The Austrian Economics Center (AEC), in cooperation with over 100 leading think-tanks and universities across Europe and the Caucasus, and in association with international partners such as the Global Philanthropic Trust, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, Americans for Tax Reform, Competitive Enterprise Institute, World Taxpayers Associations, European Students for Liberty, and the F.A. v. Hayek Institut, are proud to present the 11th Annual Free Market Road Show, which tours 40 capitals during April and May in Europe and the Caucasus – from Scandinavia to the Balkans, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea.
Introductory Note by Johannes Hahn
Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations
Over the last couple of years the European Union has been faced by numerous challenges. However these challenges to European unity and to the performance of the European market also present an opportunity to tackle the shortcomings of our Union by creating through their solution an even closer community, based on our common values such as the rule of law and the free market.
Considering threats such as Brexit as opportunities for continuous enhancement, gives us, the citizens of the European Union, the possibility to envision and shape our community – a community, which is in my point of view, first and foremost a community of values.
Combined with its strong internal market, the European Union has become an important player on the world stage. To remain at this level, we need active citizens, an active business community and an active Civil Society to contribute to a – at times difficult – dialogue on our future vision of our European Union.
The Free Market Road Show provides the occasion to learn more on the interrelation of entrepreneurship, business, trade and values. I am confident that the conferences will contribute to a broader understanding of the internal European Market and Europe´s position in today´s world.
Dr. Johannes Hahn
