Ana Novak, Author at CEP

The 20th Bled Strategic Forum will be held under the title “A Runaway World”

2. 4. 2025 | Bled Strategic Forum, PR

Announcing the 20th edition of the Bled Strategic Forum international conference taking place in Bled on 1–2 September.

This anniversary edition will be held under the title “A Runaway World.” The conference will mark the 20th jubilee of the Forum and will focus on Europe’s role in a new global order. The Bled Strategic Forum is an intergovernmental project of the Republic of Slovenia, organised by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Centre for European Perspective, and is considered the most prominent foreign policy event in Slovenia.

“In a turbulent world, with many dynamic changes, crises and conflicts, politicians, world leaders, decision-makers are faced with increasing, complex global challenges to which we should respond with appropriate measures, policies, actions. This is why discussions within such an established, broad platform as the Bled Strategic Forum are particularly valuable for us, where we can seek answers and solutions to key issues in contemporary societies with a wide range of relevant actors,” emphasised Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs.

The Bled Strategic Forum 2025 reflects 20 years of its existence by steadfastly adhering to the core of its success: a global platform that brings together diverse stakeholders to exchange ideas and views on contemporary society and its future.

A Jubilee of Adaptive Reliance

Over the past two decades, the Bled Strategic Forum has undergone a remarkable transformation. Initially established as a regional, one-day conference with a select group of panellists, it has evolved into a prestigious two-day international conference. Today, it attracts a diverse range of distinguished participants, including global decision-makers, thinkers, experts, think tanks, academics, business professionals and emerging talents.

The conference’s unique feature lies in its ability to foster meaningful exchanges and generate innovative solutions to address both current and future challenges. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill sets, it creates an environment conducive to intellectual growth and collaborative problem-solving.

Recognised as the leading international conference in Central and South-Eastern Europe, the Bled Strategic Forum has gained global recognition. Its evolution from a one-off event to an ongoing platform has enabled it to establish partnerships with other global conferences, participate in international panels and expand its presence beyond Slovenia. This strategic expansion has not only enhanced Slovenia’s international standing, but has also contributed to its active role on the global stage.

Since its inception, the Bled Strategic Forum has been held in the picturesque town of Bled, which has become an integral part of the conference’s identity. This unique setting has garnered the trust and support of its participants, contributing to the enduring legacy of the Bled Strategic Forum.

Reshaping Resilience in the Evolving Global Landscape

Under the theme “A Runaway World”, the Bled Strategic Forum 2025 will focus on Europe’s role in a new global environment.

The Bled Strategic Forum 2025 will serve as a platform for reflection and action in a world overshadowed by ongoing crises and geopolitical uncertainty. As the international order fractures and new global complexities emerge, the Forum will invite leaders, experts and visionaries to examine Europe’s role in shaping a more stable, cooperative and resilient future.

Through strategic dialogue and innovative ideas, the conference will address the challenges of strengthening global governance, fostering strategic sovereignty and building trust in an increasingly polarised world.

Peter Grk, Secretary General of the Bled Strategic Forum, stated: “The Bled Strategic Forum 2025 will showcase its strengths by focusing on its guests through one-on-one talks, facilitating the exchange of ideas in panel discussions with diverse speakers and welcoming high-level decision makers.”

The concept and content of the Bled Strategic Forum are available here (link)

About the Bled Strategic Forum international conference

The Bled Strategic Forum international conference is the leading event in Central and South-Eastern Europe, bringing together participants from diverse fields and backgrounds to exchange views and generate ideas for overcoming current and future challenges.

The conference is the flagship event of a global platform of the same name, which aims to generate ideas and exchange views on contemporary society and its future. As an instrument of Slovenia’s soft power in foreign policy, it hosts and participates in key debates both in Slovenia and abroad throughout the year.

New CEP Report! Seeking Opportunities and Mitigating Risks: The Way Forward for CEEs Digital Transformation

17. 3. 2025 | PR, Regional cooperation, Transformative Power of Digital

Our latest report: Seeking Opportunities and Mitigating Risks – The Way Forward for Central and Eastern Europe’s Digital Transformation is out!

Much has changed in transatlantic relations and digital cooperation since we began working on this report in early 2024. Despite some caveats, there was broad consensus that the US and the EU were strategic partners in the field of digital cooperation—an idea we have consistently promoted in our past publications on digital transformation of Central and Eastern European (CEE) region.

However, shifting geopolitical dynamics and the new US administration have drastically altered the nature of this relationship. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has described the current era as one of harsh geopolitical competition. Despite these challenges there is space for cooperation in key areas, particularly in advancing digital transformation and ensuring that Europe remains a strong and competitive player in the global economy.

The CEE region has an important role to play in this process. As it seeks to strengthen its position in the global digital economy and the intensified geopolitical environment, it must navigate a landscape filled with both opportunities and challenges. While the region has demonstrated remarkable ambition and talent, turning potential into tangible progress requires strategic policymaking, investment in digital infrastructure, and a commitment to fostering innovation at all levels of society.

The aim of this publication is to explore different areas where the countries of the CEE region could play a more prominent role in advancing digital transformation and strengthening the EU’s competitiveness. All articles in this publication conclude with policy recommendations, offering policymakers some ideas on how to navigate this changed environment. In an era where digital leadership is closely tied to geopolitical influence, Europe and the CEE region cannot afford to stand still. Although written in a seemingly different era, these contributions remain highly relevant and provide valuable insights.

Two major reports on improving EU’s competitiveness published last year, one by Mario Draghi and another by Enrico Letta, have set out ambitious strategies for Europe’s digital and economic progress. But the key question remains: will these ideas translate into real change? Barbara Matijašič tackles this challenge in her article, arguing that while Europe has no shortage of high-level strategies, the real issue lies in implementation. Without effective action, the gap between ambition and reality will only widen.
Beyond policy debates, the practical dimensions of digital competitiveness are also at stake. Radu-Cristian Muşetescu and Mihai Sebe explore how CEE countries can contribute to and benefit from Europe’s digital transformation. They emphasize the need for a balance between fostering local innovation and scaling up digital industries to compete globally.
One of the most pressing questions is whether the EU and the US can maintain a functional digital partnership despite these shifts. In her article, Andrea G. Rodríguez examines whether the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) can still serve as a viable platform for cooperation. With uncertainty surrounding the TTC’s future, Rodríguez highlights the key dilemmas that need to be addressed to prevent transatlantic digital policy from becoming another casualty of global tensions.
Looking toward the future, Wiktor Sędkowski discusses the role of 6G and immersive technologies in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of technological innovation. His article outlines how investments in connectivity, AI-driven services, and digital infrastructure can create a more inclusive and competitive digital ecosystem.
Finally, no digital transformation strategy can succeed without robust cybersecurity. Ewelina Kasprzyk presents a case study on cybersecurity cooperation in the CEE region, highlighting how stronger regional frameworks and international partnerships can enhance resilience against growing cyber threats.

Access the report Seeking Opportunities and Mitigating Risks – The Way Forward for Central and Eastern Europe’s Digital Transformation here.

Razpis za delovno mesto – Projektni vodja II

11. 3. 2025 | Employment, PR

Ustanova – Center za evropsko prihodnost (CEP) razpisuje delovno mesto: PROJEKTNI VODJA II (1 delovno mesto) – M/Ž

Postani ključen del strokovne in zagnane ekipe razvojnega stebra CEP, ki udejanja zunanjepolitične cilje v državah in regijah ključnega pomena, prispeva k njihovem razvoju ter približevanju standardom EU.

Ponujamo zanimivo, raznoliko in fleksibilno delo v okviru operativnega izvajanja zunanjih politik, t.j. v obliki kompleksnih projektov in programov, prilagojenih potrebam držav v razvoju, analize politik, koordinaciji mednarodnih dogodkov in svetovanje institucijam držav prejemnic pri načrtovanju in implementaciji političnih ciljev. Tukaj je moč najti nabor zanimivih vsebin in aktualnih področij nacionalnih in evropskih politik, kjer je tudi potencial za nadaljnji karierni razvoj.

