VEO of Russia Today

“...The Imperial Free Economic Society, founded in 1765, brought together under its auspices eminent scholars, statesmen, politicians, writers, and entrepreneurs—an assembly of educated, passionate individuals who truly care about the fate of their state. Since its establishment, VEO has made a profound contribution to the development of economic thought in our country. It has played a vital role in public education, the organization of research expeditions, and the fostering of open debates on the most pressing issues of the national agenda. Today, the Free Economic Society of Russia actively engages in the life of the nation, all the while preserving the continuity of time and tradition and cherishing the rich scientific, ideological, and intellectual heritage of its predecessors...”

Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation

The Free Economic Society of Russia (VEO of Russia) is the country’s first civil society institution, the oldest public organization in Europe and the world, which was founded by decree of Empress Catherine the Great on November 11 (October 31, O.S.) 1765. Catherine the Great bestowed upon the Society a coat of arms and a motto: “Bees bringing honey to the hive,” with the inscription: “Useful.”

More than a quarter of a millennium, the history of the Russian state and the transformations within its economic and business life have been inextricably intertwined with the history of the Society. The export of grain, the cultivation of potatoes and sunflower, the development of cheese-making, the establishment of the meat and dairy industry, and breeding livestock, along with the formulation of theoretical issues related to the socio-economic development of the state, the fight against hunger and smallpox, and the widespread dissemination of education are just some of the initiatives undertaken by the Society.

At various times, the fate of the Free Economic Society of Russia was significantly influenced by renowned figures such as Leonhard Euler, Heinrich Friedrich von Storch, Dmitri Mendeleev, Pyotr Semenov-Tyan-Shansky, Alexander Chayanov, Nikolai Przhevalsky, Leo Tolstoy, Alexander Butlerov, Kliment Timiryazev, Mikhail Speransky, Pyotr Stolypin, Nikolai Miklouho-Maclay, Nikolai Mordvinov, Sergei Witte, Ivan Vernadsky, Peter Struve, Alexander Radishchev, Faddey Bellingshausen, Vasily Dokuchaev, Ivan Kruzenshtern, Andrei Nartov, and many other names renowned worldwide.

The VEO of Russia is the alma mater of all social institutions in our country. The Russian Historical Society, the Russian Geographical Society, the Agricultural Society, and the Scientific and Technical Society all “grew out” of the Free Economic Society.

For a more detailed account of the history of the VEO of Russia, please refer to the section “History of the VEO of Russia” and the anniversary edition “From Catherine the Great to Great Russia” (The Free Economic Society of Russia: 260 Years Hand in Hand with the Nation).

Since its founding, the primary objectives of the VEO of Russia have been to promote enlightenment, scientific progress, and the socio-economic and technological development of the country. The Society pursues these objectives through comprehensive nationwide projects: forums, educational and awareness-raising events, competitions, exhibitions, and scientific expert activities. Among the main areas of work of the VEO of Russia are educational, scientific and expert, analytical, informational and publishing, and international activities.

The VEO of Russia currently serves as a unique platform that conducts public consultations and scientific expert discussions on all priority issues of the national agenda. These discussions and consultations bring together all stakeholders involved in economic processes. Consequently, the recommendations and proposals developed as a result of nationwide and international events organized by the Society hold particular value; they are directed to and in high demand by the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, as well as the State Duma and Federal Council RF Committees.

Leading scientists and experts from Russia and the world are involved in the work of the VEO of Russia. The organization’s activities have been highly appreciated by the scientific, expert, business communities, and government representatives. In particular, this was reflected in the decision of the Russian Government to establish a professional holiday, Economist’s Day, on November 11, the founding date of the VEO of Russia.

In 2025, the Free Economic Society of Russia celebrated the 260th anniversary of its founding. The culmination of the extensive anniversary program of educational and scientific-expert events dedicated to the 260th anniversary of the VEO of Russia was the 10th All-Russian Economic Assembly and the Anniversary Congress of the VEO of Russia, both held in celebration of the 260th anniversary. These events took place on November 11, 2025 at the State Kremlin Palace.

