Economic Forum in Krynica sometimes referred to as the "Eastern Davos". According to the organisers, the mission of the Economic Forum is to create a favorable climate for development of political and economic cooperation in Europe. The opinions of the Forum's speakers are often quoted by the international media and discussed by leading analysts. The Forum engages political, business and third sector leaders, i.a.: presidents, prime ministers, ministers, EU commissioners, parliamentarians, presidents of large companies, experts, as well as representatives of cultural institutions and media. The 26th edition of the Economic Forum in 2016 was attended by over 3,000 visitors from 60 countries in
St. Petersburg International Economic Forum his post illegally. In June 2013, the post of Chair of the Organizing Committee went to new Minister of Economic Development of Russia Alexey Ulyukaev. However, organization of the Forum and development of its business programme were overseen by Deputy Minister Sergey Belyakov. In 2014, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum found itself at the centre of controversy over the political crisis in Ukraine. Due to diplomatic tensions between Russia and a number of Western nations, heads of major corporations based in the US, Europe, and other regions declined to participate in the Forum. Speaking to reporters, an official White