Europe Days 2024: Austria and Europe – Onwards to the next 30 years

Program of the European Days

 

The 2024 European Days offered a diverse program that included informative lectures, practical discussions, and interactive workshops. This year's focus was on the future of agriculture, the energy transition, and the role of artificial intelligence, as well as how Europe can remain strong and future-proof in the coming decades.

 

In addition to renowned experts from business and politics, participants were also able to gain practical insights. For example, practitioners like Michael Windberger reported on market gardening and vegetable cultivation in Schladming, and Christina Bauer spoke about "green cuisine" and baking with natural ingredients.

(Michael Windberger)

 

The following topics were covered at this year's European Days

Future of Europe

• Video message from Mag. Norbert Totschnig
• European elections 2024 - Consequences for agriculture and forestry (DI Verena Scherfranz)

 

 

Future of Agriculture

• Future of agriculture in Austria - Results and implementation strategies of Vision 2028+ (DI Mathias Janko)
• The future of small-scale agriculture - What we can learn from successful farmers (Prof. Dr. Leopold Kirner)
• Market Gardening - A small plot of land full of vegetables at 960m altitude on a mountain (Michael Windberger)
• Interviewwith Christina Bauer "Baking with Christina"

Design Food and New Breeding Methods - Curse or Blessing?

• Future of nutrition - From laboratory meat to insect burgers? (Mag. Dr. Fritz Driver)
• Green genetic engineering in agricultural production – (un)founded skepticism? (Em.O.Univ.-Prof. Dr. Josef Glößl)
• Interview with Christian Obenaus - Raumberg-Seefeld Alumni Association

Spatial planning, energy transition, green financing

• Land policy, vacancy and renovation culture (DI Caroline Rodlauer)
• Energy cooperatives / energy communities (MSC Kurt Leonhartsberger)
• 100% Renewable Energy in the Electricity System - European and National Requirements (DI Mag. Gerhard Christiner)
• Green - Financing (MMag. Dr. Michael Laminger)

The role of AI in digital transformation

• Artificial Intelligence - Current Status and Future Challenges (FH-Prof. Priv.-Doz DI Dr. Bernhard Knapp)
• Digital Transformation using the banking sector as an example (Mag. Dr. Ariane Pfleger)
• Digital future opportunities in the forest (Dr. Gerhard Pelzmann)
• Austria and Europe - Onwards to the next 30 years (Dr. Josef Riegler)

Insieme Groups

A key element of the 2024 European Days was the networking groups. These offered participants the opportunity to engage directly with experts and speakers and ask their questions on current topics. Afterwards, the topics discussed were presented to the other groups in the Grimming Hall.

Participation by the students of the HBLFA

A particular highlight was the participation of around 100 students from the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein in shaping the program. In two workshops, they developed ideas and topics that were directly integrated into the event – ​​a testament to the young generation's commitment to the discussion about the future of Europe. Prior to the event, a delegation also visited Brussels. Here are some impressions from that trip:

 

 

Closing lecture: “Austria and Europe – Onwards to the next 30 years”

To conclude the European Days, former Vice Chancellor Dr. Josef Riegler gave a lecture outlining his visions for the next 30 years of Austria and Europe. This thought-provoking lecture provided participants with valuable insights for the future.

(Dr. Josef Riegler)

Culinary highlights and cultural program

The 2024 European Days concluded with a culinary event showcasing organic cuisine from the HBLFA 's own production. In the evening, a panel discussion was followed by a cultural program that will remain a lasting memory for the participants.

 

(Nora and Peter Mayer)

 

The 2024 European Days were a resounding success and demonstrated once again the importance of dialogue and cooperation at the European level. We thank all the speakers and engaged participants for their valuable contributions and look forward to the coming years!

 

For data protection reasons, we are unfortunately no longer able to offer lectures

 

Photo gallery of the European Days

 

We thank our sponsors for their support