VEF is pleased to share an Article about the 24th Traditional Garden Party of Vienna Economic Forum by sanusetsalvus.com.
League of Universities from the Region of the Vienna Economic Forum – From the Adriatic to the Black Sea to be established under the auspices of Vienna Economic Forum
Friday, 13 June 2025 | Austria | sanusetsalvus.com
The news was officially announced by the Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum (VEF), Ambassador a.D. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, during the Opening of the 24th Traditional Garden Party in Vienna.
On 13 June 2025, once again in the garden of the renowned “Villa Flora” in Vienna, the 24th Traditional Garden Party of Vienna Economic Forum took place under the Motto:
“A Culinary and Musical Journey through the Member Countries of Vienna Economic Forum.”
On this Friday evening, members and friends of Vienna Economic Forum (VEF) once again enjoyed the unique atmosphere of this beloved summer event, traditionally marking the start of the summer season either in the Austrian capital or in the municipality of Gutenstein. The Garden Party is organised by Secretary General of VEF, Ambassador a.D. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, together with the Ambassadors in Vienna of the Forum’s Member Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, Türkiye and Ukraine.
The first Garden Party of this format was held in 2002 in the garden of the residence of the then Ambassador of Bulgaria, Dr. Elena Kirtcheva. The Bulgarian community in Austria is already looking forward to the idea that the 25th anniversary edition of the Garden Party in 2026 will return to where it all began.
At the Opening of the event, Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum, Ambassador a.D. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, officially announced the creation of a
“League of Universities from the Region of the Vienna Economic Forum – From the Adriatic to the Black Sea.”
“Since its very foundation, Vienna Economic Forum – under the Motto ‘Economy Meets Politics’ – strives to contribute to the consolidation of our region in as many spheres of public life in the Member Countries as possible,” stated Dr. Kirtcheva.
The founding act of the “League of Univeristies” was initially signed by six universities from the VEF region, with which Vienna Economic Forum has already concluded Memoranda of Understanding. These are:
Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
University of National and World Economy, Sofia
University of Pristina, Kosovo
Moldova State University, Chișinău
Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia
Bled School of Management, Slovenia
The League remains open to future participation by other universities, and Vienna Economic Forum is already engaged in the relevant discussions, emphasized Secretary General Dr. Kirtcheva.
Once again this year, the Embassies of the Member Countries made every effort to present their regional culinary skills and musical preferences to the guests.
The cultural and musical programme was a true highlight of the evening. Under the open sky, in the garden of the famous Villa “Flora,” owned by the publisher of the magazine Diplomatic Society, Prof. Gertrud Tauchhammer – media partner and honorary member of Vienna Economic Forum – wonderful music resounded. As tradition dictates, the evening concluded with a lively Bulgarian horo dance.
The Garden Party of Vienna Economic Forum takes place annually and has established itself as the third signature event of VEF, alongside
Vienna Economic Forum, held every November in Vienna, and
Vienna Economic Talks, organised in the Member Countries – as was the case this year in Chișinău, Republic of Moldova.
Last year, the 23rd Traditional Garden Party of Vienna Economic Forum (VEF) was held on a cruise ship in co-organisation with Europa Forum Wachau (EFW).
Photo credit: Diplomatic Society / Pobaschnig / Karakan