Nudimo možnost dolgoročnega sodelovanja;
Vzpodbujamo nove ideje in odprto izmenjavo mnenj, idej in inovativen pristop ter poglobitev v vsebine;
Nudimo priložnosti za soustvarjanje naše strategije in vidnih prispevkov v okviru ciljev Republike Slovenije v mednarodnih odnosih;
Nudimo sodelovanje z vladnimi institucijami in nevladno sfero znotraj in izven meja Slovenije ter z EU akterji na področju izvajanja politik, kot so med drugim razvojno sodelovanje, širitev EU, zunanje-varnostne politike (kot sta kibernetska varnost, boj zoper dezinformacije), pravosodje in notranje zadeve, vladavina prava, regionalna politika in razvoj.
Poslanstvo razvojnega stebra CEP bogati vrsta horizontalnih aktivnosti naše organizacije, med drugim strateški in politični dogodki o aktualnih temah zunanje-varnostnih politik našega, evropskega in globalnega prostora, sodelovanje pri mednarodnih publikacijah, raziskavah, analizah politik.

Iščemo vodjo mednarodnih projektov CEP, kar vključuje načrtovanje, koordinacijo in implementacijo mednarodnih aktivnosti, svetovanje pri načrtovanju in izvajanju politik, sodelovanje z vladnimi institucijami Republike Slovenije ter institucijami v državah prejemnicah (državah Zahodnega Balkana, držav Evropske sosedske politike) ter z akterji EU/mednarodne sfere.

Iščemo zainteresiranega kandidata/ko, ki bi prispeval k našemu poslanstvu v stebru razvojnega sodelovanja – v dobrobit držav v razvoju in za izpolnitev ciljev zunanje politike Republike Slovenije.

Iščemo timsko naravnano, zanesljivo osebo s sposobnostjo postavljanja prioritet ter visokim standardom za kakovostno opravljeno delo.

Opis del in nalog:

Pomoč pri načrtovanju, spremljanju in izvedbi raznolikih projektov, predvsem za področje Zahodnega Balkana, Ukrajine, Moldavije, ki se izvajajo v okviru zgoraj naštetih politik;
Priprava pisnih produktov, analiz in produktov za načrtovanje, vezanih na aktivnosti, implementacijo projektov in povezane vsebine;
Poročanje o aktivnostih, zastopanje CEP na zunanjih dogodkih;
Upravljanje s projektno dokumentacijo, pomoč pri finančnem načrtovanju in upravljanju; pomoč pri pripravi finančnih poročil;
Komunikacija z deležniki projekta – s slovenskimi organi ter organi v partnerskih državah, z mednarodno skupnostjo, tujimi akterji – ter zunanja koordinacija;
Sodelovanje pri strateškem komuniciranju;
Spremljanje dogajanja in razvoja politik in vsebin na zgoraj omenjenih področjih;
Koordinacija izvajanja mednarodnih dogodkov, ki dopolnjujejo naše poslanstvo.

Zahtevana izobrazba: Visokošolska 1. stopnje (prejšnja) oz. bolonjska stopnja družboslovne smeri, novinarstva ali informacijske znanosti

Zahtevano znanje jezikov:

Angleški jezik – tekoče (pisno, ustno komuniciranje in bralno razumevanje) (C1/C2)
Jezik ciljnih držav/regij (bosanski jezik ali hrvaški jezik ali srbski jezik ali ukrajinski jezik) (B2/C1)

Zahtevana računalniška znanja:
urejevalnik besedil – osnovno
delo s preglednicami – osnovno
delo z bazami podatkov – osnovno
poznavanje računalniških omrežij – osnovno
poznavanje operacijskih sistemov – osnovno
računalniško oblikovanje – osnovno

Drugi pogoji:

Državljanstvo države članice Evropske unije
Vsaj pet let delovnih izkušenj
Vozniško dovoljenje B kategorije
Usposobljenost za delo z računalnikom (delo z urejevalniki besedil, delo s preglednicami, delo z bazami podatkov, poznavanje računalniških omrežij, poznavanje operacijskih sistemov,
Poznavanje področja mednarodnih odnosov in politik EU, razumevanje delovanja vladnih struktur.

