Program - Slovak Foreign Policy Association

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CEEC

Program

Monday, 24 November

9:00 – 9:05

Welcome

Veronika Oravcová, CEEC Director, Slovak Foreign Policy Association

Veronika Oravcová

CEEC Director, Slovak Foreign Policy Association

Veronika Oravcová is a Research Fellow at the Slovak Foreign Policy Association and a Research Assistant at the Department of Political Science at Comenius University in Bratislava. Her research interests are centred on energy transition and energy security in Central and Eastern Europe, she is a co-editor of From Economic to Energy Transition. Three Decades of Transitions in Central and Eastern Europe (Palgrave: London, 2021), several chapters on energy transition, and several papers on Slovak energy policy.

9:05-9:30

Introductory remarks

Peter Wolf, Vice President of the Union of Towns and Cities of Slovakia

9:30-10:45

Panel I. Energy security in Central Europe: between vulnerability and transformation

This panel will examine the challenges of energy security in Central Europe, with particular attention to the Visegrad countries and the perspective of Ukraine. It will focus on how countries seek to secure reliable supplies, strengthen critical infrastructure and expand renewable energy and efficiency measures. A central theme will be the need for closer cooperation within the region to reduce vulnerabilities and improve resilience. The panel will also reflect on how regional approaches to energy security are closely linked to broader security concerns and economic development.

Chair
Zuzanna Nowak, Executive Director, The Opportunity Institute of Foreign Affairs

Zuzanna Nowak

Executive Director, The Opportunity Institute of Foreign Affairs

Zuzanna Nowak is Executive Director at The Opportunity Institute for Foreign Affairs and an expert at the Ignacy Łukasiewicz Institute for Energy Policy. Her work focuses on energy security, energy transition, and multilateral climate diplomacy. She provides strategic advice and analytical support to a broad range of stakeholders, including EU institutions, national governments, energy companies, and research organisations. Her professional experience spans the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM), where she led energy policy work, as well as senior roles at PGNiG, the National Centre for Nuclear Research, and the Polish Member Committee of the World Energy Council. She graduated from Sciences Po Paris and the College of Europe in Bruges. In addition to her advisory roles, Zuzanna is a seasoned moderator of high-level conferences and policy dialogues. She contributes as an expert to NATO's Independent Scientific Evaluation Group (ISEG), evaluates innovation funding applications for the European Innovation Council, and was featured on the Forbes Women 2025 list of the most influential women in Polish energy.

Speakers
Pawel Czyzak, Europe Programme Director, EMBER

Pawel Czyzak

Europe Programme Director, EMBER

Pawel is the Europe Programme Director at Ember. For almost 15 years, he has been supporting NGOs, governments and enterprises in economic and data analysis, software development and policymaking.. Currently associated with Ember, previously a board member at the Instrat Foundation. As a consultant he advised, among others, the largest European energy companies or the World Bank. His studies, opinions and comments appear regularly in the world's largest media, including in the New York Times, Washington Post, Reuters, Politico, Financial Times. Pawel holds a MSc degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and a PhD in Energy Economics.

Martin Jirušek, Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations and European Studies, Masaryk University

Martin Jirušek

Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations and European Studies, Masaryk University

Martin Jirušek is Assistant Professor at Masaryk University, Czech Republic, and Managing Editor of the Czech Journal of Political Science. He also works as a consultant and analyst. Martin has conducted several research projects in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the United States. He received a Fulbright research scholarship and spent ten months as a visiting researcher at George Washington University in Washington, DC (2021/2022). He was also selected for the International Visitors Leadership Program (2019), a prestigious professional programme run by the United States Department of State. He was also awarded the James S. Denton Transatlantic Fellowship by the Center for European Policy Analysis (2019). Martin regularly publishes in prestigious scientific outlets and publishing houses (e.g. Palgrave Macmillan, Elsevier). Martin’s work focuses on geopolitics, energy security, and the transatlantic dimension of energy relations.

