Dear Members and Friends of Vienna Economic Forum,

We deeply regret to announce that the founding father and Honorary President of Vienna Economic Forum, former Vice Chancellor Dr. Erhard Busek passed away on the night of 14. March 2022.

The whole VEF team and I personally would like to express our deepest sorrow.

We will miss Dr. Busek as a highly valued companion and a real friend who always stood by his convictions and ideals and was therefore a role model for all of us.

His political dedication and his love for Austria and Europe, but also his tireless commitment to democracy and the European path of the countries from the VEF focus region, from the Adriatic to the Black Sea, shall remain unforgotten.

Grateful for everything he has done for us, we say goodbye.

Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva
Founder and VEF-Member of the Board
Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum