Aisling Dempsey
Question:17. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on her attendance at the European Forum Alpbach 2026. [69011/26]
View answerThursday, 1 October 2026
Questions (17)
Written answers
I participated in the high-level political sessions of the European Forum Alpbach 2026 in Austria on 31 August and 1 September. The annual forum brings together policy makers, academics, business leaders, civil society and young people to discuss the major themes of the day and to reflect on Europe’s place in the wider world. Among those attending this year’s forum were the former Prime Minister of Italy, Enrico Letta, author of the ‘Letta Report’, and the former Director General of the WTO, Pascal Lamy. The Alpbach Forum provided a valuable opportunity to meet informally with them as well as with other senior Ministers and business leaders. During the course of my engagements at the forum, I highlighted Ireland's Presidency priorities and outlined the work we are doing to move this agenda forward.
The theme of this year’s forum was "How Europe Wins”, with a particular focus on competitiveness. This resonates strongly with the priorities we have set for ourselves during our Presidency of the Council of the European Union. During these six months, we are working with full commitment to ensure that Europe prospers economically and is a place where its people can build a strong future for their families and communities.
During my attendance at the Alpbach Forum, I participated in a round table discussion titled “Competing in a Changing World – What's Next for Europe?” with my counterparts from Austria, Poland and the UK. My fellow Ministers and I had a very useful and comprehensive exchange of views on a wide range of issues including EU enlargement, competitiveness and the future of Europe, all priority areas for the Irish Presidency. With outreach to young people being a particular focus of our Presidency, it was very encouraging and positive that so many students were in attendance.
I also took part in a discussion on European competitiveness with an audience of senior CEOs and executives from Austria as well as having a constructive meeting with my UK counterpart where we discussed EU-UK relations.