VEO of Russia Today

The VEO of Russia includes 65 regional organizations that actively engage in scientific, practical, expert, and educational activities within the subjects of the Russian Federation.

The VEO of Russia and its regional branches annually organize over 1,000 various events (scientific-expert, educational, and business), involving more than 300,000 experts, specialists, representatives of the academic and educational communities, business circles, and government authorities from all regions of Russia. This allows the collection of a wide range of expert ideas and proposals aimed at accelerating the achievement of Russia’s national development goals, ensuring structural reform of the domestic economy, and improving the quality of life of the population.

The VEO of Russia has various structural divisions, committees, and scientific-expert councils, including the Scientific Coordination Council of the VEO of Russia, the Scientific Expert Council of the VEO of Russia “Macroeconomics of Russia: Analysis of the State and Development Forecasting”, the Scientific Expert Council of the VEO of Russia “Russian Economy and International Integration Challenges”, the Scientific Expert Council of the VEO of Russia “Global Trends and International Processes”, the Scientific Expert Council of the VEO of Russia on Economic Education and Public Information, the Scientific Expert Council of the VEO of Russia on Agrarian Economics, and others.

Organizational Structure of the VEO of Russia

National Economic Projects of the VEO of Russia

All-Russian Economic Assembly

The Free Economic Society of Russia annually organizes the All-Russian Economic Assembly, the main event in the society’s cycle of nationwide activities, dedicated to celebrating the professional holiday, Economist’s Day, which was established by the Russian Government on the date of the Society’s founding.

At the All-Russian Economic Assembly, as is tradition, expert summaries of the (current) year’s economic developments are presented, along with scenario forecasts for the upcoming year. The results of nationwide educational, socially significant projects are showcased, and laureates of the country’s highest public economic awards are honored: “Economist of the Year” and “Economic Book of the Year.”

In 2025, the Assembly brought together over 3,500 participants from 74 regions of Russia and foreign countries.

More information available in the section “All-Russian Economic Assembly” on the website of the VEO of Russia.

VEO of Russia’s Congresses

The Congress of the VEO of Russia is the highest governing body of the Society. Delegates from regional organizations and branches of the VEO of Russia, scientists and experts from Russia and abroad, as well as representatives from government, business, and the educational community, participate in the Congress.

The Congresses of the VEO of Russia are held every five years. The program of the Congress traditionally consists of two parts: a scientific part and an organizational part. In the scientific part, participants discuss priority issues related to Russia’s technological and socio-economic development. In the organizational part, decisions are made on matters related to the Society’s activities.

The Congress serves as a crucial platform to review the work of the VEO of Russia over the past five years and to set strategic directions for future development. In its modern history, the VEO of Russia has held ten Congresses, which have taken place at venues such as the Tauride Palace in St. Petersburg, the Column Hall of the House of the Union in Moscow, and the State Kremlin Palace.

The Anniversary Congress of the Free Economic Society of Russia, dedicated to its 260th anniversary, took place on November 11, 2025 at the State Kremlin Palace.

Moscow Academic Economic Forum

The VEO of Russia together with the Russian Academy of Sciences annually holds the international Moscow Academic Economic Forum (MAEF). Within the framework of MAEF, thematic and sector-specific forums, regional platforms based at leading universities and scientific centers across the country, as well as regional organizations of the VEO of Russia, operate annually. The central events of MAEF traditionally take place in the capital, at the Russian Academy of Sciences, leading universities, scientific centers, and RAS institutes.

The multi-layered structure of MAEF ensures broad discussions by engaging experts, scientists, and specialists from all regions of Russia, facilitating the accumulation of well-considered ideas and specific proposals. The final recommendations of MAEF are highly valued within expert, scientific, and business communities, and they are in demand among government institutions.

In 2025, 115 regional venues operated within the framework of MAEF. Overall, more than 17,500 specialists from 32 countries participated in MAEF-2025 events. This is seven times higher than the number of participants in the first MAEF, which took place in 2019.