Urban Rusnák, Brussels Diplomatic Academy, VUB

Urban Rusnák

Brussels Diplomatic Academy, VUB

Dr. Urban Rusnák is a Slovak independent expert in energy security, international relations, and geopolitics. He serves as Advisor to the Brussels Diplomatic Academy at Vrije Universiteit Brussel on Energy Diplomacy and lectures at several European universities. Until 2025, Dr. Rusnák was Ambassador-at-Large for Energy Security and Connectivity at the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. From 2012 to 2021, he served as Secretary-General of the International Energy Charter, leading its expansion and modernization and supporting negotiations on the Energy Charter Treaty reform. His earlier diplomatic posts included Slovak Ambassador to Ukraine, Deputy Head of Mission in Ankara, and First Executive Director of the International Visegrad Fund. He holds a degree from the Moscow Institute of Oil and Gas (1990), a PhD from Ankara University (1998), and an honorary doctorate from Kyiv Slavonic University (2009). Dr. Rusnák is a member of several international advisory boards and academic institutions in China, Kazakhstan, the UK, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

Borbála Takácsné Tóth, Research Associate, Corvinus University of Budapest, Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK)

Borbála Takácsné Tóth

Research Associate, Corvinus University of Budapest, Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK)

Borbála Takácsné Tóth has worked with the Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK) since its creation in 2004. With REKK she has been leading several international and national consultancy projects, with many using the European Gas Market Model as the primary analytic tool. Her main fields of expertise include: regional co-operations; security of supply issues; energy geopolitics; major infrastructure initiatives in the gas sector and incentives for investments; competition cases in the gas market; and the effect of gas release programs on competition in the gas market in Europe. She recently (2023) defended her PhD thesis at the International Relations and Security Studies program at the Corvinus University of Budapest. In 2001 she received an M.A. in International Relations and European Studies at the Central European University in Budapest. Borbala was educated as an economist and received her degree from the Budapest University of Economic Sciences in 1998. She spent 5 years as a civil servant in government administration mostly in the field of energy regulation. Between 2001 and 2003 she was Head of the President's Secretariat responsible for international relations of the Hungarian Energy Office.

Q&A

10:45-11:15

Break

11:00-12:30

Roundtable discussion I. Building energy independence: the role of municipalities and regions in solar expansion

The roundtable on solar energy development in municipalities and regions highlights its transformative potential for sustainable growth and energy independence. Solar power supports local climate goals, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and stimulates regional economies through innovation, job creation, and investment in green technologies. Municipalities can also benefit from lower energy costs and stronger community engagement, as citizens gain opportunities to participate in local energy cooperatives and rooftop projects. Regional authorities can play a crucial coordinating role in promoting renewable infrastructure and integrating solar energy into spatial planning. The roundtable will examine diverse pathways for advancing solar development while addressing also the challenges such as financing and grid capacity.

Chair
Dóra Csernus, Director of Climate, Energy and Environment Equilibrium Institute

Dóra Csernus

Director of Climate, Energy and Environment Equilibrium Institute

Dóra Csernus is the director of climate, energy and environment policies at the Equilibrium Institute. As an expert in sustainability issues, she has worked for the Ministry of Environment and Water, the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Future Generations and the Ministry of Public Administration and Justice, representing the Hungarian position in different EU, UN, and OECD fora. She later worked as Director for International Policy Development at Klímapolitika Research and Consultancy Ltd, and as an independent expert in climate and environmental issues. She has been involved in a number of national and international projects, where she has had the opportunity to gain energy policy expertise as well. Her main focus is on climate and energy policy, air-quality control and water policy.

Discussants
Dmytro Sakalіuk, Energy specialist, Ecoclub Rivne City

Dmytro Sakalіuk

Energy specialist, Ecoclub Rivne City

Dmytro Sakalіuk is an expert in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable community development. He has over 15 years of professional experience in implementing municipal energy management systems, developing strategic energy documents, and implementing projects to increase energy independence. His activities include dozens of successful initiatives, including the implementation of energy management systems in more than 60 communities in Ukraine, the development of more than 50 technical and economic feasibility studies for energy projects, and the coordination of the construction of more than 70 solar power plants with a total capacity of about 3 MW. Under his leadership, large-scale initiatives are being implemented for hospitals, water utilities, and communities to ensure energy sustainability and reduce CO₂ emissions.

