By Carlotta Segre
In April, Vienna hosted a memorable event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the European Buddhist Union (EBU), a significant milestone in the history of Buddhism in Europe. This special gathering brought together representatives from across the continent to reflect on five decades of spiritual growth, collaboration, and cultural exchange within the Buddhist community.
The conference Buddhism 2075 provided a platform for introspection and forward-looking discussions, thanks to the contributions of keynote speakers Stephen Batchelor, Ven. Bhikkhunī Dhammadinnā, Peter D. Hershock, Gábor Karsai, and Ioana Spataru.
The anniversary in numbers
- 121 participants
- 80 different Buddhist organizations and associations
- 13 national Buddhist unions
- 16 nations represented
The anniversary event was marked by a lively and diverse assembly, underscoring both the unity and the diversity that characterize the European Buddhist landscape. The meeting revealed how Buddhism in Europe today is distinguished by an unprecedented diversity of traditions: within just a few minutes in a Western city, one can encounter Theravāda, Zen, and Tibetan practitioners — something rarely found in traditional Buddhist countries. This diversity fosters not only dialogue, but also deep reflection on Buddhist identity in a modern and postmodern world.
A crossroads — and a transmodern vision
Fifty years after its formal establishment in Europe, Buddhism finds itself at a crossroads. Its future will depend on its ability to embrace diversity, recover spiritual and ecological depth, and foster inclusive, dialogical communities. Many Buddhists are now moving towards transmodernism — a vision that combines scientific inquiry with spirituality, ecological awareness, and pluralism, in which activism, climate justice, and social engagement are not separate from the spiritual path but integral to it.
A transmodern sangha would not only practice meditation or study sacred texts — it would live the Dharma through activism, compassion, shared responsibility, and cultural inclusivity. Ultimately, the task is to build a European Buddhism that is pluralistic, contemplative, embodied, and deeply connected to the world.
About the author
Carlotta Segre is a member of the EBU Council, with a strong background in international relations and the United Nations and a longstanding commitment to peace, compassion and interfaith dialogue.
This article first appeared in EBU Magazine #14 – Celebrating 50 Years of the European Buddhist Union (Winter 2025). Download the full issue as PDF or browse all issues.