2025 in Review
Looking back at a year of research and dialogue on Europe’s strategic challenges
Feb 12, 2026
Our travels
In 2025 the AIES continued to strengthen its role as a platform for research, policy and public debate on European and security affairs. The AIES brought together experts, policymakers and the wider public through events, workshops, publications and media engagements. In total, the team organised 53 events and workshops, and AIES representatives took part in 26 external activities such as panel discussions and lectures. The institute’s experts conducted 25 media interviews, and published 27 analyses and policy-oriented publications. Travel also did not come short this year, with the core team visiting 17 countries in 4 continents, contributing to the growing international outreach and network of the institute.
One of the major milestones in 2025 was the launch of the new AIES podcast series, “Aus Sicherer Quelle”, hosted by AIES Senior Research Fellow Christoph Schwarz and AIES Research Fellow Nick Nieschalke. The podcast expands the institute’s outreach by offering in-depth conversations on foreign and security policy issues, thereby making expert knowledge accessible to the wider public. In its first three episodes, the podcast welcomed international renowned guests, such as Carlo Masala, Professor of International Politics at the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich, and Elisabeth Hofberger-Pippan, Policy Adviser the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Vienna. Topics ranged from the norms and rules underpinning the international system, to the implications of AI and autonomous weapons systems in modern warfare.
Furthermore, the AIES participated once more as security track reporting partner at the European Forum Alpbach during the Austria in Europa Days, where it contributed to analyses and insights from one of Europe’s most important platforms for political, economic and societal dialogue. From August 21-29, 2025, discussions revolved around the theme "Recharge Europe." The AIES delegation included Director Michael Zinkanell, Senior Research Fellow Christoph Schwarz, Research Fellows Ulf Steindl and Nick Nieschalke, and Research Associate Adam Urosevic. The AIES team also contributed through presentations and moderations. Throughout eight days, discussions focused on the reassessment of military threats, the legal interpretation of collective defence clauses in the EU and NATO and the transformation of Austria’s defence policy since 2022. It also examined how Europe can strengthen its collective defence capabilities and whether deeper defence integration would limit or, on the contrary, enhance national sovereignty and safety.
The AIES also hosted the 29th European Forum Vienna, continuing with a long-standing tradition of fostering high level discussions on Europe’s role in a rapidly changing global order. The forum was held under the motto "Europe's New Responsibility” and brought together international experts to discuss Europe's role amid growing security threats and an increasingly unstable geopolitical landscape. Discussions addressed pressing issues including the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict, the development of an independent pan-European security architecture and perspectives from different European regions. The 29th European Forum attracted over 350 participants, along with many additional viewers via live stream. The event offered a unique opportunity for in-depth debates, valuable insights and meaningful exchanges with an engaged audience.
Together, these activities demonstrate our continued effort and commitment for evidence-based policy analysis and international cooperation. From events and publications to media engagement and new formats such as podcasts, the AIES has consistently worked to translate research into dialogue and dialogue into policy-relevant insight. This collective impact not only reflects the breadth of the institute’s work in 2025, but also sets a strong foundation for continued engagement and innovation.
The team is excited to continue to make an impact throughout 2026, with highlights such as the 30th anniversary of the European Forum ahead.
29th European Forum Vienna
European Forum Alpbach 2025
Related Events
29th European Forum Vienna: Europe's New Responsibility
07.11.2025 / RECAP
Neutrality when it really counts
22.10.2025 / What if we are attacked?
"Recharge Europe"
21.08.2025 / The AIES at the European Forum Alpbach 2025