Ján Matúška, Lead Energy manager, Bratislava City

Ján Matúška

Lead Energy manager, Bratislava City

Ján Matúška is the Lead Energy Manager at the City of Bratislava. He is responsible for the creation and coordination of energy management activities, implementing efficiency measures, and supporting the transition toward sustainable energy use. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Management of Power Engineering from the Czech Technical University in Prague. Ján began his career at the ČEZ Group in Prague, where he worked in the Strategic Department focusing on the development of ESCO (Energy Service Company) activities across Central Europe. In 2020, he moved to Bratislava to help develop the Slovak ESCO branch of the ČEZ Group, focusing on energy efficiency and project implementation in both the public and private sectors. Since October 2024, he has been leading energy management activities for the City of Bratislava.

András Reith, Advanced Building and Urban Design
Olga Sypuła, Vice President, Regional Manager of Central Europe, European Energy

Olga Sypuła

Vice President, Regional Manager of Central Europe, European Energy

Olga Sypuła - Engineer, project manager, and urban planner with degrees from the Koszalin University of Technology and the Warsaw University of Technology. Since 2007, she has built extensive experience in the energy sector, spending 14 years at WKN/Sevivon. Since January 2021, she has served as the Vice President & Regional Manager of Central Europe at European Energy. In addition to her professional work, she is deeply committed to knowledge sharing, regularly engaging in public speaking and actively participating in industry panel discussions. She is the originator and organizer of the renowned Polish-Danish Energy Roundtable, chairwoman of the onshore wind energy working group at the Polish Wind Energy Association, a member of the RES Council, and an active contributor to several working groups at the Lewiatan Confederation. She is also the originator and a member of the Programme Council of the Power2Future Foundation - an interdisciplinary platform integrating business, science, policy, and civil society, focused on energy security and the green transition.

11:15-12:15

Panel II. Presentation of the World Energy Outlook by the International Energy Agency

As part of the ongoing partnership with the International Energy Agency (IEA), this panel will feature the presentation of its latest flagship publication World Energy Outlook (WEO). The report provides forward-looking scenarios that explore how different policy paths could shape energy markets, security and emissions over the coming decades. It offers independent, data-driven analysis of global energy trends, projecting future demand and supply developments.

Chair
Zsolt Gál, Assistant Professor, Comenius University in Bratislava

Zsolt Gál

Assistant Professor, Comenius University in Bratislava

Zsolt Gál is assistant professor at the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts at Comenius University in Bratislava. He holds an MA degree in Political Science from the department and a PhD degree in Economics from Corvinus University in Budapest, Hungary. His research interests include public finances, economic aspects of European integration, economic transformation in Central and Eastern Europe, international migration and energy policy. He teaches several courses in these fields at Comenius University. He is the author of the book The 2007–2009 financial crisis: what went wrong and what went different? (2011) and his work has been published in several edited volumes and academic journals. Recently, he contributed a chapter („In Rosatom’s shadow: The uncertain role of nuclear in energy transition of Central and Eastern Europe.") to the volume EU Energy and Climate Policy after COVID-19 and the Invasion of Ukraine. Decarbonisation and Security in Transition, edited by Matúš Mišík and Andrea Figulová and published by Routledge in 2025.

Speaker
Max Schoenfisch, Leading analyst for the World Energy Outlook, International Energy Agency

Max Schoenfisch

Leading analyst for the World Energy Outlook, International Energy Agency

Presentation

Commentary
Szymon Kardaś, Senior Policy Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations

Q&A

12:15-13:15

Lunch

13:00-14:30

Roundtable discussion II. The EU budget for a climate-neutral future: tools, regions, and recovery

This roundtable will explore the European Union’s strategic role in supporting the decarbonization of cities and regions through a range of financial and policy instruments. A central focus will be the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which sets the Union’s budgetary priorities and embeds climate action across funding streams. The discussion will examine how the MFF, particularly through the Cohesion Policy, is shaping regional and local climate strategies and enabling a fair, inclusive green transition at the subnational level. Emphasis will be placed on how these tools promote low-carbon investments, innovation, and adaptation, especially in structurally weaker territories. Special attention will also be paid to the EU’s financial and technical support for Ukraine’s municipalities and regions in their recovery and decarbonization efforts, alongside the need for targeted and transparent mechanisms to ensure long-term sustainability.