Prednost bodo imeli kandidati:

s poglobljenim poznavanjem politik do Zahodnega Balkana in držav Evropske sosedske politike;
z interesom za dinamično delo na ravni politik oz. njihovega operativnega izvajanja ter interesom po soustvarjanju programskih ciljev naše organizacije;
z izkušnjami na področju posredovanja znanja in izvajanja mednarodnih aktivnosti;
z izkušnjami na področju načrtovanja projektov in priprave projektnih predlogov;
z izkušnjami s pripravo mednarodnih dogodkov;
z izkušnjami sodelovanja z EU in mednarodno skupnostjo;
z izkušnjami z delom v mednarodnem okolju in/ali sodelovanjem z institucijami v državah Zahodnega Balkana in državah Evropske sosedske politike.

Izbrani kandidat/ka bo delo opravljal/a na sedežu CEP, Grajska cesta 1, 1234 Mengeš.

Prijava naj vsebuje življenjepis in motivacijsko pismo. Kandidati naj prijavi pošljejo po elektronski pošti na naslov: [email protected] s pripisom v naslovu – »Prijava – razpis za delovno mesto Projektni vodja«.

Rok za prijavo poteče dne 9. 4. 2025 ob 23:59. uri. Upoštevane bodo vse prijave, ki bodo pravočasno prispele na zgoraj navedeni elektronski naslov.

Izbrani kandidat/ka bo o izbiri obveščen/a v roku 15 dni po odločitvi o izboru. Razpis je objavljen tudi na spletni strani Zavoda RS za zaposlovanje.

Rok za oddajo prijav: 9. 4. 2025 (do 23:59).

Project kickoff in North Macedonia

13. 2. 2025 | North Macedonia - digitalisation, PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance

Yesterday, 12th February, a new project in the field of digitalization in North Macedonia was launched in Skopje.

The State Secretary at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Ms Gordana Klincharova, and representatives of the Ministry of Local Self-Government and the Association of the Units of Local Self-Government (ZELS) held a working meeting with the CEP Project Team, headed by Ms Jelka Klemenc, Head of International Development (CEP). They were also joined by Ms Nika Rotar, Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Ambassador, and Ms Gjyle Vishaj, Minister Plenipotentiary, Economic Affairs (Slovenian Embassy in Skopje). They agreed upon an initial timeline, work plan, and other modalities.

The project, which is supported by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (Slovenian Aid & Partnerships), will address one of the central elements of the National Development Strategy of North Macedonia (2024–2044), related to the strategic priority of “Sustainable local and regional development.” Incorporating applicable Slovenian experience and expertise, the project will enable key steps to provide a sustainable national platform for the digital development of North Macedonia’s cities and towns and thus enable more efficient delivery of municipal services to citizens.

Green transition in Ukraine webinar series

27. 1. 2025 | National communities, PR, Regional cooperation, Slovenian Development Assistance, U-LEAD: with Europe, Ukraine

Centre for European Perspective is delighted to invite you to the webinar series on green transition!

The green transition refers to the shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in all sectors of society, including energy, transportation, and industry. The European Union (EU) has been at the forefront of these efforts through policies like the European Green Deal, REPowerEU, and the Fit for 55 package. These initiatives aim to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and foster a circular economy. Understanding these policies is important for local governments as they seek to align with EU standards, secure funding, and implement green practices at the municipal level.

Despite the ongoing conflict, the reconstruction process has started – with Ukraine working towards a sustainable reconstruction. Learning more about the possibilities the EU offers is helpful for local authorities involved in the reconstruction and recovery process.

This webinar series, organised with expert support from the Štajerska Chamber of Commerce, will provide you with the basics of green transition and EU policies, funding opportunities, and practical strategies for green public procurement for Ukrainian municipalities.

Webinar Series Programme

Green Deal, REPowerEU, Fit for 55, Circular Economy Action Plan
– What is it all about?
– What does it have to do with Ukraine?
Date: 30 January 2025, 10:00 – 12:00 CET
EU Funding for Green Transition – Where, How, and What?
– Opportunities for Ukraine
– List of Relevant Calls for Application
Date: 6 February 2025, 10:00 – 12:00 CET
Green Public Procurement I
– Basics
– Challenges & Opportunities
Date: 13 February 2025, 10:00 – 12:00 CET
Green Public Procurement II
– Good Practice Examples
– How to Implement in Ukraine
Date: 20 February 2025, 10:00 – 12:00 CET

REGISTER HERE!

The activities are funded by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs through the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships.

« Older Entries

Next Entries »