"Europe's Futures Initiative": Schallenberg Becomes President of New Think Tank in Vienna

The ERSTE Foundation announced in a press release on Tuesday that the "Europe's Futures Initiative" (EFI) will start working on concepts for a strong and free Europe in Vienna next year. Schallenberg will take on the role of president, and a director will be appointed in the coming months.

Think Tank "Europe's Futures Initiative" to Connect Experts from Across Europe

The organization is expected to be fully established by the end of the year. It builds on the "Europe's Futures" fellowship program, which for seven years has made selected individuals from academia, journalism, civil society, and think tanks into fellows. The program was supported by the ERSTE Foundation and the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM). The network thus created is the core of the EFI, which, unlike other institutions, is supported by its future members. Experts from all parts of Europe are expected to develop practical proposals for civil society and politics based on scientific research starting in January 2026 and also present them for public discussion, according to the press release. The foundation of the activities is the central European values of freedom, democracy, rule of law, and human rights.

"Some of the Brightest Minds on the Continent" to Be Onboard

"The Europe's Futures Initiative will create the space as an institution for some of the brightest minds on the continent to work together on the future of Europe from Vienna. It has the clear mandate to help shape this with new, creative approaches from north to south, from west to east, and of course to include Central, Southern, and Eastern Europe," emphasized Boris Marte, CEO of the ERSTE Foundation. With Schallenberg, they have gained "an experienced advocate for a free, democratic Europe" for the presidency, "who has a particular interest in Central, Southern, and Eastern Europe." Schallenberg expressed being "honored" by his new role. "Especially in times like these, when familiar certainties are fading, this initiative can provide important impulses. The European way of life and economic model is increasingly under pressure. We must therefore resolutely advocate for strong democracies, open market economies, and pluralistic societies," emphasized the new president of the EFI.

(APA/Red)

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