The Vienna Economic Forum – Sofia Talks conference was opened on May 17th with an informal gathering in which high-ranking representatives from regional economic and political circles took part. The gathering was addressed by the SAE President, Mr. Aleksandar Vlahović. The official part of the Forum “Politics Meets Economy” was held on May 18th when economic and diplomatic leaders from Europe and the region, among which prime ministers from the Western Balkans and representatives of the most important economic institutions, discussed current topics, such as economic cooperation among the countries of the Western Balkans as an important factor of EU integrations, digitalization and roaming.

At the same time, the EU-Western Balkans Summit on the topics of European perspective, development and cooperation was held on May 17th in the capital of Bulgaria.

The Vienna Economic Forum was established in 2004 with the aim of popularizing and promoting investment possibilities and economic cooperation among the countries and territories in the region stretching from the Adriatic to the Black Sea, its center being Vienna. In 14 years, the Vienna Economic Forum has continuously strengthened its role both in the region of Southeast Europe and in other countries in and outside the EU. After signing the Memorandum of Long-Term Cooperation and becoming the member of this prestigious organization, SAE has actively participated in conferences in the countries of the Western Balkans with the aim of promoting regional economic connectivity and encouraging investments in the region..