“...MAEF makes a significant contribution to strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration among various scientific fields, consolidating the efforts of scientists, experts, business representatives, public institutions, and the government to achieve the country’s national development goals, ensure technological leadership, and improve the quality of life for people...”, said Valery Falkov, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

“…In the context of turbulent global circumstances and increasing geopolitical tensions, expert and scientific support for efforts to create a more just, multipolar economic architecture is more in demand than ever. Collaborative work among government officials, business leaders, scientists, and public circles within the framework of MAEF is becoming especially significant,” said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

For details, see the MAEF website.

Russian Nationwide Economic Dictation

One of the largest educational initiatives in Russia, which the VEO of Russia annually organizes as part of its educational activities across all regions of the Russian Federation and abroad, is the nationwide educational event “Nationwide Economic Dictation”. The theme of the event is: “A Strong Economy — A Prosperous Russia!”

The goal of the Economic Dictation is to improve the economic literacy of Russian people. Its tasks are designed to familiarize participants with economic theory and history, to cultivate a culture of informed economic and financial behavior, to foster interest in current economic issues, and to demonstrate how to apply economic knowledge and skills in everyday life.

The event was first held in 2017 and since then has significantly expanded the geography and number of participants. In 2025, a total of 428,637 participants took part in the Economic Dictation, representing all regions of Russia and 13 foreign countries: Belarus, Mongolia, Moldova, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Syria, China, and Argentina. This is 6.4 times more than the number of participants in the first event.

The results of the Economic Dictation are annually used as the basis for analytical research. The data obtained allow assessments of the level of economic literacy and economic activity among the population of Russia and its individual regions.

Every year, on the eve of the event, a press conference is held at the TASS press center dedicated to the start of the Economic Dictation. This event brings together scientists, government representatives, and public figures.

For details, see the Nationwide Economic Dictation website.

Russian Nationwide Festival of Economic Science

Each year, over 400,000 participants from all regions of Russia take part in the educational projects of the VEO of Russia. These initiatives aim to enhance citizens’ intellectual and educational levels, promote science and technology, and attract talented youth to the research sector.

The Russian Nationwide Festival of Economic Science is among the key educational projects of the VEO of Russia. It annually brings together hundreds of thousands of university students, college students, school pupils, lyceum and gymnasium students. Participants include winners and finalists of events such as the nationwide educational event “Nationwide Economic Dictation,” the International Youth Scientific Works Competition in Economics, and other projects.

The final of the festival is a platform where young participants hone their teamwork skills, collaboratively answering economic quiz questions and solving situational cases. The strongest teams earn the status of festival winners and receive invitations to the award ceremony held during the main events of the Moscow Academic Economic Forum.

For the purpose of educating the population, the VEO of Russia organizes public lectures both at the Society’s venue and in leading universities across the country. These lectures bring together experienced specialists, scientists, experts, and representatives of the younger generation.

International Youth Scientific Works Competition in Economics

As part of its educational activities, the VEO of Russia has been conducting the Youth Scientific Works Competition in Economics for nearly 30 years, since 1997. The competition has already opened doors to science for dozens of young people and motivated them to pursue careers in economics. Many of the laureates of the early competitions today hold high positions in government agencies, leading universities, and scientific centers across the country.

More information available in the section “International Youth Scientific Works Competition in Economics” on the website of the VEO of Russia.

Abalkin Readings Scientific Forum

The Abalkin Readings scientific forum has been held since 1994. The focus of the experts’ attention includes pressing issues of the country’s socio-economic development: strategies for achieving Russia’s national development goals, spatial, fiscal, and monetary policies, scientific and technological policy, development of specific sectors such as industry, healthcare, the labor market, and education.

Currently, the forum is headed by Boris Nikolaevich Porfiryev, Vice President of the VEO of Russia, Head of the Economics Section of the Department of Social Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Scientific Director of the RAS Institute of Economic Forecasting, and RAS Academician.

The list of events is posted in the section “Abalkin Readings” on the website of the VEO of Russia.

