Top-class start: Austria's future in the shadow of populism

Top-class start: Austria's future in the shadow of populism

On August 26, 2025, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs opened the final module of the Austria in Europe Days. This event recreated Austria's three-year commitment within the EU and highlighted its role in Europe's changing framework.

The “First European Night” had a high priority on Monday evening, with participants from the areas of business, politics and society. Interest is shown in the challenges that affect Europe today. Around three quarters of the Austrian federal government took part in the Austria in Europe Days, which were held as the fifth and final module of the European Forum Alpbach (EFA25).

Warning against populism

Van der Bellen took the opportunity to urgently warn about the dangers of populism. He emphasized the importance of democracy and the rule of law and called for an active engagement with populist movements. “We must work for an open and inclusive society,” emphasized the Federal President. In doing so, he points to the need for a committed and capable Europe, as Othmar Karas, President of the European Forum Alpbach, noted in his opening speech.

Given current developments in various European countries, such as the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland, where populist parties have taken power, he expressed concern about the erosion of the rule of law and the increased persecution of minorities. This is also reflected in the results of an EU-funded project examining the dangers of populism and analyzing interactions with local cultures, as described in the article by CORDIS explained.

Invitation to discussion

The discussions at the Austria in Europe Days brought together a variety of opinions. Among others, European Minister Claudia Plakolm, Business Europe Director General Markus Beyrer and former Federal Chancellor Christian Kern took part. The opening was led by Sarah Wheaton, Politico's chief political correspondent. Prominent guests such as Ruth Moss, Gerald Eder and Anca Eisner-Schwarz from Crif were also represented in Alpbach.

Populism is increasingly emerging as a serious threat to democratic values ​​in Europe. Richard Mole, professor of political sociology, explains that populist forces do not represent the interests of all citizens. The rise of such trends is also creating divisions in society and increasing feelings of persecution among certain groups, including women, migrants and LGBT people.

For the future of Europe, the commitment to education and information about rights and duties in democracy is essential. This is the only way society can be armed against the temptations of populism and the dangers associated with it.