Vienna Economic Forum – Meet Kosovo in Vienna 2026

Vienna Economic Forum – Meet Kosovo in Vienna 2026 took place on 9 June 2026 at Hotel Imperial Vienna under the joint patronage of H.E. Mr. Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, and H.E. Dr. Christian Stocker, Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria, both Patrons of Vienna Economic Forum (VEF).

Under the Motto: “Kosovo in Focus. Kosovo’s Path to Economic Integration and Growth”, Vienna Economic Forum – Meet Kosovo in Vienna 2026 brought together high-level representatives of politics, economy, diplomacy, international organisations, financial institutions and chambers of commerce from Austria, Kosovo and the VEF Region “From the Adriatic to the Black Sea and Beyond”, as well as participants from 16 countries worldwide. The discussions focused on economic integration, investment opportunities, regional connectivity and infrastructure development as key drivers of growth, competitiveness and regional cooperation.

In her Opening Statement, Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum (VEF), recalled the founding of Vienna Economic Forum in 2004 and its mission to promote economic cooperation and dialogue in the VEF Region “From the Adriatic to the Black Sea and Beyond”. Referring to the guiding principle of VEF, “Economy meets Politics”, she emphasized that the economy is the motor of development and a stabilizing factor for regional cooperation and European integration.

Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum (VEF), Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, highlighted the long-standing and successful cooperation between VEF and its member country Kosovo since 2008 and presented the successive stages of its positive development, as well as the increasingly active role of Kosovo in the VEF Region and beyond. For a detailed analysis of these stages of development, please click here.

In his Introduction, Ambassador Dr. Emil Brix, President of Vienna Economic Forum, highlighted the importance of regional cooperation for the future of Europe and praised the Republic of Kosovo for its dynamic economic development and growing role in regional economic cooperation.

Greeting Words were delivered by H.E. Ms. Claudia Bauer, Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Family of the Republic of Austria, on behalf of H.E. Dr. Christian Stocker, Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria and Patron of Vienna Economic Forum. Minister Bauer reaffirmed Austria’s commitment to supporting economic cooperation, European integration and economic growth in Southeast Europe, emphasizing the importance of strong partnerships between Austria, Kosovo and the wider VEF Region.

The high-level character of Vienna Economic Forum – Meet Kosovo in Vienna 2026 was underlined by the participation of H.E. Mr. Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo and Patron of Vienna Economic Forum, who delivered the Keynote Address during the Opening Session. Prime Minister Kurti emphasized that meaningful economic integration and sustainable growth are driven by reforms, closer integration with the European Union market, and investments in infrastructure, energy, digital networks and trade. He highlighted Kosovo’s progress in democratic governance, transparency and the rule of law, as well as the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination. In this context, he underlined the importance of a stable business environment, a young and growing workforce, and Kosovo’s European perspective for long-term investors. Prime Minister Kurti also stressed the valuable role of the Kosovo diaspora in Austria as a bridge between the two countries and referred to successful examples of economic cooperation and investment that contribute to further strengthening bilateral economic relations.

The II. Session under the Motto “The Role of the Republic of Kosovo for the Consolidation of Different Economic Branches in the VEF Region ‘From the Adriatic to the Black Sea and Beyond’” was moderated by Mr. Kujtim Dobruna, Founder & Senior Partner of ECIKS.

The Session opened with an Input by H.E. Mr. Kiminori Iwama, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Austria and to the Republic of Kosovo. Ambassador Iwama highlighted the importance of international cooperation, economic stability and connectivity for the development of the region, emphasizing the growing partnership between Japan and Kosovo.

The Main Statement was delivered by H.E. Ms. Mimoza Kusari-Lila, Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation of the Republic of Kosovo, who presented Kosovo’s economic achievements, investment potential and the country’s contribution to strengthening economic cooperation within the VEF Region. She underlined the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship and regional partnerships as key drivers of economic growth and competitiveness.

The discussion featured valuable contributions from Dr. Gilbert Frizberg, Managing Director of FI Beteiligungs- und Finanzierungs GmbH (F-Energies Group) and former Member of the Austrian Parliament; Mr. Kristian Kabashi, Co-Founder and Board Member of Cybee LLC, Switzerland; MMag. Dr. Georg Weingartner, Regional Director, Southeast Europe of AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA; Mr. Oliver Derler, Managing Director of Concentrix Balkans Austria and Hungary and Associated Partner ad hoc of Vienna Economic Forum; and DI Wolfgang Kröpfl, MBA, CEO of enso GmbH, Austria, and Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum. The participants exchanged views on investment opportunities, innovation, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, energy and the strengthening of economic cooperation throughout the VEF Region.

