About

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

The 2019 Free Market Road Show will bring together leading business people, outstanding scholars and students, opinion leaders, policy experts, elected officials, diplomats and other interested parties from across Europe to discuss openly core European values – a topic which has been missing in the recent political debates within Europe which have focused almost exclusively on the migration crisis. Recent political developments in Europe have seen a rise in the popularity and the parliamentary representation of political parties advocating the politics of populism, government largesse, nationalization of sectors of the economy, and the funding of unrealistically extravagant expansions of existing safety nets. It is the younger generation in particular who are embracing and driving this trend.

In order to engage with an even wider audience and further inspire the exchange of ideas the format of the 2019 Free Market Road Show slightly changes – including a new interactive talk format for the FMRS discussions to draw more participation from all sides of the political spectrum and a greater emphasis of the ‘millennials’ and younger people.

Started in 2008, the Free Market Road Show brings together renowned economists, leading politicians and prominent business leaders every year to discuss current economic problems and possible solutions at a variety of venues across Europe and the Caucuses. It also provides unparalleled networking opportunities for participants and those within the European free market movement, with exclusive events such as cocktail receptions and dinners with top opinion leaders and decision makers.

Since initiation of the Free Market Road Show hundreds of speakers from around the world have been involved, who reached thousands of participants. In 2017, the Free Market Road Show® exceeded all previous records, visiting 45 cities all over Europe. The 2019 FMRS will focus on those 30 cities that have brought together a perfect mixed audience of students, businesspeople and officials.

My special thanks go to our sponsors and partners. Without their active support, our team’s endeavors would be without success.

Dr. Barbara Kolm
Executive Director
Free Market Road Show