The outcomes of the Society’s extensive scientific-practical and expert-analytical activities are compiled into expert opinions, recommendations, and resolutions. These documents are sent to relevant government agencies and leading analytical and scientific centers across the country.

Russian Nationwide Economic Journalism Competition

Each year, the VEO of Russia recognizes the creative contributions of Russian journalists in covering pressing economic topics and developments both within the country and globally through the Russian Nationwide Economic Journalism Competition, established in 2018. The competition is conducted across four categories: “Best Publication in Print Media,” “Best Publication in Online Media,” “Best Television or Radio Segment,” and “For Contributions to Covering the Activities of the VEO of Russia.”

More information available in the section “Russian Nationwide Economic Journalism Competition” on the website of the VEO of Russia.

Media Coverage of the VEO of Russia

The VEO of Russia actively engages in educational outreach to a broad audience, including informing the public about the results of scientific, practical, and expert-analytical activities, as well as the progress and outcomes of large-scale nationwide projects, through mass media. Between 2020 and 2025, the media activities of the VEO of Russia were reflected in over 35,400 publications, segments, and articles.

For many years, the status of the main information partner of the VEO of Russia has belonged to the TASS news agency, with the official media partner being Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

One of the significant achievements of the collaboration between the VEO of Russia and Rossiyskaya Gazeta is the establishment of the Expert Council of the VEO of Russia and Rossiyskaya Gazeta. Meetings of this Council are regularly held at the publication’s media center, providing a platform to voice the scientific and expert community’s positions on pressing economic issues in the country’s leading business media.

For details, see in the “Media Coverage of the VEO of Russia” section.

Publishing Activities

Every year, the VEO of Russia publishes 30,000 copies of information and analytical, scientific and educational publications, which are distributed free of charge. The publications of the VEO of Russia include:

The VEO of Russia offers an open public library for all interested. Its Collection includes over 20,000 publications.

In honor of the VEO of Russia’s 250th anniversary, a monumental effort was undertaken in collaboration with the Russian State Library: all 345 volumes of “The Proceedings of the Imperial VEO”, published between 1765 and 191, were digitized and made freely available online.

Researchers, scholars, and the general public now have access to unique materials that not only introduce readers to the VEO of Russia’s educational and scientific-practical activities during the pre-revolutionary period but also serve as documentary evidence of the formation and development of various sectors of the national economy and economic thought in Russia over the course of a century and a half.

International Activities

The VEO of Russia dedicates significant attention to the development of scientific and public diplomacy, as well as international cooperation, aiming to strengthen the country’s position on the global scientific stage. The VEO of Russia maintains active contacts with renowned scientists and experts from 60 countries, including China, India, and other friendly countries.

The VEO of Russia maintains close cooperation with UN agencies, including the UN Information Centre in Moscow, and serves as an official platform for presenting key UN reports in Russia, such as “The World Economic Situation and Prospects” and “The Trade and Development Report.” The United Nations presents these reports annually on a single day across all the world’s capitals.

Leading Russian experts in global economics actively participate in discussions of UN reports at the platform of the VEO of Russia. They provide valuable feedback for UN analysts by offering expert assessments of the economic forecasts and risk reduction recommendations presented in the documents for managing worldwide economic and social development. The opinions and proposals of Russian experts, voiced during these presentations, are forwarded to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UN structures.

A longstanding tradition has been the holding of working meetings between the leadership and experts of the VEO of Russia and UN structures. Over the years, the Society’s platform has hosted prominent UNCTAD Secretaries-General, Mr. Mukhisa Kituyi and Ms. Rebeca Grynspan.

Annually, at the Society’s platform, the China-Russia Economic Dialogue takes place, bringing together leading scientists, experts, diplomats, business representatives, government officials, and the educational community from Russia and China. This forum serves as a platform for discussing the development of bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors, including the scientific and expert domains.

Within the VEO of Russia, a dedicated structure was established with the goal of developing proposals and recommendations to strengthen Russian-Chinese cooperation in the scientific, technological, and economic fields. In 2022, at the international conference titled “Russian-Chinese Relations in the Context of Contemporary Social and Economic Challenges,” held under the patronage of the Chinese Embassy in Russia, the Expert and Business Council of the VEO of Russia for the Development of Russian-Chinese Cooperation was founded.

