerns due to its proximity to the conflict in Ukraine. The war has also led to increased refugee flows and energy insecurity. At the same time, Moldova's European integration ambitions offer a crucial opportunity to strengthen its democratic institutions, the rule of law, and economic development. EU political and financial support is essential to help Moldova overcome these difficulties, withstand external pressures, and promote stability in the region.


Economically, Moldova remains one of the poorest countries in Europe, heavily dependent on agriculture, remittances from citizens working abroad, and limited industrial production. High poverty and unemployment rates, particularly among young people, continue to pose a challenge to social cohesion. Politically, the country is characterized by frequent changes of government, a fragmented party system, and ongoing battles against deeply entrenched corruption. Society is diverse but deeply divided along regional, linguistic, and cultural lines, which sometimes exacerbates political tensions. In foreign policy, Moldova is torn, depending on the government, between historical ties with Russia and aspirations for closer integration into the European Union. This delicate balance is further complicated by the unresolved conflict over the breakaway region of Transnistria. Domestically, the government is under pressure to implement reforms quickly in order to meet EU accession criteria.


Energy security is also a critical issue: Moldova has significantly reduced its dependence on energy imports from Russia. Efforts are underway to diversify energy sources and increase energy efficiency, supported by substantial EU aid.


The upcoming parliamentary elections are widely seen as a pivotal moment for the country's future. They will test not only the strength of democratic institutions but also the public's continued support for reforms and closer ties with the EU. Political tensions and competing interests make the electoral process particularly complex, while external actors continue to attempt to influence the outcome through disinformation and other means. Furthermore, a recent referendum on EU membership reflected a narrow 50% support for European integration.


In this panel, leading politicians, experts, and business professionals discuss how the election in Moldova will affect the country's future. Can Moldova continue its European reform course and its rapprochement with the EU, or are the disruptions caused by oligarchs and external non-European powers too strong? How influential is Europe in Southeast Europe and the Black Sea region – and what do the people of Moldova really want?


IMPULSE – Situation of the Republic of Moldova

Cristina Gherasimov (Live connection to Chișinău)

Deputy Prime Minister for EU Integration, Moldova


PODIUM

Khatia Kikalishvili

Program Director Eastern Neighbourhood, Center for Liberal Modernity Berlin

Andreas Kiefer

Former Secretary General of the Congress of Local & Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (2010–2022)

Daniel Mușat

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

Brigitta Triebel (Live connection to Chișinău)

Head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's foreign office in Chișinău



MODERATION

Michael Martens

Correspondent for Southeast Europe, FAZ, Germany


DIALOG III

Security of supply in Europe

Monday, September 29, 2025

2:15 p.m.


Salzburg Congress, Europasaal

Auerspergstraße 6, 5020 Salzburg


The EU faces challenges regarding the security of its energy supply. Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the fragility of global supply chains, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which highlighted the EU's dangerous dependence on fossil fuel imports, and persistent inflation, which has driven up energy prices across the continent, play a crucial role in this.


Since 2021, electricity and gas prices have risen sharply, with gas prices playing a crucial role on the global markets. As natural gas remains essential for electricity generation, price spikes in the gas market have directly led to increased electricity prices for households and industry. Inflation has further exacerbated the situation. Although prices have fallen somewhat since their peak, they remain significantly above pre-crisis levels, burdening both consumers and businesses.


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


At the heart of the EU strategy is the Action Plan for Affordable Energy, which aims for both short-term relief and long-term structural cost reductions. Complementary reforms to the EU electricity market are intended to reduce the impact of volatile gas prices by promoting futures contracts, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and contracts for difference (CfDs) to ensure stable pricing for renewable energy.


Energy security has also become a top priority. Regulatory reforms now require member states to fill their gas storage facilities to 90 percent before winter, and natural gas consumption has fallen by 17 percent since 2022. Investments in infrastructure have diversified supply pathways.


The EU is also driving the decarbonization of industry through the Clean Industrial Deal, which sets ambitious targets for the electrification of industry and the annual installation of 100 GW of new renewable energy capacity by 2030. Financial instruments such as the Industrial Decarbonisation Bank are intended to promote clean technologies and accelerate the green transformation.


However, the path ahead raises important strategic questions: Can the EU reconcile decarbonization, affordability, competitiveness, and security of supply? Is the pace of the transition under the European Green Deal economically and socially sustainable? What can Austria do, and what challenges arise 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 liberalization and environmental ambitions – while simultaneously responding to geopolitical disruptions and the needs of its citizens and industries.


KEYNOTE – Security of supply in Europe: Has geopolitics ended globalization?

Severin Gruber

Secretary General of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism, Austria


PODIUM

Michael Baminger

Spokesperson of the Board of Directors of Salzburg AG, Austria

Gerhard Christiner

Spokesperson of the Board and Chief Technology Officer, Austrian Power Grid APG, Austria

Tobias Gotthardt

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

Orkhan Zeynalov (Live broadcast to Baku)

Deputy Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan


MODERATION

Gundula Geiginger

Presenter Puls4, Austria


DIALOGUE IV

Mobility as a driving force for European integration

Tuesday, September 29, 2025

3:30 p.m.


