FOUNDERS
"We are convinced that serious dialogue between politicians and businessmen must be encouraged."
The Founders of CGDC
Petar Stoyanov
President of the Republic of Bulgaria 1997 – 2002
CGDC President
Petar Stoyanov served as President of Bulgaria from 1997 to 2002, after winning the 1996 election as the candidate of the Union of Democratic Forces (UDF). From 1991 to 1992, he was Deputy Minister of Justice in Bulgaria’s first non-communist government since 1944. In 1994, holding a doctorate in law, he was elected to the 37th National Assembly and became Deputy Chairman of the UDF in 1995.
A dedicated advocate of democracy and European integration, Stoyanov founded the Petar Stoyanov Centre for Political Dialogue in 2002. He is an active member of several international organizations, including the Clinton Global Initiative, the Global Fairness Initiative Board, the European Business Awards Judging Committee, the International Advisory Board of the American Bar Association, and the Trilateral Commission’s European Executive Committee. He also serves as Honorary Co-Chair of the World Justice Project.
His honours include the Anti-Defamation League’s Courage to Care Award and others for legal and civic leadership.
We need new core values and we need to redefine the relationship between politics and business.
Stamen Stantchev
International Business Consultant
Secretary General of CGDC
Stamen Stantchev is an advisor to major multinational companies, including Credit Suisse Bank London, STRABAG, OMV, CEZ (Czech Electricity Company), Dogan Holding Turkey, and SKODA. With broad involvement in international business, he is also an investor in the energy sector.
He is the Founder and General Manager of Energan, a consultancy specializing in advising and supporting multinational companies entering Central and Eastern Europe. The firm provides strategic consulting and lobbying services, helping clients navigate the region’s emerging markets and establish long-term presence.
Stantchev is a strong advocate for constructive dialogue between politics and business, believing it is essential for sustainable development and economic stability.
He is actively engaged with the Center for Global Dialogue and Cooperation (CGDC), contributing to its mission of promoting collaboration and economic growth across sectors. He continues to play a prominent role in shaping business strategy in Central and Eastern Europe.
Whenever you think, think big. Whenever we do something in the CGDC, we think globally.
Walter Schwimmer
Secretary General of the Council of Europe 1999-2004
Vice President CGDC
Dr. Walter Schwimmer was an Austrian politician, diplomat, and advocate for European unity and intercultural dialogue. A member of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), he served in the Austrian National Assembly from 1971 to 1999. From 1984 to 1999, he was Executive Vice-President of the Wiener Gebietskrankenkasse, Vienna’s public health insurance fund. He held a doctorate in law.
In 1999, Dr. Schwimmer was elected Secretary General of the Council of Europe, serving until 2004. Following his tenure, he worked as an advisor on international relations, European affairs, and intercultural cooperation. He also held leadership roles in several dialogue-focused initiatives, including Secretary General of the Maison de la Méditerranée–Fondazione Mediterraneo, Chairman of the World Public Forum’s Coordinating Committee, and President of the European Democracy Forum.
Dr. Schwimmer passed away on March 12, 2025, at age 82.
He was widely respected for his lifelong contributions to democracy, human rights, and dialogue across cultures.
The CGDC is endeavouring to change attitudes and is seeking to take lessons from history.
Werner Fasslabend
Minister of Defence, Republic of Austria 1990-2000
Dr. Werner Fasslabend is an Austrian politician and expert in European and security policy. A member of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), he served as Austria’s Minister of Defence from 1990 to 2000. From 1987 to 2007, he was a Member of the Austrian National Assembly and held the role of Third President of the Assembly from 2000 to 2002. Dr. Fasslabend, who holds a doctorate in law, also chaired the Austrian Workers’ and Employees’ Association (ÖAAB). Following his political career, he became President of the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES), where he continues to shape strategic dialogue on European and international affairs.
He serves as Head of the Academic Council of the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies in Brussels and is President of both the Austrian-Slovak and Austrian-Iranian Societies, promoting international cooperation and bilateral relations.
The consideration of ethics and values is an important step towards facing any economic and financial crisis.
Etienne Declercq
International Real Estate Developer
Vice President CGDC
Etienne Declercq is a Belgian businessman, architect, and urbanist renowned for his influential role in international real estate development. With a career spanning several decades, he has led major projects across Belgium, France, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia. A committed advocate of European integration, Declercq uses his work to foster cross-border collaboration and economic growth.
He serves as President of the Board of Otreco NV, a company with over 30 years of experience in international property development, and holds the same position at E&L Real Estates Sp. z o.o. in Poland. Through these roles and others, he continues to shape the landscape of European urban development. Declercq’s visionary approach and global business network reflect his deep commitment to innovation, sustainability, and international cooperation in the built environment. His ongoing legacy is marked by a dedication to excellence in both architecture and real estate.
With the focus of the CGDC on supporting emerging countries we can contribute to the wellbeing of every single individual in the world.