How Europe Wins
The AIES at the European Forum Alpbach 2026
Aug 31, 2026 / Alpbach / EU Affairs / European Security and Defence
From August 24 to September 4, 2026, the Austria Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES) attended the European Forum Alpbach 2026 (EFA26) under the general theme "How Europe Wins", represented by Director Michael Zinkanell-Süss, Senior Research Fellow Christoph Schwarz, Research Fellow Nick Nieschalke, as well as Nives Anna Häfliger, Leopold Schmertzing, and Michael Reiterer.
For the fourth consecutive year, the AIES accompanied the European Forum Alpbach as a strategic partner. During the Conference Days, the AIES team contributed to the forum with its own inputs, presentations, and moderations on some of the most pressing questions of European security policy.
How Europe Wins: The Ukrainian Perspective
Director Michael Zinkanell-Süss moderated the panel discussion on the lessons Ukraine holds for Europe's future. Together with experts including Kateryna Mykhalko, Kurt Volker, Davide La Cecilia, and Yevhen Hlibovytsky, the panel conducted a solution-oriented analysis of what Europe can learn from Ukraine and identified concrete measures for the next twelve months.
The discussion focused on Europe's underestimation of the urgency of the threat, the lessons of modern warfare as well as increased pressure on Russia's finances and closer cooperation with Ukraine's defence industry.
Europe's Role in an Era of Geopolitical Upheaval
Director Michael Zinkanell-Süss took part in the panel discussion "Europe's Role in an Era of Geopolitical Upheaval". Together with other experts such as Cathryn Clüver Ashbrook, Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan, Spencer Faragasso, and Sebastian Swoboda, he examined Europe's strategic positioning in a changing international order.
In his contributions, Michael Zinkanell-Süss raised the critical question of whether a divided EU can transform itself into a capable geopolitical actor and whether Europeans are truly willing to defend their democracy. The discussion also focused on the future of transatlantic relations and the significance of the EU–India free trade agreement.
Fireside Chat: Hybrid Threats and Neutrality
In a Fireside Chat organised by Nives Häfliger, Director Michael Zinkanell-Süss outlined the threat landscape of hybrid attacks and their impact on the security and sovereignty of neutral states. Christoph Schwarz examined how hybrid threats challenge the conventional understanding of neutrality. The exchange with Dr. Simon Sagmeister and Dominik Belser offered diverse perspectives on one of the central security policy challenges facing Austria, Switzerland and Europe.
Executive Talk: City Partnerships
Director Michael Zinkanell-Süss also took part as a speaker in an Executive Talk on city partnerships as an instrument of international cooperation. The discussion examined how municipal cooperation is growing beyond traditional diplomacy, strengthening international relations, and fostering the exchange of innovative solutions for public services.
Further Contributions of the AIES Team
Beyond these sessions, Director Michael Zinkanell-Süss spoke on China's role in a changing world. Senior Research Fellow Christoph Schwarz contributed to the Security Track Forum, while Research Fellow Nick Nieschalke took part in a Fireside Chat on the intersection of technology and democracy.
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