Chair
Alexander Duleba, Head of Research, Slovak Foreign Policy Association

Discussant
Ctibor Kocman, Administrator, European Commission, DG REGIO

Ctibor Kocman

Administrator, European Commission, DG REGIO

Ctibor Kocman worked at the Czech Ministry of Environment since 1994. He dealt mainly with environmental financing, in particular from EU funds and International Financial Institutions. In 2001 he moved to the State Environmental Fund and in 2006 to the Romanian Ministry of Environment, where he helped to establish a sectoral operational programme from EU Cohesion Policy Funds. Since 2008 he has been working at the European Commission. Originally, he was at DG ENV, nature unit, establishing the Natura 2000 network in new member states, later at DG REGIO as a programme manager responsible for environmental and transport priorities in Romania and currently in Slovakia.

13:15-14:25

Panel III. The next generation of nuclear: what can SMRs deliver for Central Europe?

The development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Central Europe represents not only a technological advance in clean and secure energy supply but also a significant driver of socio-economic transformation. By fostering highly skilled employment, SMRs can stimulate job creation across engineering, construction, operations, and long-term maintenance, while strengthening local supply chains. Their integration into national strategies encourages new educational pathways in nuclear science, engineering, and technical training, thereby equipping future generations with cutting-edge skills. The panel will discuss how could SMR projects serve as a magnet for investment, enhance regional competitiveness and support economic growth. And how might the modular nature of SMRs contribute to infrastructure modernization, grid stability and cross-border cooperation within Central Europe’s interconnected energy landscape?

Chair
Zuzanna Nowak, Executive Director, The Opportunity Institute of Foreign Affairs

Zuzanna Nowak

Executive Director, The Opportunity Institute of Foreign Affairs

Speakers
András Kocsis, Head of Department, Department for Nuclear Energy and International Energy Relations, Ministry of Energy of Hungary
Tomáš Šimovič, Business Development Manager, Slovenské elektrárne
Megan Naylor, Senior economic officer, US Embassy

Q&A

14:25-15:00

Break

15:00-16:10

Panel IV. Security of gas supply and price stability in Central Europe

Discussion on natural gas modelling in Central Europe explores the region’s evolving energy landscape, shaped by market liberalization, geopolitical shifts and the transition to sustainable energy sources. Advanced modelling techniques are essential for analysing supply security, demand fluctuations and development of prices. By integrating economic, political, and technical factors, the debate provides insights into optimizing regional gas flows, enhancing energy security and supporting policy decisions in a rapidly transforming sector.

Chair
Andrej Nosko, Researcher and Visiting lecturer, Faculty of Political Sciences and International Relations of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica

Andrej Nosko

Researcher and Visiting lecturer, Faculty of Political Sciences and International Relations of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica

Andrej Nosko, PhD, is an expert in energy policy and security, currently a visiting researcher at Matej Bel University's Faculty of Political Sciences and International Relations in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia. He is also Co-Executive Director at PILnet. Dr. Nosko's research work focuses on the political economy of security, energy security, transition, European energy policy, and regional cooperation in Central Europe, specifically the Visegrad Four. He has advised governments, businesses, and civil society, lectured widely, and contributed to policy research on energy transitions.

Presentation
Moving away from Russian gas for good? Implications of the REPower Roadmap for the V4 countries
Péter Kotek, Senior Research Associate, Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK)

Péter Kotek

Senior Research Associate, Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK)

Péter Kotek is a senior research associate at the Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research, an academic energy think tank in Hungary. He has been actively working on wholesale natural gas market modelling, infrastructure evaluation and various research and teaching activities of REKK since 2009. He is a lecturer at ERRA courses and energy economics postgraduate courses at the Corvinus University of Budapest. He holds an MA in economics.

Speakers
Clement Johan Ulrichsen, Director, Head of Gas Market, Energinet

Clement Johan Ulrichsen

Director, Head of Gas Market, Energinet

Clement Johan Ulrichsen is Director and Head of the Gas Market at Energinet, the

Danish Transmission System Operator for electricity and gas. He began his career in the energy sector in 2007 at the Danish Utility Regulator after earning a degree in economics. He has since then built extensive experience and has held roles at Ørsted and the Danish national gas distribution company, Evida. His areas of expertise include business development, regulation, supply, B2B sales, and partnerships. With nearly two decades of experience, Clement is committed to making gas and hydrogen transport through Denmark as attractive as possible for both domestic and international energy market players. A key focus of his work is the strategic utilization of the Baltic Sea Gas Corridor and its potential to strengthen security of supply across Central and Eastern Europe, including the Balkans. He is also dedicated to ensuring transparent and reliable documentation of the green value of electricity, biogas, and hydrogen, helping accelerate the transition to sustainable energy.

