On 19 June 2026, the 25th Jubilee of the Traditional Garden Party of Vienna Economic Forum (VEF), under the Motto “Culinary and Musical Journey through the Member Countries of Vienna Economic Forum”, took place in the Garden of the Residence of the Bulgarian Ambassador in Vienna.

In her ceremonial opening remarks, Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum (VEF), Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, expressed her gratitude to Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Republic of Austria, H.E. Ambassador Desislava Naydenova-Gospodinova, for the idea and the invitation to organise the 25th Jubilee of the Garden Party in the Garden of the Bulgarian Residence under the Motto “The VEF Garden Party Returns to Where It Was Born”.

The Secretary General recalled that the Garden Party marked the origin of the idea from which Vienna Economic Forum emerged two years later. She underlined the role of Vienna Economic Forum as a symbol of trust, dialogue and regional cooperation in the VEF Region – From the Adriatic to the Black Sea and beyond. Ambassador Dr. Kirtcheva expressed her special appreciation to the Ambassadors of the VEF member countries – members of the VEF Ambassadors Committee for embracing the idea, for the excellent cooperation and for their longstanding support.

H.E. Desislava Naydenova-Gospodinova, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Republic of Austria, warmly welcomed the numerous guests. In her address, she highlighted the special significance of the 25th Jubilee of the VEF Garden Party and expressed her pleasure that the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria had the honour of hosting this special 25th VEF Garden Party. She emphasised the importance of good neighbourly relations, mutual trust and friendship among the countries of the VEF Region – From the Adriatic to the Black Sea – and referred to the common European values and goals that unite the peoples of the region.

The Ambassador also underlined the traditional Bulgarian hospitality as an expression of openness and friendship towards partners and friends from the region and beyond. In conclusion, she cordially invited the guests to visit Bulgaria, discover the cultural and natural beauty of the country and personally experience the renowned hospitality of the Bulgarian people.

More than 300 participants from diplomacy, business, academia, media and culture attended the jubilee celebration.

The Ambassadors present, members of the Ambassadors Committee of Vienna Economic Forum, as well as diplomats representing the VEF member countries, were invited to participate in the traditional family photo:

• H.E. Ambassador Prof. Fatmir Velaj, Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the Republic of Austria

• H.E. Ambassador Mag. Siniša Bencun, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Republic of Austria

• H.E. Ambassador Mag. Desislava Naydenova-Gospodinova, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Republic of Austria

• H.E. Ambassador Victoria Roșa, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the Republic of Austria

• H.E. Ambassador Stanica Anđić, Ambassador of Montenegro to the Republic of Austria

• H.E. Ambassador Mag. Marko Štucin, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the Republic of Austria

• Mr. Albinot Bimbashi, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Embassy of Kosovo

• Ms. Hilda Kolevska, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Embassy of the Republic of North Macedonia

• Ms. Andrea Amza Andras, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Embassy of Romania

A special highlight of the evening was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Vienna Economic Forum and the Regional Council of Gjirokastër, Albania. The Memorandum was signed by Mr. Dino Selimi, Chairman of the Regional Council of Gjirokastër, and Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum (VEF), Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva. Through this agreement, both organisations expressed their willingness to establish close cooperation and good relations in support of economic development and the exchange of expertise.

Following the official programme, the more than 300 participants enjoyed a diverse cultural programme which vividly showcased the cultural richness and joie de vivre of the VEF member countries.

The musical programme opened with internationally acclaimed artists Andrea Nikolić (violin) and Sanel Redžić (guitar) from Bosnia and Herzegovina, who performed traditional Sephardic songs. They were followed by performances of the Bulgarian Cultural Association “Iswor”, clarinettist Sasha Danilov from Moldova, flautist Levin Alia from Gjirokastër, Albania, the folklore association “Makedonka” from North Macedonia, Romanian baritone Samuel Adiguzel and the Folklore Ensemble “Kitka” of the Bulgarian Rhythms Association.

The culinary diversity of the region was once again celebrated through traditional specialities from the VEF member countries – a true journey of taste through the various regions of South-Eastern Europe. The embassies and diplomatic missions of the member countries made great efforts to present the culinary and cultural traditions of their respective countries to the guests.

The evening concluded with traditional group dancing, bringing together all participants in a vivid expression of friendship, mutual respect and regional cooperation.

With the 25th Jubilee of the Traditional Garden Party, Vienna Economic Forum once again reaffirmed its mission and important role as a significant pro-European platform for economic cooperation, cultural understanding and dialogue in Europe.

The Traditional Garden Party has become the third pillar of VEF activities, alongside the annual Vienna Economic Forum held every November in Vienna and the Vienna Economic Talks organised regularly in cooperation with the member countries, most recently at “Vienna Economic Forum – Meet Kosovo in Vienna 2026”, held at Hotel Imperial in Vienna.

Vienna Economic Forum thanks its valued cooperation partner, Vienna Insurance Group (VIG), for its support of the 25th Jubilee VEF Garden Party and for the excellent partnership.

Photo credit: Diplomatic Society Magazine / Karakan

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