- Alpine expedition of the EUSALP Youth Council from 10 to 12 July
- Exciting programme including a glacier hike with glaciologist and Tyrolean of the Year 2024 Andrea Fischer as a highlight
- 28 young people from the Alpine countries actively shaping future-oriented policy through the Youth Council
- Circular economy, sustainable energy and mobility in focus
With hiking boots, a broad vision and a strong desire to participate: 28 committed young adults from the seven Alpine countries of Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are currently travelling through Tyrol at the invitation of Governor Anton Mattle. All of them are members of the newly elected Youth Council of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP), where they actively contribute to shaping the future of the Alpine countries. Yesterday, Thursday, marked the start of their first meeting as part of a three-day Alpine expedition. One of the programme highlights is a glacier expedition with the glaciologist, Scientist of the Year 2023 and Tyrolean of the Year 2024 Andrea Fischer. The programme also includes a hike and various workshops. The first item on the agenda was a visit to the Illwerke hydropower facilities in Vorarlberg, together with the President of the Landtag of Vorarlberg, Harald Sonderegger.
During their joint presidency in 2025, the two current chairing countries, Austria and Liechtenstein, are placing particular emphasis on circular economy, sustainable energy and mobility, as well as youth participation.
“It is important to strengthen the voice of young people in the Alpine region and to promote their active involvement. During our presidency, we are therefore deliberately placing a strong focus on youth participation. The Youth Council offers young people an outstanding opportunity to work together across national borders, to contribute their perspectives and not only to experience political decision-making at first hand, but also to help shape it. In this way, they are not only heard, but take on responsibility and actively contribute to shaping the future of the Alps. I am all the more pleased to be able to welcome the newly elected Youth Council here in Tyrol. This special and personal setting creates the basis for strong cooperation in the spirit of the Alpine region,” said Governor Mattle, noting that since its establishment in 2018 the Youth Council has been regarded as a flagship model for European youth participation.
Opening event at over 2,000 metres above sea level
Following their arrival at the Bielerhöhe in the Montafon, the programme on Thursday already included a guided tour of the Vorarlberg Illwerke, offering practical insights into hydropower use and sustainable energy generation. This was followed by a joint hike to the Jamtal Hut in Galtür. Surrounded by a high-Alpine landscape, the young participants exchanged views on their concerns and ideas relating to the Alpine region during workshops and team-building activities. Today, Friday, a scientifically guided glacier hike across the glacier moraine to the edge of the ice is taking place with the renowned glaciologist Professor Andrea Fischer. “Standing on a glacier means seeing climate change with your own eyes. That changes perspectives. Young people in particular have a keen sense of the urgency of these issues — this direct exchange with nature and with one another is immensely valuable,” Fischer explained.
About the Youth Council — further youth formats planned for 2025
Twenty-eight young adults aged between 18 and 29 represent the interests of the younger generation from the seven Alpine countries. Austria is represented on the Youth Council for 2025/26 by Anna Schweinstetter, Amelie Riedl, Nicolai Gessl and Philipp Auberger. During their one-year mandate, they contribute their perspectives to political processes, take part in committee meetings and actively help shape content. The Youth Council promotes intercultural exchange, strengthens understanding of regional and European contexts and inspires enthusiasm for active engagement in the Alpine region.
In addition to the Alpine expedition, further youth formats and participation opportunities are planned as part of the 2025 presidency — including workshops, projects such as “Pitch your project”, and active involvement in the EUSALP Annual Forum on 25 November in Innsbruck. In this way, the EUSALP Youth Council sends a strong signal in favour of intergenerational equity, the preservation of the Alpine natural and cultural environment, and the future viability of European regional policy.
Further information is available at: www.alpine-region.eu/alpine-youth