Juraj Paluš, Senior Associate, Taylor Wessing

Juraj Paluš

Senior Associate, Taylor Wessing

Juraj Paluš is a senior associate at Taylor Wessing Bratislava, where he is a member of the Corporate/M&A, Capital Markets, and Restructuring & Insolvency teams. He possesses profound knowledge in the field of energetics and specializes in all areas of corporate law and provides expert advice to both national and international clients on corporate recovery matters. Before joining Taylor Wessing in 2024, Juraj held several significant positions, including senior supervision position at Slovenské elektrárne, with direct responsibility to the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic (2021-2023), head of procurement at Bratislavská vodárenská spoločnosť (2020), and head of legal support for trade at Slovenský plynárenský priemysel (2019-2020). His career at Slovenský plynárenský priemysel also included roles as lawyer and strategic purchaser from 2011 to 2019. Juraj began his professional journey as a law clerk in law firm in Bratislava (2009-2011). Juraj holds a doctorate from Pan-European University (2011) and completed his legal studies at Comenius University (2004-2009).

Maciej Zaniewicz, Senior Analyst, Forum Energii

Maciej Zaniewicz

Senior Analyst, Forum Energii

Senior policy fellow in the European program at Forum Energii. He specializes in EU energy security and the Ukrainian energy sector. At Forum Energii, he has published a number of analyses on sanctions against Russian fuels, energy security, and the Ukrainian energy sector. He was responsible for the energy and climate section of the study "Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine. European Implementation Assessment," prepared for the European Parliament in 2019 and 2020. Previously, he worked as a senior analyst for energy policy and Ukraine at the Polish Institute of International Affairs.

Q&A

15:00-17:30

Roundtable discussion III. Advancing Geothermal in CEE: Key aspects of national strategic frameworks, financial models and innovation potential

This roundtable will continue the in-depth discussion about geothermal energy in the Central and Eastern Europe. The roundtable will bring together geothermal experts and stakeholders from Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Poland and Croatia to debate over regional aspirations for geothermal energy and the strategies and measures that are needed. Geothermal is a local, reliable and predictable renewable energy with a wide range of applications across the heating and cooling, industry and agricultural sectors and huge innovation potential. Hungary and Croatia are among the EU leaders in geothermal growth, while Poland has a proven success record of national funding and dedicated geothermal regulations, examples to be copied by the EU neighbours. This joint experience can be useful for Slovakia and Romania, where the oil and gas sector is expected to open up more for geothermal. These countries are all taking positive steps, but much more can be achieved, especially with closer cooperation. This session aims to provide the opportunity for a regional exchange of ideas and best practices for national geothermal support measures, taking into consideration local energy and climate plans.

Chairs
Nolan Theisen, Senior Fellow for Energy and Climate, Slovak Foreign Policy Association

Nolan Theisen

Senior Fellow for Energy and Climate, Slovak Foreign Policy Association

Mr Theisen has been working in Central and Eastern European (CEE) energy and climate policy for more than a decade. Over the years his research and consulting agenda has spanned across multiple sectors, gradually narrowing to three areas of focus: sustainable mobility, geothermal energy and grid connectivity. He joined the SFPA Energy Policy and Climate Change department as Senior Fellow in 2022 after heading the energy program at Globsec (Bratislava-based NGO). Prior to that, he spent two years as a research associate at the Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK, Budapest). Mr Theisen holds a Masters of International Affairs (MIA) with a focus in international economics from the School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) at the University of California, San Diego. He enrolled in Reykjavik University’s Iceland School of Energy (ISE) geothermal field-study programme in the summer of 2021.

Tamara Lagurashvili, Director, Central and Eastern Europe, Clean Air Task Force (CATF)

Tamara Lagurashvili

Director, Central and Eastern Europe, Clean Air Task Force (CATF)

Tamara leads Central and Eastern Europe work at Clean Air Task Force - a global climate and energy organization that works to catalyse development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. In her role she works with governments, industry and civil society representatives in the region to support developing durable and evidence-based policies.

