Europe needs to get back on track.
Inflation, high national debt, lack of political unity, increasing social hotspots, lack of social cohesion: What holds Europe together? What brings Europe forward?

The 22. Vienna Congress 2025 deals with the top priorities for Europe. What do locations have to do to most effectively ensure competitiveness, growth and prosperity? How to establish a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship? How can we build bridges in our divided society and revive constructive discourse? What needs to be done in the field of education and science to empower future innovators? How can we develop and use AI systems in a way that benefits society while minimizing the risk of negative consequences?  On these and other burning questions international experts will provide clear answers. The results and key findings will be summarized in the final document of the 22^nd Vienna Congress 2025: the Vienna Declaration 2025.

Focus Topic I : Competitiveness, Growth and Prosperity: Key Priorities for Europe

The development of the economy in Europe is anything but encouraging. How can Europe return to a path of growth and ensure prosperity? What actions and strategies are needed to regain competitiveness? Do we need more evidence-based policy instead of policy based on ideology? How can Europe attract more foreign investments? What do we have to do to prevent companies from leaving Europe? How crucial is the healthcare system as a factor for successful location- and economic development? Are regions the necessary complement to a transnationally drafted world? Must economy and politics increasingly operate in regional categories? This thematic block will focus on the key priorities for a better Europe: bureaucracy reduction, expansion of infrastructure, improvement of the healthcare system, reducing the tax burden, education policy, availability of skilled labour, strengthening work morale, securing access to energy and raw materials at competitive prices and reducing strategic dependencies in key sectors.

Focus Topic II : Building Bridges in a Divided Society

Public discourse is increasingly perceived as being characterized by extreme positions. Recent media narratives and political campaigns often confront topics in a “black or white” way of thinking. Constructive dialogue is disappearing. Furthermore, disinformation has become a serious concern for societal cohesion and stability. Social media and new technologies such as AI have increased the scale and speed with which false or misleading information can reach its intended or unintended audiences. How can we build bridges in our divided society and revive constructive discourse? What is necessary to strengthen trust in political and media institutions? How can we regulate or reduce disinformation without restricting freedom of speech?

Focus Topic III : AI: Pandora´s Box or Universal Problem-Solver?

Is AI “good” or “bad”? AI has begun to revolutionize industries. In healthcare, AI systems can detect diseases like cancer earlier and more accurately than human doctors and are leading to rapid advancements in medical diagnostics. However, the benefits of AI depend on how it is designed and governed. Without adequate ethical oversight, AI can unleash risks that may also undermine societal stability. Are we as a society sufficiently prepared for the rapid technological development of AI? How can we develop and use AI systems in a way that benefits society while minimizing the risk of negative consequences? How does AI change education and pedagogy to prepare the young for a future job market? What are the main risks and opportunities of AI?

Focus Topic IV : Competitiveness and the role of science, innovation and education

In today´s rapidly evolving world, nations need to recognize the role of science and education in driving economic growth, innovation and global competitiveness. What needs to be done in the fields of education and science to empower future innovators? What is necessary to develop a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the modern economy? How to establish a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship? How to foster the collaboration between academia, industry and government? How crucial is nurturing a culture of lifelong learning when it comes to empowering citizens to remain competitive in an ever-evolving global landscape?