Salzburg Congress, Europasaal

Auerspergstraße 6, 5020 Salzburg


Mobility plays a central role as a driver of European integration, fostering various dimensions of interconnectedness across 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. Mobility makes the labor market more flexible and open, and promotes cross-border trade and investment. In 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 with one another 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 fosters 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 together, cross-border issues such as environmental policy, security, and human rights are discussed more extensively. Furthermore, mobility fosters exchange about political systems and the development of shared values. Overall, mobility helps to overcome barriers, whether economic, social, or political. It strengthens connections between member states and supports the creation of a common European market as well as closer cooperation in many areas. Mobility creates a sense of belonging to a common European community, which ultimately strengthens European integration.


PULSE

Alexander Pertsovsky (Live broadcast to Kyiv)

CEO Ukrainian Railways Ukrzaliznytsia


DISCUSSION – Mobility as a theme of the Hungarian EU Council Presidency 2025

Tibor Navracsics

Minister of Public Administration and Spatial Development, Hungary


PODIUM

Kurt Bauer

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

Ralph Beisel

Managing Director of the German Airports Association (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 Transport Section, Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure, Austria

Åsa Ågren Wikström

Member of the Regional Parliament of Västerbotten, Chairwoman of the Scandria Alliance, Sweden


MODERATION

Michael Kretz

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


WORKSHOP

War of Words – Disinformation Campaigns Against European Democracies

Monday, September 29, 2025

5:15 p.m.


Salzburg Congress

Auerspergstraße 6, 5020 Salzburg


In cooperation with the Konrad Adenau Foundation Vienna.


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


SPEAKER

Markus Schwinghammer

Expert in information manipulation and hybrid threats, DisInfo Consulting Vienna, Austria


MODERATION

Michael Stellwag

Political Advisor, Multilateral Dialogue of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Vienna, Austria


EVENING EVENT
Salzburg Evening

Monday, September 29, 2025

8 p.m.


Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln

Lindhofstraße 7, 5020 Salzburg


The "Bräustübl," Austria's largest beer hall, has been in operation since 1621 – for 400 years. The beer comes from wooden barrels and is served in stoneware mugs, accompanied by traditional dishes. In a convivial atmosphere, participants of the Salzburg Europe Summit have the opportunity for interesting, informal conversations and networking. The Bräustübl is a place of encounter, of tradition – a piece of living history in the heart of Salzburg's World Heritage Site.


GREETING

Helmut Falschlehner

Member of the Board of Directors of the Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE)


MUSICAL FRAMEWORK

Music ensemble Danica, Director Zoran Šijaković


DIALOG V

The future of the circular economy

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

9:00 a.m.


Salzburg Congress, Europasaal

Auerspergstraße 6, 5020 Salzburg


An event within the framework of the EUSALP Presidency Austria-Liechtenstein (EUSALP: EU Macro-Regional Strategy for the Alpine Region).

In cooperation with the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, Austria.


The transition to a circular economy is a key priority for Europe to address environmental problems, reduce resource dependence, and promote sustainable economic growth. In contrast to the traditional linear "take, produce, dispose" model, the circular economy relies on a regenerative system in which resources are used 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 transformation. The EU aims for climate neutrality by 2050, with the circular economy considered essential for achieving this goal. Key target sectors include plastics, electronics, textiles, construction, and food systems. The EU supports innovation, ecodesign, waste reduction, and the development of circular business models through funding and regulatory frameworks.


The EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) unites 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 industry, and tourism-dependent economy. At the same time, its mountainous geography and the associated environmental and logistical challenges make the transition to a circular economy both urgent and complex. Currently, Austria and Liechtenstein jointly hold the EUSALP presidency. Under their leadership, the focus is on strengthening regional cooperation to promote sustainable economic development, with a particular emphasis on fostering the circular economy. Priorities include promoting innovations for resource efficiency, improving cross-border cooperation in sustainable tourism, and supporting SMEs in adopting circular business models.


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

• to protect natural resources and landscapes,

• to promote regional cooperation and innovation,

• to strengthen local economies, especially in rural and mountainous areas,

• To reduce waste and CO₂ emissions.


Despite increasing momentum, the transition to a circular economy in the EUSALP region faces hurdles such as regulatory fragmentation, a lack of awareness, and limited access to financing for SMEs. Continued collaboration between regional governments, businesses, and research institutions is essential.


For the future, the integration of circular economy 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.


GREETING

Josef Schöchl

Member of the Salzburg State Parliament and member of the IRE board


OPENING

Harald Stranzl

Ambassador, Coordinator EUSALP, Austrian Foreign Ministry


PODIUM

Werner Balika

Innovation Salzburg GmbH and Bioeconomy Austria, Austria

Sebastian Gann

Director of Sustainability at the Zumtobel Group, Austria

Christian Hutterer

Head of Research, AustroCel Hallein GmbH, Austria

Tamara Myers

SDG Expert, SOURCE, Switzerland

Christine Vallaster

Strategy & CSR for companies in the circular economy sector, University of Salzburg, Austria


MODERATION

Werner Sejka

Moderator Puls4, Austria


EXCURSION

Company visit to Leube GmbH and Stiegl Brewery

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

from 12:00


Excursion and company visit to exemplary companies with a focus on circular economy.

Leube Cement GmbH

Production of building materials with the lowest CO₂ emissions

www.leube.eu


STIEGL BREWELT

Circular economy in the brewing and catering industry
www.brauwelt.at