Katarzyna Kurek, Polish Geothermal Society/ Geotermia Polska

Katarzyna Kurek

Polish Geothermal Society/ Geotermia Polska

Katarzyna is a scientist specialising in geothermal impact and regional development in Central and Eastern Europe. She has authored numerous studies on geothermal energy and its role in regional growth. Katarzyna is the co-founder of the CEEGEO initiative and chairs Geotermia Polska, a company focused on the technical expertise of geothermal projects in Poland. Her experience is regularly sought at e.g., IGA, EGEC, the World Bank, and the Polish Geothermal Society.

Antonín Tym, Project Manager, Czech Geological Survey

Antonín Tym

Project Manager, Czech Geological Survey

Antonín has been involved in the development of geothermal energy since 2009, first as manager of a geothermal project in the city of Litoměřice, and since 2016 as general manager of the RINGEN research infrastructure. His main responsibility is the overall management of the research center, which is currently developing the largest testing site for shallow and deep geothermal energy in Czechia.

Morgan Henley, District Heating Campaigner, CEE Bankwatch Network

Morgan Henley

District Heating Campaigner, CEE Bankwatch Network

Morgan Henley is a campaigner on renewable district heating at the NGO CEE Bankwatch. Her main focus is on how to use public funds to decarbonise the district heating sector in Central and Eastern Europe. She is based in Prague and originally comes from the USA.

Discussants
Milan Jankura, Board of Directors Chairman, PW Energy

Milan Jankura

Board of Directors Chairman, PW Energy

Milan’s expertise encompasses national strategic frameworks, financial modelling, and innovation potential within the geothermal sector. Milan's broad professional background includes advisory roles at the Ministry of Economy and leadership positions in venture capital funds for SME support. Since 2014, he has led Košická realitná a.s., driving real estate and geothermal energy projects in Slovakia. As the founder and CEO of PW Energy a.s., he has successfully advanced geothermal concessions and pioneering geothermal energy initiatives. Milan holds an engineering degree from the Technical University of Košice

Alexandra Ban, Development Director, Romanian Geoexchange Society

Alexandra Ban

Development Director, Romanian Geoexchange Society

She is a Romanian researcher and project manager with a PhD in Engineering and Management, specialising in geothermal energy and sustainable building technologies. As R&D at Termoline Company and consultant for the Romanian Geoexchange Society, I coordinate several Horizon Europe and LIFE projects focused on heat pump integration, energy retrofits, and policy frameworks for the geothermal sector. I am involved in developing Romania's national geothermal strategy. As a mother of two boys, I am deeply motivated to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future

Boris Vidoš, Project Manager, ENNA Geo

Boris Vidoš

Project Manager, ENNA Geo

Boris Vidoš is a Project Manager at ENNA Geo, owned by Energia naturalis (ENNA), regional energy and logistic company which plays an invaluable role in the Croatian economy. He is leading the development and execution of the Geothermal Power Plant Zagocha Project, Croatia’s most advanced ORC geothermal facility project with a planned 20 MWe capacity output. Managing all phases from feasibility and drilling to pre-construction, ensuring alignment with technical, environmental, and regulatory standards. He holds a master’s degree in petroleum engineering gained at Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, University of Zagreb, with 5 years of experience in geothermal energy sector.

Marcin Jamiołkowski, Deputy Director of the Department of Foreign Funds, National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management

Marcin Jamiołkowski

Deputy Director of the Department of Foreign Funds, National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management

He joined the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFEP&WM) in 2005 and has been involved in implementing projects financed by EU funds since the beginning of his career. He has contributed to the preparation of successive EU fund financial perspectives for the years 2007–2013, 2014–2020, the current 2021–2027 period, and the upcoming 2028–2034 period. He was responsible for launching the Modernisation Fund (MF) in Poland and is currently involved in operationalizing, among others, the Just Transition Fund and the Social Climate Fund, as well as the so-called “Norwegian funds” (EEA/NMF 2021–2028). He participates in the creation of new support instruments at NFEP&WM, conceptual work, and legislative processes (e.g., financial instrument frameworks, amendments to the ETS Act, the Energy Efficiency Act, and the RES Act, as well as the Low-Emission Transport Fund concept).