Within the activities of the Expert and Business Council of the VEO of Russia for the Development of Russian-Chinese Cooperation, visits are organized whereby Chinese scientists travel to Russia, and Russian scientists travel to China.

The International Committee of the VEO of Russia oversees efforts to expand public international relations, promote public and scientific diplomacy, and enhance the Society’s presence within the international expert community. The Committee is headed by RAS Academician Aleksandr Dynkin, Vice President of the VEO of Russia, President of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations, a think tank under the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The list of events with international participation is posted in the section “International Committee” on the website of the VEO of Russia.

VEO of Russia’s Awards

The Free Economic Society of Russia is the country’s first public organization whose awards have been registered by the Heraldic Council under the President of the Russian Federation and are officially recorded in the federal heraldic register. The highest awards of the VEO of Russia are the Great Gold Medal (Certificate of Registration of the Medal in the Federal Heraldic Register under No. 078 dated October 14, 2005, registration number 158) and the Silver Medal (Certificate of Registration of the Medal in the Federal Heraldic Register under No. 079 dated October 14, 2005, registration number 160). These medals are modeled after the first medals of the Imperial Free Economic Society, established in 1765 by decree of Empress Catherine II. In addition to the medals, the awards system of the VEO of Russia includes the following honors: Honorary Diploma of the VEO of Russia; Commemorative Jubilee Medal “Reward for Efforts. 250 Years of the VEO of Russia”; Jubilee Medal “Reward for Efforts” (marking the 260th anniversary of the VEO of Russia); Honorary Badge of the VEO of Russia; Award Badge “Honored Economist of the VEO of Russia”; Certificate of Honor of the VEO of Russia; Letter of Appreciation of the VEO of Russia; Awards related to the Society’s prizes and Russian nationwide projects (in accordance with the relevant provisions).

Scientists, Government and Public Figures about the VEO of Russia

The outcomes of the VEO of Russia’s activities aimed at enlightenment and addressing the socio-economic development tasks of Russia, are highly valued by the government, business sector, educational institutions, and the scientific and expert community.

Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation

“The Free Economic Society has traversed an uneven and long path. Founded by decree of Empress Catherine II at the dawn of Russian Enlightenment, it from the very beginning played a significant role in the life of the state, spreading progressive ideas on organizing many sectors of the economy, taking into account climatic and regional specifics. The intelligentsia of Russia, its spiritual elite, contributed invaluable efforts to shaping a new kind of public consciousness. The Society accumulated colossal experience in collecting unique statistical data on Russian villages, established museums of folk industry, soil science, applied natural history, founded the Saint Petersburg Agricultural School, and created an accessible library containing tens of thousands of volumes on various economic and technological issues. The results of the Society’s extensive work contributed to the subsequent abolition of serfdom and the modernization of the Russian Empire’s economy as a whole. Today, the Free Economic Society provides an opportunity for professional discussion of relevant issues in economic theory and practice, objective evaluation of Russian reforms, and proposals for implementing scientific research and developments. Through its advisory, informational, publishing, and educational activities, the Society offers significant assistance in training economists and providing recommendations crucial for the creation of federal and regional programs of strategic development for contemporary Russia.”

Sergey Naryshkin, Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation and Chairman of the Russian Historical Society

“By bringing together exceptional and talented individuals, the Free Economic Society has always strived to discover the most effective ways to develop the nation. Today, the agenda includes the pressing challenges of our era—strengthening national economic security, devising anti-crisis strategies, and ensuring employment amidst rising productivity. The active participation of both young and established scientists and entrepreneurs in these discussions fosters the growth of Russia’s scientific, technological, and intellectual potential. Moreover, a focus on sectors of the real economy guarantees that the solutions developed are practical and impactful.”

Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

“The Society’s (VEO of Russia) chronicle is adorned with many luminous names: distinguished scientists, eminent statesmen, and influential politicians, who made significant contributions to strengthening Russian statehood. It is heartening to note that today, VEO continues to implement in-demand projects and programs, drawing upon its rich experience and established traditions. Its members engage in diverse scientific and educational activities, contributing to the socio-economic development of the country and improving the living standards of its citizens. In today’s conditions, when our nation faces grand tasks of comprehensive modernization, such efforts command deep respect. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warmly welcomes the Society’s active international engagement, which fosters the expansion of humanitarian ties with foreign partners and strengthens an atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding in global affairs.”

Sergey Sobyanin, Mayor of Moscow

“For centuries, the Society has made significant contributions to addressing the key challenges of our country’s economic development. Its great merit lies in preserving and enhancing the finest traditions of the Russian economic school and ensuring the continuity of generations in economic science. Today, the VEO of Russia continues to play a vital role in the economic, scientific, and public life of the state. By uniting leading practicing economists, scholars, and experts, your organization serves as a respected platform for discussing pressing issues of economic theory and practice, providing objective assessments of Russia’s transformations. Your works are distinguished by creativity, innovation, scientific courage, and practical relevance.”

Gennady Krasnikov, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), RAS academician

“For over 250 years, the Free Economic Society of Russia has operated under the motto “Useful,” bestowed upon it by Catherine the Great, while successfully continuing the traditions of enlightenment established by its founders and selflessly serving its country. The Society unites the intellectual elite of the country under its aegis. Its structure includes 65 regional organizations and branches that actively engage in scientific, practical, expert, and educational activities across Russia’s regions, enabling the accumulation of a wide range of perspectives on the country’s socio-economic development. The history of collaboration between the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Free Economic Society of Russia dates back to the founding of this country’s first public organization in 1765. Since then, many members of our Academy (initially the Imperial Academy, then the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, and now the Russian Academy of Sciences) have participated in the work of the Free Economic Society. The RAS management, its scientists, and specialists are well aware of and highly value the role of the Free Economic Society of Russia in promoting the integration of academic knowledge and applied developments into the national economy, ensuring their effective application in practice, and actively participating in the development of scientific communication. The VEO of Russia and RAS continue their joint efforts to implement projects aimed at achieving the country’s national development goals.”

Alexander Shokhin, President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs

“The 260th anniversary of the VEO of Russia, the first civil society institution in the country, is a landmark date for our nation. Over two and a half centuries, the Society has made a significant contribution to solving strategic tasks related to Russia’s socio-economic development. Its role in the development of entrepreneurship and industry in Russia cannot be overstated. Throughout its history, the Society has supported domestic producers and the development of new sectors of the national economy. Thanks to the Society, Russia saw the first agricultural exhibitions where artisans and small factories could showcase their products and find markets. The Society was at the forefront of business education, actively participating in the creation of the Moscow Commercial School—the first specialized educational institution in Russia for training personnel in trade, finance, and enterprise management. Today, the VEO of Russia, maintaining the continuity of its traditions, actively participates in the life of the country, engaging in educational and scientific-expert activities aimed at developing proposals on issues of socio-economic development, improving the business climate, and enhancing economic education.”

Viktor Sadovnichy, Rector of Lomonosov Moscow State University

“The emergence of the Free Economic Society of Russia at the dawn of Russian Enlightenment became possible thanks to the efforts of the great Russian scholar Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov, who was also the founder of Moscow State University. Bringing together Russia’s intellectual elite, the Society has played a significant role in the country’s economic life for two and a half centuries, engaging in educational activities, promoting advanced economic practices, and introducing effective technologies and achievements of scientific and technological progress. It is gratifying that even today, the Free Economic Society of Russia actively addresses current issues, making an invaluable contribution to the country’s economy while upholding the ideals articulated in its first Charter: service to the Fatherland, and a focus on science and advanced experience. I would like to especially emphasize that the expert opinions, proposals, and recommendations of the VEO of Russia are taken into account when making important decisions related to Russia’s economic development and the improvement of the economic education system.”

