2017

Vienna Economic Forum visits Novomatic AG

The President, DI Günther Rabensteiner and the Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum, Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, met with the CEO of Novomatic AG Mag. Harald Neumann, Vice President of Vienna Economic Forum on 11 December 2017 at Novomatic AG in Gumpoldskirchen, Lower Austria.

After a comprehensive and informative tour of the company, a new Cooperation Agreement was signed between Novomatic AG and Vienna Economic Forum in order to continue the existing cooperation and to carry on to shape the future of Vienna Economic Forum in an innovative and constructive manner. 

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Work Meeting with Aleksandar Vlahović, President of Serbian Association of Economists

At a constructive meeting on 9 December 2017 in Vienna, Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum and Mr. Aleksandar Vlahović, President of Serbian Association of Economists, reaffirmed their shared commitment to effective and pragmatic cooperation in the VEF region by signing a Memorandum of Understanding.

During this meeting, President Vlahović presented Vienna Economic Forum with the Certification of Appreciation together with the Successful Operation Award, which were awarded in honour of long-term cooperation and exceptional contribution to achieving programme objectives of the Serbian Association of Economists.

These high honours had been awarded to Vienna Economic Forum during the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of successful operation of Serbian Association of Economists in November 2017 in Belgrade.

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H.E. Mag. Ksenija Škrilec, Ambassador of Slovenia, at first official visit at Vienna Economic Forum

On the occasion of a first official visit on 15 November 2017, H.E. Mag. Ksenija Škrilec, Ambassador of Slovenia, and Secretary General Amb. Dr Elena Kirtcheva discussed the further intensive cooperation.

On behalf of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum, the Secretary General welcomed H.E. Amb. Mag. Ksenija Škrilec among her colleagues in the Ambassadors Committee of Vienna Economic Forum and awarded Her Excellency with the Vienna Economic Forum Badge of Honour.

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Working visit by CEO Petrol Ofisi A.Ş. and representatives of DEİK Turkey-Austria Business Council

Secretary-General Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva together with the board members of Vienna Economic Forum Mr. Ahmet Mesut Ersoy, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of DenizBank AG and Dr. Ludwig Nießen, Member of the Board, COO / CTO of Wiener Börse AG, welcomed Mrs. Gülsüm Azeri, CEO of Petrol Ofisi A.Ş., representative of the DEİK Turkey-Austria Business Council as well as of the Turkish Embassy in Austria on 28 September 2017 at the premises of Vienna Economic Forum.

In the course of the visit, a future cooperation and in-depth cooperation with Vienna Economic Forum was discussed, as well as potential joint projects for 2018.

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Press Release

New Bulgarian University Hosted an International Scientific and Practical Conference

„Power, Governance and Social Development“ (global, regional and national perspectives)

An International Scientific and Practical Conference was held on June 7 at the New Bulgarian University, during which the topic of “Power, Governance and Social Development” was discussed. The event, which attracted great interest, was organized by representatives of the Administration and Management Department.

During the opening, Prof. Antonyi Slavinski, Ph.D., Chairman of the NBU Board of Trustees, welcomed numerous guests, including leading international scientists, business managers, researchers, lecturers and experts from various public domains. 

Elena Kircheva, Ph.D., Secretary General of  Vienna Economic Forum ( VEF), and Vania Kastreva, Ph.D., former Deputy Minister of Education and Science, and Head of the Sofia Inspectorate of Education at the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) greeted the participants.

The goals set at the start of the international forum covered major issues. Some of these were related to proposals of conceptual schemes, parameters and theoretical and applied models for the various global risks - inequality and social cohesion, demographic crises, migration waves, employment; discussion on effective political, economic and governance models for integration into society - power mechanisms, integration, human capital, business environment, sustainable development and corporate social responsibility (CSR); elaboration of global, regional and national priorities and trends with economic, political, social, cultural and environmental dimensions.

The International Scientific and Practical Conference, which has become a tradition, is yet another proof that New Bulgarian University, a longstanding strategic partner of Vienna Economic Forum, is an institution that succeeds in finding the true pulse of the present and seeks effective solutions to current issues by identifying global, regional and national perspectives.

New Bulgarian University - „Power, Governance and Social Development“ 

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Mr Victor Osipov, designated Ambassador of Moldova, at a working visit at Vienna Economic Forum

On the occasion of a working visit on June 14th 2017, Mr Victor Osipov, designated Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova, and Secretary General, Amb. Dr Elena Kirtcheva discussed the further intensive cooperation.

On behalf of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum, the Secretary General awarded Mr Osipov with the Vienna Economic Forum Badge of Honour.

