EU-LAC BUSINESS SUMMIT IN VIENNA AND LIMA

Challenge — The summit of European and Latin American and Caribbean heads of state and government took place as part of the Austrian EU Council Presidency. An economic/cultural initiative was lacking.

Objective — To set up a parallel business summit involving the 300 most important entrepreneurs from both continents.

Accomplishment — On the occasion of the meeting of around 50 heads of state from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean in Vienna, more than 300 executives and entrepreneurs gathered in the Belvedere Palace for an interactive conference on the topic “EU-LAC – Bridging the Two Worlds through Business and Culture” and presented a forward-looking final memorandum on issues concerning trade, investment, cultural exchange, environmental protection and education to those in positions of political responsibility.

Impact —  According to the Austrian government, the Business Summit was the most important economic policy program item of the EU Council Presidency. The Vienna Summit led to the establishment of the “EU-LAC Foundation,” which organizes the conference every two years.