Boris Titov, Special Envoy of the Russian President for Relations with International Organizations for the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals

“It is difficult to overestimate the theoretical and practical legacy that the Free Economic Society has contributed to Russia throughout its rich history. For over two centuries, scientists and entrepreneurs have worked together to advance the material development of our vast country. This mission has never lost its importance, and today it is especially valuable.”

Mikhail Shmakov, President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia

“Founded at the dawn of Russian Enlightenment, the Free Economic Society paved the way for the progress of civil society in Russia. The Free Economic Society of Russia has always aimed to address the most pressing issues of the modern era. Land ownership, the abolition of serfdom, studying economic life in the border regions, grain trade, the situation of peasants and workers, and even the fight against infections—all these and many other urgent Russian problems became subjects for discussion at Society meetings. I am pleased to note that the main and unwavering goal of the Free Economic Society—to promote the development of Russia’s economy and the well-being of its citizens—closely aligns with the principles and approaches of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia.”

Vladimir Kuznetsov, Director of the UN Information Center in Moscow

“For many years, the Free Economic Society of Russia has been a trusted partner and collaborator in advancing the agenda of the United Nations. It is a highly professional organization of economists with indisputable authority, where each specialist can voice their views on topics of interest and discuss them substantively with colleagues. The key to the success of this constructive and mutually enriching dialogue lies in the Society’s many years of experience in gathering and analyzing a wide range of opinions and perspectives on current international issues. In our challenging times, the Society actively assists the United Nations in addressing tasks related to establishing more just international economic relations, eradicating poverty, reducing the gap between the rich and the poor, and achieving, by the set deadline of 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Maxim Topilin, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy

“Throughout its existence, VEO has made a significant contribution to the development of economic enlightenment in our country. Much has been accomplished in organizing research expeditions and open discussions on the most important issues of the national economy. We highly appreciate the VEO of Russia’s work in consolidating the economic and scientific community in the interests of effective economic development and in shaping the future generation of specialists for the national economy.”

Vladimir Gutenev, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Industry and Trade

“The VEO of Russia is a reputable expert platform where representatives of government, business, and the expert community discuss pressing socio-economic issues and determine the future development directions. The Society’s many years of experience in collecting and analyzing diverse opinions, positions, viewpoints, programs, and proposals serve as a guarantee of a constructive dialogue aimed at proactive development of the Russian Federation.”

Sergey Galkin, Head of the Federal State Statistics Service

“Today, just as two centuries ago, the Free Economic Society brings together leading economists, scientists, representatives of the business community, and government officials of our country. I would especially like to highlight the fruitful cooperation between the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) and the Free Economic Society of Russia. Members of the Society’s Presidium are part of the Public Council under Rosstat. Their experience and expertise make a significant contribution to the development of statistics and its digitalization process, as outlined in the Strategy for the Development of State Statistics until 2030.”

Andrey Kutepov, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on Economic Policy

“For more than a quarter of a millennium, the Free Economic Society of Russia has been at the forefront of significant economic reforms in our country, making a substantial contribution to Russia’s development and integration into global economic and business processes. Traditionally, the Society’s membership includes outstanding leaders in the economic sector, representatives from various regions of our country, as well as entrepreneurial, scientific, and youth organizations. This diverse composition enables the Society to effectively address tasks related to the development and strengthening of the state’s economic policy, the formation of strategies and models for sustainable economic growth, and the regulation of issues concerning industrial policy and public-private partnership. The Federation Council of the Russian Federal Assembly highly values the constructive cooperation with the Free Economic Society of Russia. I am confident that in the future, the VEO of Russia will continue to make a significant contribution to solving global economic challenges and promoting the socio-economic development of our country.”

Leonid Slutsky, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs

“Two hundred and sixty years of the Imperial Free Economic Society is not only a source of pride but also a high standard of professional responsibility for the fate of the Fatherland. Through its dedicated and constructive activities, the Society continues to make a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the country, including through strengthening international cooperation, promoting scientific diplomacy, shaping international institutions, and developing expert exchanges with leading foreign centers. The VEO of Russia annually brings together prominent scientists from dozens of countries within its large-scale nationwide projects, showcasing the achievements of domestic thought abroad.”

