The event was held at the City Hall. Vienna, Austria on 13 November 2023. It was attended by politicians, economists and diplomats of the highest rank, which for two decades built a bridge between economics and politics. The forum contributes to the development of the regional economy and consolidation of the region through dialogue and specific economic projects between Eastern and Western Europe, as well as between Central and Southeastern Europe. Special emphasis was placed on the countries of the Western Balkans.  

The objectives of the forum are to promote investment opportunities in the region, as well as to meet and implement public and private interests in connection with various projects in the region as part of a united Europe, including to create long-lasting and sustainable relationships between institutions and organizations.  

The event was opened by Ambassador Dr. Elena Kircheva, founder, member of the Management Board and Secretary General of VIF. The forum was divided into three sessions.  

The first session was dedicated to the challenges related to the economic and financial stability of Europe and the region. The second session was held under the motto “Acting together with responsibility for the European future of the region”, with a focus on the sectors infrastructure, green energy, digital technologies, innovation. In the third panel discussed the European Commissioner for Economy Mr. Paolo Gentiloni, the prime ministers of the following countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Moldova and North Macedonia.