III. Session under the Motto “Focus on Infrastructure Projects in Kosovo and in the Region” was moderated by Mr. Kujtim Dobruna, Founder & Senior Partner of ECIKS.

The Session was opened by H.E. Mr. Dimal Basha, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Kosovo. In his Main Statement, Minister Basha highlighted the strategic importance of modern transport infrastructure for Kosovo’s economic development, competitiveness and regional integration. He emphasized the Government’s commitment to advancing infrastructure projects that strengthen connectivity within the Western Balkans and contribute to the wider economic integration of the VEF Region “From the Adriatic to the Black Sea and Beyond”.

The Input was delivered by Ms. Melike Ersoy, Business Development Director of Gülermak Heavy Industries Construction & Contracting Co. Inc., Türkiye. Under the title “Building the Backbone of a Region – Infrastructure, Connectivity, Commitment”, she presented the role of major transport infrastructure projects in fostering economic growth and regional cooperation. Drawing on Gülermak’s extensive experience in the construction of metros, railways, tunnels and bridges across Europe and beyond, Ms. Ersoy underlined that modern infrastructure is the backbone of regional development and competitiveness.

Particular attention was given to strategic railway and transport projects along major European corridors, including Corridor VIII connecting the Adriatic and the Black Sea. Referring to ongoing railway modernisation and construction projects in Southeast Europe, Ms. Ersoy emphasized the importance of cross-border connectivity, efficient transport networks and long-term infrastructure investments for facilitating trade, mobility and economic cooperation. She noted that infrastructure projects not only connect places but also contribute to bringing economies and people closer together, thereby supporting the continued integration of the VEF Region.

A Main Statement was also delivered by Dr. Severin Gruber, Secretary General of the Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy and Tourism of the Republic of Austria. Dr. Gruber emphasized the importance of modern infrastructure, regional connectivity and cross-border cooperation for strengthening economic competitiveness and promoting sustainable economic development in Southeast Europe. He highlighted Austria’s continued commitment to supporting infrastructure initiatives that contribute to closer economic integration within the VEF Region.

The discussion further featured valuable contributions from Dr. Hana Dellemann, CEO & Country Director Austria of Hitachi Rail; Dr. Sebastián Sosa, Regional Resident Representative for the Western Balkans of the International Monetary Fund (IMF); and Mr. Erik Nora, Senior Transport Specialist at the World Bank Group. The participants exchanged views on transport infrastructure, railway development, regional connectivity, infrastructure financing, European transport corridors and the role of strategic investments in strengthening economic cooperation and competitiveness throughout the VEF Region.

The Main Statements and Input were followed by a discussion with representatives of Austrian and international institutions, financial organisations and leading companies from the transport and railway sector. The participants exchanged views on infrastructure financing, railway modernisation, regional connectivity, transport corridors and the role of strategic investments in strengthening economic cooperation and competitiveness throughout the VEF Region.

In his Short Summary, Ambassador Dr. Emil Brix, President of Vienna Economic Forum, highlighted the key messages of the discussions and underlined the importance of continued cooperation between politics, economy and infrastructure stakeholders in strengthening the economic future of the region.

In her Concluding Words, Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum, thanked all speakers, participants and partners for their contribution to the success of Vienna Economic Forum – Meet Kosovo in Vienna 2026. She reaffirmed the commitment of Vienna Economic Forum to further strengthening economic cooperation, connectivity and dialogue in the VEF Region “From the Adriatic to the Black Sea and Beyond”.

Vienna Economic Forum – Meet Kosovo in Vienna 2026 concluded with a Networking Cocktail hosted by Vienna Insurance Group AG Wiener Versicherung Gruppe and bilateral meetings organised by Vienna Economic Forum for its Members and Partners, providing an opportunity for the continuation of discussions and the establishment of new contacts and cooperation initiatives.

Vienna Economic Forum thanks all cooperation partners for their support:

AME International GmbH, Bulgarkontrola LTD, Canon, enso GmbH, Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, Moldindconbank, Novomatic AG, Serbian Association of Economists, Sopharma AG, Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkassen AG, Vienna Insurance Group AG

Special Thanks:

Vienna Insurance Group AG, Concentrix Balkan

A special thanks goes to the Embassy of Kosovo in Austria for the excellent cooperation.