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Ambassador HUO Yuzhen

Ambassador HUO Yuzhen was born in April, 1954. She has a PhD majoring in Czech language.

1976 – 1981 Desk Officer, Embassy of PRC in the Republic of Czechoslovakia;

1981 – 1983 Attaché, Department of Soviet and European Affair, MFA;

1983 – 1985 Doctorate Program of Czech language, Charles University in Prague, Republic of Czechoslovakia;

1985 – 1987 Attaché and Third Secretary, Embassy of PRC in the Republic of Czechoslovakia;

1987 – 1989 Third Secretary, Department of Soviet and European Affair, MFA;

1989 – 1991 Studied at China Foreign Affairs University；

1991 – 1992 Second Secretary, Department of European-Central Asian Affairs, MFA;

1992 – 1996 Second Secretary and First Secretary, Embassy of PRC in the Czech Republic;

1996 – 1998 First Secretary, Department of European-Central Asian Affairs, MFA;

1998 – 2001 Political Counselor, Embassy of PRC in the Czech Republic;

2001 – 2002 Counselor, Department of European-Central Asian Affairs, MFA;

2002 – 2004 Deputy Director General, Department of European-Central Asian Affairs, MFA;

2004 – 2006 Deputy Director General, Department of European Affairs, MFA;

2006 – 2010 Ambassador to the Czech Republic;

2010 – 2011 Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China;

2011 – 2015 Ambassador to Romania;

2015 – Special Representative of China-CEEC Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China

Abstract

Belt and Road Initiative and 16+1 Cooperation

Mr. Ismir Jusko

Mr. Ismir Jusko was born on June 18 1971, in Zuttlingen, Federal Republic of Germany. He’s graduated from the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education of the University of Sarajevo, where he also earned his master degree and currently pursuing his doctoral studies.

From 1990 to 1996 he was engaged with the BiH Ministry of Interior Affairs, Special Police Unit, being in the same period instructor for Special Combat Tactics, Counter- Terrorism, VIP Protection, Special and General Physical Preparedness of the BiH Ministry of Interior Special Unit Personnel. From 1996 till 2007 he served as Head of the Counter-Terrorism Team of the US Embassy in Sarajevo.

From 2007 till 2010 he was Vice-President and Sarajevo Branch Office Director of the Sector Security Company; from 2010 till 2014 we worked for the BiH Ministry of Security – Police Support Agency, as Director’s Head of Cabinet and Advisor to BiH Minister of Security. From November 2015 till May 2016 he was Sarajevo Canton Minister of Interior Affairs.

He is actively involved in alpinism, diving and paragliding and founder of the Martial Art Academy.

He speaks English.

Abstract

Integration of transport sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans countries in the EU transport sector

Part of the Bosnia and Herzegovina’s transport network has strategic international significance within the Western Balkans region, due to its inclusion in the SEETO Comprehensive network, which has elements of multimodal regional transport network, and forms the basis for the implementation of the investment transport programmes.

Like other countries in the Western Balkans region, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the signatory of the Agreement on the Establishment of the Transport Community in the field of road, railway, inland and maritime transport, which aims to develop a transport network, based on the progressive integration of the Western Balkans countries’ transport markets into the European Union’s transport market.

Integration is based on the effective legal basis, covering technical standards, interoperability, safety and social policy in connection with transport management, public procurement and environmental issues for all modes, except for air transport.

