King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium recently attended an informal gathering of European royals and state leaders in the stunning Austrian Alps. This meeting, part of a series focused on major European challenges, took place in Innsbruck and Alpbach on September 1-2, 2026, featuring heads of state from Belgium, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
The gathering, hosted by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, included a working lunch discussing pressing European issues. Notably, the group visited the Stubai Glacier to witness firsthand the impacts of climate change on the Alpine region. The visit to the glacier, situated over 10,500 feet above sea level, allowed the leaders to engage with climate experts on the challenges facing this environment.
Prominent figures at the gathering included Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Guillaume, Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and others, marking a royal rendezvous high in the mountains. The agenda also included discussions on Europe’s future, emphasizing themes such as collaboration and cohesion, with sessions linked to the European Forum Alpbach’s 2026 theme, “How Europe Wins.”
This annual tradition, which began in 2004, rotates among the participating countries, with the last Austrian hosting in 2019. For King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, the setting served as a poignant backdrop for important discussions regarding climate change and international cooperation.
