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HomeErnst2019-02-01T11:04:34+00:00

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 31 cites during March, April and May in Europe and the Caucasus – from Scandinavia to the Balkans, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea.

Dr. Barbara Kolm, Austrian Economics Center

Introductory Note by

Karin Kneissl

Austrian Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs

Photo: Georges Schneider/BMEIA

The European Union is based on common values such as respect for human dignity and human rights, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law. The EU has helped to spread democracy, stability, security and prosperity across most of the continent and beyond. Even though Europe and the European Union are part of a perpetually changing world, these values represent continuity and should give guidance in times of change.

Change often goes hand in hand with new challenges, and they are manifold today, ranging from establishing a healthy economic climate to providing social security, from guaranteeing cultural diversity to pursuing sustainable integration, from fighting poverty to furthering prosperity and combatting climate change.

In order to successfully deal with these challenges, we need to build on the progress and the achievements of the European Union. At the same time we must be mindful of what lies ahead and how we can deal with the challenges. We need to reinforce the confidence of the citizens in the European project so that they can identify themselves with the EU and will therefore strive to further develop the EU for the purpose of making it more efficient.

In this context, it is our responsibility to uphold prosperity and a high standard of living. This is only possible if Europe remains competitive, if it can offer a solid basis for entrepreneurship and is able to keep pace with developments especially in the era of digitalisation.

With this in mind, I wish you all fruitful, interesting and thought-provoking discussions and a successful “Free Market Road Show” 2018.

Karin Kneissl

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

Introductory Note by

Karin Kneissl

Austrian Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs

Photo: Georges Schneider/BMEIA

A significant part of Austria’s economic success derives from its interconnection with the outside world. Austrian companies have been active in international markets for many years, through good and bad times, and continue to develop their presence abroad. The persistence and commitment of Austrian businesses, highly appreciated by the various international marketplaces, provide a solid basis for ever-deepening foreign trade relations.
 
Nevertheless, we have to consider some recent developments in world politics:
 
Firstly, geography- a constant factor in history – has become more significant. States and regions, increasingly struggling over the limitations of their own resources and boundaries, seek to expand their economic zones. Differing histories and psychologies often determine how they go about and require so our attention. Although European countries should and will continue to compete with each other, it remains crucial that the European Union should demonstrate cohesion and unity towards the wider world.
 
Secondly, effective multilateralism is becoming increasingly important. Trade relations are the lif eline of our economies. Exports lead to growth, employment and thus to prosperity. However, every form of economic activity needs predictability that a secure legal framework provides. Strong and efficient international organisations, common values, fair standards, respect for international jurisdiction, the global fight against corruption as well as universal respect for the rule of law and for human rights are all key preconditions for international trade to function well. These factors are all important as we consider how we trade with the growing markets of Asia.
 
Finally, in today’s inter-connected world, working as a coordinated and cooperating team will achieve better results than going in alone. Bearing this in mind, the Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs, the Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber jointly set up an action plan to support Austria’s export industry by means of a new Foreign Economic Strategy.
 
Austria’s new Foreign Economic Strategy aims to create the best possible conditions for export-oriented companies. It will continue building bridges to the world at large–be it through diplomatic channels, high- level political visits or by means of closer cooperation between the federal government and the regional or local authorities. The Strategy contains a clear commitment to effective multilateralism, active Austrian participation in international organisations and a reformed WTO. It also considers transparency, sustainability, the fight against corruption and entrepreneurial accountability. Since the efficient use of modern technologies is key to sustainable competition, the Strategy puts a strong focus on innovation and digitalisation, education and communication. The Strategy also takes into account the importance of energy supplies and resources for Austria as a business location. Better support for research, the provision of risk capital, the reduction of bureaucracy, an improved digital infrastructure and an emphasis on excellence and efficiency are all measures aimed at supporting Austrian companies– be they small, medium – sized or large -to ensure they are at optimum fitness to continue to compete and excel at world level.

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