Commissioner Mariya Gabriel

Since 2017 Mrs Mariya Gabriel is European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society. Her previous assignments including following accomplishments:

2009-2017: Member of the European Parliament, EPP/ GERB (Citizens for European development of Bulgaria)
2014: Vice-President of the EPP Group in the European Parliament
2014-2017: Member of the European Parliament, EPP/GERB
* Member of the Committees AFET, LIBE, FEMM
* Member of the Delegation to the Joint Parliamentary Assembly ACP- EU
* Member of the Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean
* Member of the Delegation for relations with the Maghreb and the Arab Maghreb Union
* Deputy-member of the Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula
2016: Chief observer of the EU election observation mission to Gabon
2015: Member of the National Executive Council Women; GERB Bulgaria
2014: Chief of the EU Election Follow-up Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo
2009–2014: Member of the European Parliament, EPP/GERB
* EPP Group coordinator for the Committee FEMM
* Member of the Committees AGRI, LIBE, PETI, CRIM
* Member of the Delegation to the joint parliamentary assembly ACP-EU
2012: Vice-President of the EPP Women
2011: Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo
2008-2009: Parliamentary secretary to MEPs from GERB political party within the EPP Group
2007–2008: Research assistant, Institute of Political Studies, Bordeaux, France
2005–2008: Research assistant, Institute of Political Science, Bordeaux, France – Laboratory SPIRIT, European Program EQUAL 2004-2008: “Values and Economy – nondiscrimination in professional activities and social economy”
2004–2008: Research Assistant, Institute of Political Sciences, Bordeaux, France – International Research Program on “The parliamentarian representation at national and European levels (PARENEL)”
2004–2007: ATER (Attaché Temporaire d’enseignement et de Recherche), Institute of Political Science, Bordeaux, France
2002–2003: Master in Comparative Politics and International Relations PhD Academy for Political Science, Bordeaux, France
2001–2002: Certificate in Political Science, IEP Institute for Political Studies, Bordeaux, France
1997–2001: BA in Bulgarian and French Languages in Paisii Hilendarski Plovdiv University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
1997 – Secondary Language School Dr. Petar Beron, Kyustendil, Bulgaria

Mrs Gabriel is married with one child

Abstract

The EU approach to cybersecurity and the Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans

* Cyber security is a priority for the EU because we can only reap the benefit of the Digital Single Market if we protect our networks and systems and earn the trust of citizens and businesses.

* The Network and Information Systems Security Directive, the first EU-wide cyber-security law, is in force since 9 May 2018. Additional proposals, such as those for an EU Cybersecurity Agency and for a EU-wide certification framework make good progress.

* Improved cooperation on cyber security in the EU also sets the scene for more cooperation with our partners. The agreed and upcoming Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans is a very positive example.

Ms. Spomenka Đurić

Main responsibilities:

Responsible for the system of management and control of the implementation of the Operational program for Competitiveness and Cohesion 2014 – 2020 in total value of 6.8bn EUR which is the allocation from European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) representing a means for addressing the needs and opportunities within specific policy sectors of Croatia’s socio-economic development. Allocation from European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is around 4.3bn EUR, combined with 2.5bn EUR of Cohesion fund (CF). 

Key qualifications:

Over 10 years’ experience in working directly with both public and SME sector on investment projects including investment funded through EU and national grant schemes.

Over ten years’ experience in working with both public and private sector in various capacities including Pre-Feasibility and Feasibility Studies for public and private sector clients, including the development of Feasibility Studies, along with templated application formats, for national and EU grant applications (including EU Structural Fund).

Member of a Task Force format delivering advisory services to SMEs from manufacturing and tourism sectors in developing complete and successful Structural Fund applications.

Fully conversant with all components of the EU 2020 Strategy and Croatian 2014-2020 policy documents. Equally familiar with all regional development strategies in Croatia.

Abstract

Usage of European structural funds to move towards circular economy: Sustainable waste management

– Introduction of Circular instead of linear economy in waste management system
– Ecological benefits through sustainable and efficient management of resources
– Economic benefits through creation of jobs and extension of usage of materials and products
– EU funds present great opportunity and tool to enable gradual and smoot introduction of circular economy in waste management system

Ms. Zeljka Cvijanovic

Ms. Zeljka Cvijanovic born in Teslic in 1967. She graduated from Faculty of Philosophy in Sarajevo, acquiring further academic specializations at the University of Banja Luka – Faculty of Philosophy and Faculty of Law. She holds a degree in English language and literature, as well as master’s degree in the field of diplomatic and consular law.

