Vienna Economic Forum (VEF) was pleased to welcome participants of the seminar “HOW EUROPE WORKS: A First-Hand Perspective on European Institutions for SEE Countries” at its premises in Vienna on 16 September 2025.

The visit and the discussion were part of the Seminar Program organised by Campus Tivoli together with VEF Strategic Partner Robert Schuman Institute and Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies from 15 to 18 September 2025 in Vienna for young professionals from SEE.

The participants represented Member Countries of Vienna Economic Forum: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and also Serbia.

The Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum, Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, welcomed the participants and emphasised the role of VEF as an International Non-Governmental Organization fostering closer regional economic cooperation From the Adriatic to the Black Sea. She also expressed pleasure in opening the doors of VEF to the younger generation, future decision-makers, and leaders of the region.

VEF was particularly pleased to host Ms. Mariya Gabriel, President of Robert Schuman Institute, long-standing partner of VEF and recipient of the VEF Annual Award 2020. Ms. Gabriel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria (2023–2024) and European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth (2019–2023), delivered a keynote on European Vision and Building a Digital Future.

Mag. Niko Petković, Senior Project Manager and Deputy Secretary General of VEF, presented the mission, achievements, and ongoing initiatives of VEF, including its platform for investment promotion, public-private cooperation, and support for innovation and start-ups across Southeast Europe.

Ms. Irena Pal, Senior External Relations and Marketing Officer at Vienna Economic Forum, informed about the growing interest in cooperation with VEF coming from partners in the region, from Europe, and from other continents. As a recent example, she referred to the cooperation with AIM Congress, headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, underlining the increasing international recognition of VEF’s role as a regional platform for economic dialogue and investment promotion.

During the lively discussion, the participants actively addressed key issues of particular importance for the Vienna Economic Forum region – From the Adriatic to the Black Sea. Special attention was given to energy security, infrastructure development, and the essential role of the young generation in shaping the economic and political future of Southeast Europe. The exchange of ideas highlighted both common priorities and diverse approaches, reflecting the necessity of continued regional dialogue and cooperation.

The visit concluded with the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Vienna Economic Forum and Robert Schuman Institute, signed by Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva and Ms. Mariya Gabriel, formalizing the strategic partnership and commitment to continued cooperation in fostering regional development and European integration.

Vienna Economic Forum extends its sincere thanks to Mr. Gábor Berczeli, Director of the Robert Schuman Institute, and Ms. Laura Farley, International Secretary of Campus Tivoli, for their excellent cooperation and outstanding contribution to the organization of the visit.