Tyrol Day at the Alpbach Forum: Kompatscher voices concern over AfD election victory

Governor Arno Kompatscher used the stage to point to the upcoming state election in a German federal state. He voiced concern that the AfD could achieve a clear election victory there on 6 September. Kompatscher referred to the cross-border responsibility of European regions for democracy and the rule of law.

Political concerns ahead of the election

The event was attended by representatives of the European People's Party (ÖVP) and other parties from the region. Discussions covered, among other topics, the impact of the shift to the right on cooperation within the European Union and the future direction of European migration policy. EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner also took part in panel discussions.

Tyrol Day is considered one of the most important gatherings of the political elites from the three constituent parts of Tyrol, South Tyrol, and Trentino. This year's edition focused on closer cross-border cooperation on energy policy, mobility, and climate protection issues. Representatives of Italy's Lega party also took part in the discussions.

Economic initiatives and cross-border projects

Kompatscher stressed that the results of the state election in Germany could also have direct effects on neighbouring regions. The growing polarisation in Europe posed new challenges to regional cooperation, the governor added.

Alongside the political discussions, economic initiatives were also presented at Tyrol Day. Several companies from Tyrol–South Tyrol–Trentino presented their plans for cross-border projects. Start-ups from the Alpine region were also given the opportunity to present themselves to investors.

Outlook on the remaining programme

The European Forum Alpbach continues until the end of August. The second half of the week features further high-profile panel discussions and lectures on the programme. Tyrol Day was traditionally the day on which the regional dimension of Europe took centre stage.

Organisers expressed satisfaction with the course of Tyrol Day. The response to the event had met with great interest both from political representatives and from civil society, according to the organisers.

Overall, Tyrol Day underscored the importance of the region as a laboratory for European integration. Kompatscher called for maintaining dialogue between the regions even in politically difficult times.