Jenna Hill, Innovation Manager, Clean Air Task Force (CATF)

Jenna Hill

Innovation Manager, Clean Air Task Force (CATF)

Jenna Hill works as an Innovation Manager at Clean Air Task Force (CATF), a fact-based environmental NGO focused on catalyzing the development of pragmatic solutions to climate change. At CATF, she is focused on identifying and addressing technology gaps for next-generation geothermal energy. Jenna also leads the geothermal team’s global policy and implementation initiatives. Prior to CATF, Jenna was responsible for digital innovation, environmental regulation research and conducting subsurface modeling in the U.S. and India. Jenna’s educational background includes a master's degree in Geothermal Science from the University of Iceland, along with a bachelor's degree that included studies in energy systems, environmental law, and geology.

Matus Gajdos, Project Manager, GA Drilling

Matus Gajdos

Project Manager, GA Drilling

Matus is Head of Product at GA Drilling, where he oversees the company’s IP portfolio and drives development of breakthrough technologies including NexTitan and NexTitan Pulse, which enable cost-efficient hard-rock drilling for geothermal energy. He has deep technical expertise, having contributed to major EU-funded projects (STOICISM, GeoDH) and coordinated the feasibility study that secured EIT InnoEnergy investment for NexTitan Pulse field testing. He was also leading a multimillion Technology Development Agreement with a major oil and gas company, further strengthening GA Drilling’s path to commercialization. Matus holds a PhD in fluid mechanics focused on industrial applications of supercritical water. Outside work, he volunteers with an NGO dedicated to marital and parental education.

Gábor Molnár, Managing Director, Arctic Green Engineering Services

Gábor Molnár

Managing Director, Arctic Green Engineering Services

Gábor Molnár is a project manager and designer of geothermal energy projects in Hungary, Europe, and worldwide. He joined Mannvit in 2008, and started to work at the headquarters in Reykjavík, Iceland. His engineering tasks included general building and geothermal heating projects in Iceland and later in Hungary. In the last 15 years, Gábor has participated in geothermal energy utilization projects – both direct heat use and electricity production – as senior designer, construction manager, and project manager. He was the overall project manager of the development of the first Hungarian geothermal power plant in Tura. Gábor was the Managing director of Mannvit Kft from 2019. From 2023, he is the Managing Director of Arctic Green Engineering.

Annamária Nádor, PriorityArea Coordinator for Sustainable Energy, EU Strategy for the Danube (EUSDR) and Senior Geologist, Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs of Hungary (SARA

Annamária Nádor

PriorityArea Coordinator for Sustainable Energy, EU Strategy for the Danube (EUSDR) and Senior Geologist, Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs of Hungary (SARA

She is the Chair of the Geo-Energy expert group of the European Geological Surveys and also the Energy Priority Area coordinator of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. She has more than 15 years of experience in deep geothermal systems, especially resource assessment, utilization and management strategies of transboundary geothermal reservoirs in Central Europe. She has been participating in numerous EU-funded geothermal projects and worked as project manager in several of them. She is the member of the international expert team elaborating the United Nations Framework Specifications (UNFC-2019) for geothermal energy. She was one of the initiators of the Hungarian geothermal risk mitigation scheme and the Hungarian Geothermal Information Platform – OGRE. Addressing the current energy crisis, she has been working on strategies how to accelerate geothermal developments in Hungary.

Beata Kępińska, President of Polish Geothermal Society (PSG)

Beata Kępińska

President of Polish Geothermal Society (PSG)

Chair of the Polish Geothermal Society, professor with the Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland. Co-founder and chair of the Polish Geothermal Society. Board member of International Geothermal Association in past terms. Co-organised some editions of IGA Summer Schools on Direct Applications of Geothermal Energy. Member of Steering Committees of 2010, 2015 World Geothermal Congresses; Scientific Committees of European Geothermal Congresses; Member of Steering Committee, ETIP Geothermal.

Tomislav Đurić, enior Researcher, Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar (EIHP)

Tomislav Đurić

enior Researcher, Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar (EIHP)

Tomislav Đurić is a Senior Researcher at the Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar (EIHP), specializing in geothermal energy and renewable energy project development. His work focuses on geothermal potential assessment, regulatory and environmental analysis, market studies and stakeholder engagement in renewable energy development. He has led several national and EU-funded geothermal projects, most notably GreetGeo, and collaborates closely with government institutions, industry stakeholders and research organizations across Europe. Before joining EIHP, he spent eight years at INA Oil Industry Plc., where he worked across geological exploration, drilling operations and reservoir development in the Pannonian Basin.

