• A unique European network to develop innovative strategies for a strong and resilient Europe to start in 2026, in Vienna
• Alexander Schallenberg appointed President
  
  

Vienna, 24 June, 2025 – In recent years, Europe has faced a series of profound stress tests: the pandemic, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the realignment of the security architecture amid shifting geopolitical power dynamics, and the rise of anti-European and anti-democratic parties have fundamentally reshaped the political landscape. Additionally, the aging of European societies, migration movements, and rapid technological transformation are raising new security and societal challenges. These developments make one thing clear: Europe must reinvent itself.

This is the founding impetus behind the Europe’s Futures Initiative (EFI). Operating from Vienna, EFI will serve as a catalyst for all of Europe developing concrete, forward-looking solutions to the most pressing political and societal issues of our time. Beginning in January 2026, experts from across the continent will use academic research to craft practical proposals for civil society and policymakers, and present them for public debate. The initiative is grounded in Europe’s core values: freedom and democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. It will take fresh ideas to safeguard and strengthen these values.

The Europe’s Futures Initiative to be Members Led

The initiative builds on the successful »Europe’s Futures« fellowship program. Since 2018, this programme, launched by ERSTE Foundation and the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM), has brought together distinguished individuals from academia, journalism, civil society, and think tanks across Europe as fellows. This network forms the backbone of the Europe’s Futures Initiative. Unlike other institutions, EFI will be shaped and driven by its future members, who will determine its content and projects. It will become a platform for experts, academics, and changemakers who are internationally embedded in various institutions but will find in Vienna a new focal point for encounter and collaboration.

»The Europe’s Futures Initiative will create a space where some of the continent’s brightest minds can work together from Vienna on shaping Europe’s future. Its clear mandate is to contribute with new, creative approaches—from North to South, from West to East—while placing a particular emphasis on Central, Southern, and Eastern Europe,« said Boris Marte, CEO of ERSTE Foundation. The Europe’s Futures Initiative was initiated by the ERSTE Foundation and will operate as an independent institution. It will be led operationally by a Director. A Board will oversee finances, governance, and strategic direction.

Alexander Schallenberg to be President of the Board

Alexander Schallenberg, former Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister, has been appointed President of the Board. »We are delighted to have secured such an eminent political figure and seasoned champion of a free, democratic Europe, who holds Central, Southern, and Eastern Europe especially close to his heart, for the role of President in this newly established institution,« said Boris Marte.

»I am honored to take on this new role. Especially in times like these, when long-held certainties are fading, this initiative can provide vital momentum. Europe’s way of life and economic model are under increasing pressure. We must therefore resolutely defend strong democracies, open market economies, and pluralistic societies,« said Alexander Schallenberg, President of the Europe’s Futures Initiative.

The Director of EFI will be appointed in the coming months. The organisation is expected to be fully established by the end of the year.