Climate, biodiversity, autonomy and the future of the Alps — these were the keywords that animated Bozen/Bolzano/Bulsan from 4 to 6 July 2025, as the city played host to the second stage of the Euregio Academy.
Organised and coordinated by the Center for Autonomy Experience and the Institute for Minority Rights of Eurac Research, the event brought together 25 young changemakers from Tyrol, South Tyrol and Trentino to explore the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the Alpine region — and Europe as a whole.
For three days, Bozen/Bolzano/Bulsan became a vibrant hub of interdisciplinary dialogue, where science, policy and civic engagement merged across languages and borders. From the historic Waaghaus to the green Eurac garden, from the slopes of Oberbozen/Soprabolzano to the collections of the Museum of Nature South Tyrol, the programme unfolded as a journey through climate strategies, territorial sustainability, and inclusive governance.
From Climate Strategies to Cultural Autonomy
Day one opened with institutional greetings and a high-level climate session featuring representatives from the three Euregio regions, who presented and compared their respective Climate Plans.
Day two shifted the focus to concrete action: Marc Zebisch discussed climate change in the Alps, Steffi Misconel explored renewable energy and monitoring systems, and Francesca Vallefuoco led a hands-on biodiversity demo using live samples from the Talvera river.
But one of the most inspiring moments came in Oberbozen/Soprabolzano, during the session curated by the Center for Autonomy Experience.
Erjon Zeqo’s talk on “Autonomy for a Sustainable Future”, followed by Günther Rautz’s presentation “Minority Protection: Impact on Society”, sparked a lively and thoughtful exchange on how autonomy and minority rights can drive resilience, coexistence and inclusive territorial development.
Experience, Exchange, and Alpine Energy
The Academy’s magic lies in its format: immersive, multilingual, and hands-on. Social events such as a live music dinner in the Eurac garden and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum of Nature added layers of connection and curiosity to the experience.
From policy frameworks to riverbeds, from biodiversity to pluralism, the Bozen/Bolzano/Bulsan edition highlighted how local knowledge, youth perspective, and cross-border cooperation can shape a more sustainable and cohesive future for the Alpine region.
Next Stop: Alpbach
The Euregio Academy will conclude in Alpbach (Tyrol) from 16 to 18 August 2025, as part of the Euregio Days at the European Forum Alpbach. There, the focus will shift to the European scale — with themes such as competitiveness, democracy, and the Green Deal on the table.
One thing is clear: the future of the Alps is already in motion — and these young voices are helping to steer it.
A heartfelt thank-you to all speakers, facilitators, partners and participants for making the Bozen/Bolzano/Bulsan stage a milestone of learning, connection and vision.