"How Europe Wins"
The AIES at the European Forum Alpbach 2026
Aug 31, 2026 / Alpbach / EU Affairs / European Security and Defence
The AIES is pleased to be represented at the European Forum Alpbach again this year. The 2026 Forum will be held under the annual theme “How Europe Wins” and will focus on how Europe can succeed in key areas. Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, the Forum will center on questions regarding Europe’s capacity to act, its ability to assert itself in security policy, and the relationship between technology, infrastructure, and society.
The AIES team will be in Alpbach from August 31 to September 4, contributing its expertise to several sessions focused on security policy. Here is an overview of AIES’s contributions to the 2026 European Forum Alpbach:
Ukraine as Europe’s Stress Test
Ukraine has become the arena in which Europe’s strategic capacity for action is being put to the test in real time. The panel will explore what decisions in the areas of security, social cohesion, economic resilience, and democratic governance reveal about the strengths and limitations of current European approaches. Michael Zinkanell-Süss will moderate the discussion.
Executive Talk: International Cooperation, Local Solutions – The Power of Cities
City partnerships are becoming increasingly important as a tool for international cooperation. The Executive Talk will explore how municipal cooperation is evolving beyond traditional diplomacy, strengthening international relations, and promoting the exchange of innovative solutions for public services. Michael Zinkanell-Süss will participate as a speaker.
Fireside Chat: The Gray Areas of Neutrality – How Hybrid Threats Challenge an Established Concept
In collaboration with Club Alpbach Switzerland and Club Alpbach Vorarlberg, this Fireside Chat explores how hybrid threats are putting pressure on the established concept of neutrality. Michael Zinkanell-Süss and Christoph Schwarz will serve as speakers. Nives Anna Häfliger will organize and moderate the event.
Europe’s Role in an Era of Geopolitical Upheaval
The international order is eroding, and with armed conflicts, geopolitical power shifts, and the end of old certainties, Europe faces new challenges. The panel brings together European and international voices to discuss what role Europe can play during this period of upheaval and how existing partnerships can be strengthened and new alliances forged. Michael Zinkanell-Süss will participate in the discussion.
Track Forum: Security
The Track Forum provides a space for participants in the Security Track to exchange ideas and discuss the program’s highlights and key controversies to date. Christoph Schwarz will contribute AIES expertise to the discussion.
Executive Talk: Global Terrorism – Emerging Threats and Challenges
The Executive Talk will address the evolution of the global terrorism landscape, the current state of Salafist-jihadist organizations, and the impact of the recent U.S.-Iran conflict on regional stability. The discussion will also cover the role of new technologies in enhancing the capabilities of violent non-state actors and the implications of the U.S. counterterrorism strategy for European security. Michael Zinkanell-Süss will participate in the discussion.
Fireside Chat: Technology & Democracy
Nick Nieschalke will participate as a speaker in this fireside chat on the relationship between technology and democracy.
The complete program for the 2026 Alpbach European Forum can be found here: https://www.alpbach.org/event/programme
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