Salzburg Europe Summit: Europe and Hope

From 28 to 30 September 2025, the renowned SALZBURG EUROPE SUMMIT (SES) took place in Mozart’s city. The event was and is organised by the Institute of Regions, founded by the chairman of our honorary knights, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Franz Schausberger, who also initiated this conference more than 21 years ago.

For the first time, the Order of St. George, as a partner of the SES, contributed to the programme on the opening day in the form of a colloquium, which was undoubtedly one of the highlights of this year’s summit. Among the guests in the Herbert von Karajan Hall, which was filled to capacity, were numerous Dames and Knights of the Order from all over Europe, as well as former Federal Minister Dr. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Ukrainian Ambassador Dr. Vasyl Khymynets and many personalities from politics, diplomacy and the economy.

Under the confident guidance of renowned journalist and presenter Claudia Reiterer, Bishop Dr. Bohdan Dzyurakh CSsR, Grand Master Karl von Habsburg, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands Prof. Dr. jur. Jan Pieter Balkenende, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Kristin de Troyer, BA., MA., Dr. phil. David Engels and former Governor Univ. Prof. Dr. Franz Schausberger discussed the topic ‘Integrity, Direction, Hope – Why the European Union Must Rediscover Its Values and How It Can Achieve This’. The content for the panel discussion was provided by our Procurator Baron Vinzenz von Stimpfl-Abele, who pointedly addressed the Europe of contradictions in his highly acclaimed keynote speech.

The informative and inspiring evening came to a festive close with a reception at the residence, hosted by Provincial Governor Mag. Karoline Edtstadler and Mayor of the provincial capital Bernhard Auinger.

Photos: Florian Feuchtner

With the kind support of