The Argentine president, Javier Milei, inaugurated the 10th International Conference on Austrian Economics on 21 October at the Madrid-Vicálvaro campus of the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC). This event brings together over 120 international academics and researchers who will present more than 85 scientific papers covering topics such as economic theory, monetary policy, economic cycles, history, law, and philosophy, all from the perspective of the Austrian School of Economics, which has its roots in the School of Salamanca.
During the conference, the Youth Liberty Prize 2026 and Research Scholarships 2026, sponsored by the Jesús Huerta de Soto Ballester Foundation, will be awarded, along with prizes for the best scientific papers presented this year.
The arrival of President Milei at the Madrid-Vicálvaro campus was marked by heightened security measures and protests from student groups. In his inaugural address, Milei expressed gratitude to his mentor, Huerta de Soto, for transforming his understanding of economics. His speech focused on the foundations of anarcho-capitalism as an economic theory, tracing its roots to Greek thought, Roman law, and Judeo-Christian heritage.
The conference will conclude today with the ceremony for the Mises-Hayek-Rothbard-Kirzner Awards, which recognise the best articles presented on liberalism, the Austrian business cycle theory, value and utility, market behaviour, money, banking, and political philosophy.
