Hannes Heide

Hannes Heide is an Austrian cultural manager, former mayor of the City of Bad Ischl (European Capital of Culture in 2024) and a Member of the European Parliament since 2019 (S&D). He is a member of the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) and substitute member of the Committees on Regional Development (REGI) and on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE).  In addition to his committee assignments, Heide is part of the Parliament’s delegation to the ACP–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.

He is a staunch advocate for regional development, culture and education and embodies the principles of solidarity, inclusion and active citizenship. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to empowering communities and fostering a strong sense of European belonging, making him an integral voice for the themes of the SNAC conference: volunteering, solidarity and sustainability.

“The EU must be closer to its people—visible, tangible and supportive of their everyday lives.”