The regular board meeting, followed by the annual general assembly of Vienna Economic Forum (VEF) in 2024, took place on February 19 at the Diplomatic Academy (DA) Vienna.
The host, Ambassador Dr. Emil Brix, Director of the Diplomatic Academy (DA) Vienna and Board Member of VEF, welcomed the participients in the Bruno Kreisky Hall.
Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, Secretary General of VEF, reported on the VEF activities over the past year, highlighting the successful and intensive development of VEF step by step over its 20-year history.
Please find here the press release.
The high-level participants, representing regional and European politics and economics, significantly contributed to the great success of the event. The lively debates focused on the exciting topic: “Regional Cooperation in a Fragmented Environment”, discussing Kosovo’s economic resilience and development through cooperation.
On June 16, 2023, the 22nd Traditional Garden Party of Vienna Economic Forum took place in the Paradise Garden of Villa Flora under the hosting of KR Prof. Gertrud Tauchhammer, Publisher of Society Magazine, a long-standing VEF media partner, and VEF Honorary Member.
Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva emphasized the great success of the 20th Jubilee Vienna Economic Forum – Vienna Future Dialogue 2023, held on November 13, 2023, under the motto “Continuing to Build Economic Bridges During Difficult Times” in the Festsaal of the Vienna City Hall, with high-ranking decision-makers from business and politics from 41 countries.
Secretary General reiterated the vision of Vienna Economic Forum (VEF) founding fathers from 2004 to support active economic cooperation in the Region “From the Adriatic to the Black Sea” and to promote the development of common activities according to the motto “Economy Meets Politics”. She thanked the City of Vienna and especially the Mayor of Vienna, Dr. Michael Ludwig, for the wonderful opportunity to hold the 20th Jubilee Vienna Economic Forum in the impressive Festsaal of the Vienna City Hall.
In addition, Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva expressed her heartfelt thanks to all members, partners, and friends of Vienna Economic Forum for their great trust and constant support, which continues to motivate the VEF team to expand its horizons to achieve new great goals.
A special heartfelt thank you was expressed by the Secretary General, Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, to the VEF President in 2023, Ambassador Victor Jackovich. She emphasized that with his extensive knowledge in diplomacy, politics, and economics, he made a significant contribution to the continued positive development of VEF in 2023 and enabled the further achievement high goals of Vienna Economic Forum. VEF is looking forward to further active collaboration with Ambassador Victor Jackovich as an honorary member of the Vienna Economic Forum.
According to the statutes, Mag. Peter Höfinger, Vice President of the Vienna Economic Forum, led the agenda. The appointment of the new president and new members was proposed by the board and confirmed by the general assembly.
For new President of Vienna Economic Forum was elected:
Ambassador Dr. Emil Brix, Director, Diplomatische Akademie Wien -Vienna School of International Studies , Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum.
New board members were elected:
1. Mag. Mila Nenova, as a representative of the Ordinary Member – Cooperation Partner InvestBulgaria Agency (IBA)
2. Eng. Kalin Peshov, MBA, as a representative of the Ordinary Member – Cooperation Partner Glavbolgarstroy Holding AD (GBS Holding)
New cooperation partner members were elected:
1. InvestBulgaria Agency (IBA)
2. Glavbolgarstroy Holding AD (GBS Holding)
New legal entity members were elected:
1. MADIS Consulting Kft.
2. Zero Waste Ltd.
3. JAF Bulgaria Ltd.
The following natural persons were elected as members:
1. Mr. Zlatko Kolevski
2. Ambassador Dr. Emil Brix
As a new member of the Patronage Committee were elected:
1. H.E. Ms. Borjana Krišto, Chairwoman of Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina
2. H.E. Mr. Academician Nikolai Denkov, Prime Minister of Bulgaria
3. H.E. Mr. Dorin Recean, Prime Minister of Moldova
4. H.E. Mr. Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro
As a new member of the Ambassador Committee was elected:
1. H.E. Mr. Siniša Bencun, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina
As Members of the Honorary Commmittee of Vienna Economic Forum were elected:
1. Ambassador Victor Jackovich, President of Vienna Economic Forum in 2023, President, Jackovich International LLC, USA.
2. Dr. Lilyana Pavlova, Former Minister of Regional Development and Public Works of Bulgaria (2014–2017), Former Minister for the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU (2017–2018), Former Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) (2019–2023)
3. Ms. Boriana Jossifova, Renowned journalist, long-time supporter of Vienna Economic Forum
After the election and appointment of new members, Mag. Peter Höfinger, Vice President of the Vienna Economic Forum, handed over the floor to the newly elected VEF President Ambassador Dr. Emil Brix, Director, Diplomatic Academy (DA) Vienna, who thanked everyone for their trust and expressed his willingness to strongly support the further development of VEF.
After the last item on the agenda, the general assembly concluded at 6 p.m. The event was followed by further discussions on developing new opportunities for closer cooperation and ended in a festive atmosphere.