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Longstanding Strategic Partner of Vienna Economic Forum Dr. Akkan Suver receives "Special Merit Medal" by the President of Albania, H.E. Bujar Nishani

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(MARMARA GROUP STRATEGIC AND SOCIAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION)

The President of Albania, H.E. Mr Bujar Nishani, awarded the President of the Marmara Group Foundation, Dr. Akkan Suver, a longstanding strategic partner of the Vienna Economic Forum, with a "Special Merit Medal" for his contribution to peace and international understanding in the Balkans through his work with the Eurasian Economic Summits. During the medal ceremony, President Nishani stated that Dr. Akkan Suver is well aware of peace, stability and coexistence in the Balkans with a non-government organization that he is leading with great success. In his speech, Dr. Akkan Suver said; "I accept this medal as a medal given to all non-governmental organizations of the great Turkish nation.”

http://www.marmaragrubu.org/dr-akkan-suver-was-awarded-with-the-state-sign-of-albania

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The Executive President of Bulgarian Industrial Association Dr Bojidar Danev at a working visit at Vienna Economic Forum

The Executive President of Bulgarian Industrial Association, long-standing and active supporter of different activities of Vienna Economic Forum, Dr Bojidar Danev, accepted the Vienna Economic Forum Badge of Honour as a newly elected member of the Vienna Economic Forum Honorary Committee.

Dr Danev, whose visionary work is known and valued within the entire European Union, discussed in-depth with Secretary General Amb Dr Elena Kirtcheva new ideas and topics for the further successful development of the joint cooperation. 

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Vice President of OstWestWirtschaftsForum Bayern Mr Hermann Pönisch at a working visit at the premises of Vienna Economic Forum

On the occasion of a working visit at the Vienna Economic Forum on 24 May 2017, the Vice President of OstWestWirtschaftsForum Bayern (OWWF), Mr Hermann Pönisch, and the Secretary General Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva discussed the potential cooperation in the near future, which both parties would like to stipulate in a Memorandum of Understanding. 

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Prof. Dr. Ewald Nowotny, Governor of Austrian National Bank elected Honorary Member of Vienna Economic Forum

On 11 May 2017, Secretary General Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva and Governor of the Austrian National Bank Prof. Dr. Ewald Nowotny, who was elected Honorary Member of Vienna Economic Forum for his longstanding support at the last General Assembly, discussed the potential points of intersection of economy and politics and the more intensive cooperation in the near future.

Governor Prof. Dr. Nowotny also received with great pleasure the Vienna Economic Forum Badge of Honour.

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Dr Vladimir Penkov, Senior Partner and Chairman, Penkov Markov & Partners International Law Firm at a working visit to Vienna Economic Forum

Long-time member of Vienna Economic Forum Dr Vladimir Penkov, Senior Partner and Chairman, Penkov Markov & Partners International Law Firm and Secretary General Amb Dr Elena Kirtcheva continued the series of intensive talks on the regional, economic cooperation and the role of all Vienna Economic Forum members in the process. 

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Vienna Economic Forum Decoration for Amb Victor Jackovich, Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum

On 9 May 2017 the newly elected Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum Amb Victor Jackovich, President of Jackovich International LLC, USA and Secretary General Ambassador Dr Elena Kirtcheva discussed the active cooperation for further support of the economic development in the countries of the VEF-Region.

Special attention was being paid to 21-22 May 2017, the upcoming Vienna Economic Talks – Belgrade Meeting 2017 at which Amb Victor Jackovich will participate as Moderator of the First Evening Session “The Responsibility to be Regionally Connected” on 21 May 2017.

The Vienna Economic Forum Decoration which Members of the Board are handed, Amb Jackovich received with great pleasure.

The Team of Vienna Economic Forum gladly announces the date 6 November 2017 for the 14th Vienna Economic Forum - Vienna Future Dialogue 2017 – “Economy meets Politics: Ecounters and Controversies” and is asking Members and Partners to “save the date”. 

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New Horizons for Vienna Economic Forum

The newly elected president of Vienna Economic Forum DI Dr Günther Rabensteiner and Secretary General Ambassador Dr Elena Kirtcheva discussed at an intensive “tour d’ Horizon” – Talk on 8 May 2017 the success story of Vienna Economic Forum and the new challenges of present times for the economic development of the whole VEF-Region.

The Vienna Economic Forum team is glad to announce 6 November 2017 for the 14th Vienna Economic Forum – Vienna Future Dialogue 2017 - “Economy meets Politics" and is kindly asking members and partners to “save the date”. 

Kirtcheva Rabensteiner

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General Assembly of Vienna Economic Forum on 28 April 2017

The Annual General Assembly of Vienna Economic Forum took place at Novomatic Forum on 28 April 2017.

The numerous members of many VEF-Countries were informed of the activities of Vienna Economic Forum in 2016 and the planned events for 2017 by Secretary General Ambassador Dr Elena Kirtcheva.