Roman Artyukhin, Head of the Federal Treasury of the Russian Federation

“The Free Economic Society of Russia is the country’s first historically established institution of civil society, the oldest in Europe and the world, founded by decree of Catherine the Great on November 11, 1765. The dedicated work of the VEO of Russia for more than a quarter of a millennium has, through an unbroken thread of continuity, connected many generations of figures from domestic science and culture, politicians, and practicing economists.”

Andrey Vorobyov, Governor of the Moscow Region

“For more than two and a half centuries, the VEO of Russia has had a significant influence on the socio-economic development of our country. Its activities are associated with the emergence of state statistics, the introduction of new agricultural crops, the implementation of universal primary education, and major economic reforms. Essentially, it was the first institute of civil society in Russia, bringing together the country's intellectual elite. Today, Society remains a respected expert and analytical platform where scientific research is conducted, promising ideas are widely discussed, and innovative approaches to economic development are developed. Importantly, the Society actively collaborates with government authorities, helping to shape economic policy and establish priorities.”

Alexey Besprozvannykh, Governor of the Kaliningrad Region

“The activities of the VEO of Russia, originally aimed at developing constructive solutions for the priority tasks of the country’s socio-economic development, are now especially relevant and in demand. In the current conditions of economic challenges, the Society serves as a source of important ideas, a generator of effective economic solutions, and a stimulus for the emergence of new prominent figures.”

Roman Busargin, Governor of the Saratov Region

“The rich history of the Society is marked by significant achievements and contributions to the development of our country’s economy. Today, the ideas and principles laid down by its founders remain relevant and in demand. The call to work for the benefit of our Fatherland and to promote its prosperity is the main idea established over two centuries ago and still preserved today. The Free Economic Society of Russia is a leading platform for constructive dialogue and public discussion of the most important economic issues, bringing together thousands of concerned citizens, entrepreneurs, government officials, and scientists.”

Evgeny Solntsev, Governor of the Orenburg Region

“Since its founding by Empress Catherine the Great in 1765, the Society has consistently served a noble mission: the development of the national economy and the economic education of our compatriots. It is the country’s first civil society institution, uniting outstanding scientists, statesmen, politicians, writers, and entrepreneurs—educated individuals who care for the fate of our Fatherland. Under the motto “Bees bringing honey to the hive,” the Society’s members conscientiously fulfill their assigned duties, upholding the fundamental principle of unity of effort and selflessness. It is important that today the Free Economic Society of Russia maintains the link between times and traditions, carefully preserving the intellectual legacy of its predecessors.”

Vladimir Solodov, Governor of the Kamchatka Territory

“For centuries, the mission of the Free Economic Society has remained unchanged: it has been not only a locomotive of economic thought but also an initiator of large-scale educational projects, scientific research, and open discussions on key issues of the country’s development. Today, the Society is not merely a keeper of a glorious history and invaluable ideological heritage. It is an active participant in contemporary life, making a tangible contribution to the development of Russia.”

Yury Slyusar, Governor of the Rostov Region

“The VEO of Russia has played a significant role in the development of agriculture, the establishment of domestic statistical accounting, insurance and pension systems, early childhood and school education, and healthcare. Your work is of particular importance for the Rostov Region, a dynamically developing region of southern Russia. Your expert assessments, analytical developments, and scientific recommendations assist in solving key socio-economic challenges and contribute to strengthening the region’s position as the largest industrial, agricultural, and logistics center in the south of the country.

Oleg Melnichenko, Governor of the Penza Region

“From its early years, the Free Economic Society has played a significant role in defending the interests of entrepreneurship, implementing modern forms and methods of economic development, and promoting popular enlightenment. The research conducted under its auspices, published scientific articles, and large-scale educational campaigns have been contributing to scientific and technological progress in our country for over a quarter of a millennium. Currently, the VEO of Russia possesses an inexhaustible potential for joint work with Russian regions to achieve the country’s national strategic goals.”