She started her professional career as Professor of English language and literature, followed by several years of experience working with the European Union Mission in BiH.

After being named an Advisor to the Prime Minister of Republika Srpska for European integration and cooperation with international organizations, she was selected to lead Republika Srpska Coordination and European Integration Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister.

While serving as the Chief of Staff to the Republika Srpska Prime Minister, she was also voted an external expert member to the Republika Srpska National Assembly Committee for European Integration and Regional Cooperation.

In 2011. she was appointed Republika Srpska Minister of Economic Affairs and Regional Cooperation.

Ms. Cvijanovic was elected Republika Srpska Prime Minister twice – for the first time in March 2013 and for another term starting December 2014.

She is married and mother of two children.

Abstract

The Republic of Srpska: Building a path for information society

– One of primary objectives of the Government of the Republic of Srpska is the education system reform and its adjustment to the needs and demands of the labor market, formation and training of such occupational profiles that would be able to respond to the needs of a modern, digital society and economy. The measures which the Government is taking in this direction represent the pledge for the future and development of the Republic of Srpska as a modern society based on contemporary technologies and dynamic economic growth.

– With the ever increasing opening of the economy, as well as of public administration toward modern digital technologies, the conditions are being created for better business environment and stronger influx of domestic and foreign investments which would result in more dynamic business activities and continuous economic growth as demonstrated by the macroeconomic parameters in the Republic of Srpska in the past several years.

– Enhanced connectivity of the economies in the region and constant know-how exchange with stronger linking-up of their development and innovation capacities does not only represent the necessity but the only path for upgrading of their competitiveness in the contemporary globalized world.

Ms. Mila Carovska

Ms. Carovska graduated at the Faculty of Philosophy at the “St. Cyril and Methodius” University in Skopje, at the Institute for Social Work and Social Policy.

In her professional career she gained experience in the field of social work, including facilitation of drama workshops with children housed in institutions, facilitation of educational workshops, SOS operator and supervisor on consultations for drug users and their families, as well as, a collaborator of drug treatment institutions, social worker in the field, a pre/ post test for HIV/AIDS-advisor and a field researcher.

Mila Carovska was a Special Advisor in the Cabinet of the Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Frosina Remenski.

As a proven professional in her field of activity, Carovska upgraded her professional career and higher education through the years, on numerous work positions and experiences that involve direct communication with socially vulnerable and threatened categories of citizens. Her managerial participation in dozens of projects in the spheres of social policy encompasses different categories of citizens such as Roma, youth, addicts and covers topics such as domestic violence, sexual rights, education of vulnerable groups, etc.

Due to her rich work experience, Carovska is engaged in twelve domestic and international organizations as an expert in her field.

Being dedicated to social work, Carovska has obtained more than 24 Certificates from domestic and international institutions, as proof of her commitment and dedication to the issues from the social sphere.

Ms. Carovska was born in 1984.

Abstract

Women economic empowerment: key for economic growth in Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Ambassador Michael B. Christides

Ambassador Michael B. Christides is the Secretary General of the Permanent International Secretariat (PERMIS) of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey.

Born in Thessaloniki, Greece in 1949, Ambassador Christides joined the Hellenic MFA in 1976 as first in his Class and served with distinction until his retirement in August 2014. Among other assignments he served as Ambassador of Greece to Bulgaria, to Turkey and to Argentina and held senior posts in the Hellenic MFA as Political Director for South East Europe, as Director General for International Organizations, International Security & Cooperation and as Director General for International Economic Relations.

Ambassador Christides has spent more than 20 years dealing with S.E. European and Balkan issues, while traveling extensively in the region. He acquired a broad knowledge of the political and economic realities there and established a wide network of high-level political, business, academic and media contacts. He speaks fluent English, German, French, Italian and moderately good Spanish.

Ambassador Christides was elected by the BSEC Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs as Secretary General of the BSEC PERMIS, assuming his duties on 1 July 2015.

Abstract

Transports in the wider Black Sea Region