Under the chairmanship of President, former Vice-Chancellor Dr Erhard Busek, following changes of the board and various organs of Vienna Economic Forum were unanimously decided:

Elected as new Members of the Board:

Dr Karl BLECHA, former Federal Minister of Interior of the Republic of Austria and Member of the Honorary Committee of Vienna Economic Forum, Dr Klaus LIEBSCHER, former Governor of Oesterreichische Nationalbank and Member of the Honorary Committee of Vienna Economic Forum, Amb Victor JACKOVICH, President of Jackovich International LLC, USA, Ms Polina CHRISTOVA, HYPO Noe Gruppe BANK AG, Mr Ahmet Mesut ERSOY, Member of the Board of DenizBank AG, Prof Dr Günther OFNER, Member of the Board of Flughafen Wien AG, Dr Ludwig NIESSEN, Member of the Board of Wiener Börse AG.

Dr Erhard Busek was elected as Honorary President of Vienna Economic Forum, succeeded by newly elected President of Vienna Economic Forum DI Dr Günther RABENSTEINER, Member of the Board of Verbund AG.

As new Vice-Presidents of Vienna Economic Foum, Mag Harald NEUMANN, CEO, Novomatic AG and Mag Hermann ANDERL, Managing Director CANON CEE GmbH were elected – together with Dr Ognian DONEV, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Director, Sopharma PLC as Vice-President, Mag Heinz MESSINGER, Managing Director, AME International GmbH as Financial Referent and Dr Elena KIRTCHEVA, as Secretary General and Member of the Board will continue to form the Chair of Vienna Economic Forum.

Vienna Economic Forum is very proud to have former President of the Republic of Austria Dr Heinz Fischer (2004-2016) as Patron of Vienna Economic Forum; new in the Patrons Committee is H.E. Mr Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Prime Minister of Croatia.

As Member of the Ambassadors Committee, H.E. Dr Ivan SIRAKOV, Ambassador of Bulgaria joined.

As new Members of the Honorary Committee were admitted:

Mr Hanno SORAVIA, CEO of CEE and SEE, Soravia Group, Founding Member of Vienna Economic Forum, KR Prof Waltraud STEINBÖCK, long-time media partner of Vienna Economic Forum, Honorary Konsul of the Philippines, Mr Bojidar DANEV, Executive President of Bulgarian Industrial Assocation, Prof Dr Vujica LAZOVIC, Member of Parliament of Montenegro, Ms Dragijana RANDONJIC-PETROVIC, Vice-President of Serbian Association of Economists, Prof Dr Ewald NOWOTNY, Governor of Oesterreichische Nationalbank.

As auditors of Vienna Economic Forum Mag Gregor Höpler, Head of Management Secretariat, Raiffeisen Bank International AG and Mag Ekkehart Stremitzer, Managing Director, AME International GmbH were re-elected.

As members of Court of Arbitration of Vienna Economic Forum KR Otto MUSILEK, MEC Management Energy Consulting, Mag Marika LEVENA, Strategic Advisor, European Comission and Dr Friedhelm BOSCHERT, Founder, MINDFUL SOLUTIONS and Executive Advisor, longtime Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum.

The team of Vienna Economic Forum thanks all Members and Partners for their support for the excellent development of numerous activities of the Forum inland and abroad and for the continuous trust! The successful history of this development motivates us to conquer new horizons!  

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 The CEO of smart technologies Dipl-Ing Hansjörg Tengg on a work visit at the premises of Vienna Economic Forum

Long-term member and supporter of Vienna Economic Forum, Dipl Ing Hansjörg Tengg, CEO of smart technologies Management, Beratungs-und Beteilgungsgesellschaft m.b.H. and Secretary General Amb Dr Elena Kirtcheva discussed intensely the successful development and future-oriented activities of Vienna Economic Forum for the good collaboration of the member countries, especially in the economic sector.

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Austrian Delegation at 20th Eurasian Economic Summit in Istanbul

Under the title “A Call for Humanity”, Marmara Group Strategic and Social Research Foundation, Strategic Partner of Vienna Economic Forum, invited to the 20th Eurasian Economic Summit in Istanbul.

Representatives of all continents of the world attended an excellently organised discussion and listened to high-level speakers – a world-renowned visionary writer Edward de Bodo, H.E. Abdullah Gül, 11th president of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Mehmet Simsek, Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Bujar Nishani, President of the Republic of Albania and H.E. Gjorge Invanov, President of the Republic of Macedonia were among the esteemed attendees.

The Austrian Delegation, represented by Federal President (2004 – 2016) Dr Heinz Fischer, Patron of Vienna Economic Forum, Dr Erhard Busek, former Vice-Chancellor and President of Vienna Economic Forum and Secretary General Amb Dr Elena Kirtcheva spoke about the issues: “The Future of European Union”, “Sustainable Energy”, “The Refugee Problem”, “Rising Nationalism and Populism” and “Neoliberal Economy and Global Terror”.

Traditionally, the 20th Eurasian Economic Summit gathered over 300 high-level attendees – presidents and former presidents, ministers and decision-makers from politics, economy, representatives of the diplomatic corps, business people, academics and representatives of different religions – all with a common goal: the construction of a better, common future for this world.

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