VIENNA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- European Forum Alpbach, Austria's answer to the World Economic Forum in Davos, opened on Monday in the western Austrian town of Alpbach.
Themed "The New Europe," this year's forum focuses on the climate, security, finance and democracy. About 4,000 participants are expected to attend the event, which will run until Sept. 2.
In his opening address, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer urged restraint amid rising tensions in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He also reiterated calls for continuing negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. ■