Vienna Economic Forum

2024

The 23rd Traditional Garden Party of Vienna Economic Forum (VEF), in cooperation with Europa-Forum Wachau (EFW), took place during an exclusive boat trip from Krems through the Wachau and back on the ship "MS Dürnstein"

By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, Secretary General of the Vienna Economic Forum, and Amb. Dr. Martin Eichtinger, Special Representative and Coordinator for Neighbourhood Policy and the External Dimension of the Danube Region at the Austrian Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs (BMEIA), President of the Europa-Forum Wachau, along with Ms. Theresa Edtstadler-Kulhanek, M.Sc., Managing Director of the Europa-Forum Wachau, agreed to join two major events hosted by VEF and EFW.

The 23^rd Traditional VEF Garden Party, "Culinary and Musical Journey through the Member Countries of Vienna Economic Forum", perfectly complemented the festive conclusion of the 28^th Europa-Forum Wachau held from 20th to 22nd June 2024.

As traditionally done for many years, on 21st June 2024, the ambassadors of the member countries of Vienna Economic Forum (VEF), members of the VEF- Ambassadors Committee, and the Secretary General and founder of VEF, Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, invited guests to celebrate the popular VEF Summer Event along with the "Danube Salon Europa-Forum Wachau" during an exclusive boat trip from Krems through the Wachau and back aboard the ship "MS Dürnstein".

Following warm words of welcome from Ambassador Dr. Martin Eichtinger, President of the Europa-Forum Wachau, Secretary General Dr. Elena Kirtcheva recalled the history behind the beginning of the popular VEF- garden party in 2002 and the subsequent founding of Vienna Economic Forum two years later in 2004, aimed at promoting intercultural and international understanding primarily in the economic sector.

Together with the President of Vienna Economic Forum, Ambassador Dr. Emil Brix, Secretary General Dr. Elena Kirtcheva extended thanks to Ambassador Dr. Eichtinger, President of the Europa-Forum Wachau, for their collaboration and for the idea of organizing this year's 23^rd VEF Garden Party within the framework of the 28^th Europa-Forum Wachau, emphasizing the importance of the exclusive opportunity to enjoy the special atmosphere "by the beautiful blue Danube".

She also expressed gratitude to the Director of VEF's long-standing strategic partner, the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM), Mag. Sebastian Schäffer, MA.

Special thanks were extended by the Secretary General to the Governor of Lower Austria, Ms. Johanna Mikl-Leitner, for her high appreciation of the collaboration with VEF Member Countries and active participation in the economic development of the VEF region "From the Adriatic to the Black Sea".

A heartfelt thanks was also given by the Secretary General to Federal Minister Karoline Edtstadler for her support and esteemed participation on behalf of the Austrian government at the 20. Jubilee Vienna Economic Forum in the Vienna City Hall in November 2023.

Secretary General Dr. Kirtcheva also expressed words of thanks to the numerous guests of the event - representatives of VEF member countries, participants of IDM, and the Danube Salon. She highlighted the joy over the joint summer event on the day of the summer solstice and pointed out the diverse programme, including music, art, and culinary delights from VEF Member Countries. Catering and DJ music, organised by the Europa-Forum Wachau, contributed highly to the cheerful atmosphere.

In conclusion of her speech, Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva thanked all who contributed to the organisation of the event, especially the ambassadors of VEF member countries, VEF President Ambassador Dr. Emil Brix, and the highly motivated and dedicated VEF team. Special appreciation was given to Ms. Theresa Edtstadler-Kulhanek, Managing Director of the Europa-Forum Wachau, for excellent cooperation and tireless efforts.

The VEF Secretary General took the opportunity to announce to all participants the date for the 21^st Vienna Economic Forum which under the Motto "Economy Meets Politics" will be held on 4^th November 2024 at the House of Engineers, 1040 Vienna, and invited to "save the date". This VEF will continue the long-standing and diverse activities of Vienna Economic Forum to promote economic development and consolidate the entire VEF- Region "From the Adriatic to the Black Sea".

The attending ambassadors, members of Vienna Economic Forum Ambassadors Committee, diplomats - representatives of VEF member countries and the entire diplomatic corps, were invited to participate in the traditional family photo:

• H.E. Prof. Fate VELAJ, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania in the Republic of Austria

• H.E. Siniša BENCUN, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Republic of Austria

• H.E. Desislava NAYDENOVA-GOSPODINOVA, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Austria

• Stanica ANDIC, Chargé d'affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Montenegro in the Republic of Austria

• H.E. Ozan CEYHUN, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey in the Republic of Austria

• Kaltrina ADEMI ORUCI, Counsellor , Kosovo, representing the Kosovo Embassy

• Hilda KOLEVSKA, Minister Plenipotentiary, North Macedonia, representing Ambassador S.E. Osvit ROSOKLIJA of North Macedonia

• Dr. Adi-Cristina MITEA, Economic and Commercial Counsellor, Romania, representing Ambassador S.E. Dr.h.c. Emil Hurezeanu of Romania

• Mag. Matjaž MARKO, Commercial Counselor, Slovenia, representing Ambassador S.E. Aleksander Geržina of Slovenia

Vienna Economic Forum was pleased to welcome Mag. Mila Nenova, Managing Director of the Invest Bulgaria Agency (IBA) and Board Member of Vienna Economic Forum. She took the opportunity to engage in bilateral discussions with representatives of various companies from Austria, Europe, and worldwide, discussing concrete initiatives.

More than 300 guests were treated by Vienna Economic Forum member countries to country-specific, traditional culinary delights. Artistic performances from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegowina, Bulgaria, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Romania, including a highly interesting pantomime performance titled "Encounters" by Mariana De Meo and Roman-Maria Müller, marked the highlight of the evening, with regional folk dances encouraging many guests to join in.

Once again, the unique atmosphere was a testament to the mutual understanding and commonalities that bind the people of the VEF region from the Adriatic to the Black Sea.

Please find the here.

Photocredit: SOCIETY/Pobaschnig

20. Jubilee VEF Logo bild

Vienna Economic Forum – Sofia Meeting 2024

Vienna Economic Forum – Sofia Meeting 2024 took place on 22^nd April 2024 in the Trijadiza Hall of the state-owned Boyana Residency, in Sofia.

Vienna Economic Forum is proud to have had co-organised the event together with the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria.

The high-ranking participants - representatives of regional politics and the global economy - made a significant contribution to the great success of the event. The very lively debates focused on the exciting topic: "Continuing to build economic bridges during difficult times".

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