Branislav Fričovský, Dept of Hydrogeology and geothermal resources, Dionýz Štúr State institute of Geology

Branislav Fričovský

Dept of Hydrogeology and geothermal resources, Dionýz Štúr State institute of Geology

Branislav Fričovský is geothermal reservoir engineer / hydrogeologist with the Hydrogeology and geothermal resources division at the Dionýz Štúr State institute of geology. Branislav graduated with joint degree from University of Iceland and University of Akureyri in Geothermal Energy, later obtained the Ph.D. at the Technical University of Košice, Slovakia. His work field is sustainable geothermal production and sustainable reservoir capacity modelling, numerical reservoir modelling and reservoir thermodynamics with focus on practical applications. As of 2025 his team completed a first stochastic catalog of geothermal resources and reserves of geothermal water bodies in Slovakia, including sustainable and developable reservoir capacity, updating a pioneer Atlas of geothermal energy of Slovakia from 1995.

16:30-18:00

V4ETTP roundtable discussion. Balancing carbon pricing and social justice

With rising energy costs impacting vulnerable households governments face increasing pressure to address energy poverty while advancing climate goals. Moreover, the expansion of the EU Emissions Trading System to the buildings and road transport sectors (ETS 2), scheduled to start in 2027, has sparked significant debate and resistance in the region. Many fear that the extension of carbon pricing to everyday energy use such as household heating and mobility could disproportionately burden low-income households and further deepen energy poverty. This discussion will explore how revenues from ETS 2 can be strategically delivered to protect vulnerable groups, support targeted social policies and finance sustainable local investments. It will also assess the broader political dynamics surrounding ETS 2 in Central Europe, including public backlash, concerns about affordability and the role of the forthcoming Social Climate Fund in mitigating distributional impacts. Discussion will assess how carbon pricing mechanisms, including ETS 2 revenues, can be used to protect low-income communities, support targeted social measures and drive sustainable local investments.

Chair
Adam Čermák, Division Coordinator, Modern District Heating

Discussants
Krzysztof Dębiec, Senior Fellow, Central European Department, OSW
Dušana Dokupilová, Researcher, Institute for Forecasting at the Center of Social and Psychological Sciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences
Matúš Mišík, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Comenius University Bratislava
Judit Berei, Research Associate, Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK)
Oldřich Sklenář, Research Fellow, AMO

Oldřich Sklenář

Research Fellow, AMO

Oldřich Sklenář is an analyst at AMO, where he is a member of the climate team. He specializes in energy issues and greenhouse gas production. He graduated in Energy and Process Equipment from the Brno University of Technology and in Environmental Studies from Masaryk University. Additionally, he completed a study internship at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. He began his professional career as a designer in the energy sector. He then worked for several organizations, including non-governmental ones, focusing on the development of renewable energy sources and energy management. The largest part of his career has been spent in a managerial role in the development and production of electrical machinery. In addition to AMO, he also works as a consultant as part of the Climate Facts project.

Tuesday, 25 November

9:30-11:00

Parallel Roundtable discussion IV. Climate governance and citizen participation and sustainable cities of the future

The roundtable discussion on climate governance in cities will focus on the strategies and policies urban centers can implement to tackle climate change and drive sustainability. Experts will explore the challenges and opportunities for cities to integrate climate goals into urban planning, transportation, energy systems and waste management. The debate will highlight innovative governance models, citizen engagement and the role of local authorities in fostering climate resilience. By examining successful case studies, the discussion will provide insights into how cities can lead the charge in climate action, ensuring environmental, social and economic benefits for urban populations.

Chair
Shanmathi Rajkumar, Research Associate, Technische Universität Dresden

Discussants
Anders Branth Pedersen, Senior Researcher, Aarhus University

Anders Branth Pedersen

Senior Researcher, Aarhus University

Anders Branth Pedersen (PhD Political Science) is Senior Researcher at Aarhus University (Denmark), Dep. of Environmental Science, where he is head of the Section on Environmental Social Science and Geography. Additionally, he is Adjunct Professor at University of Saskatchewan (Canada). His research focuses primarily on environmental policy analyses and governance. E.g. through analyses of the effectiveness of environmental policies and policy instruments and analyses of implementation barriers and target group behavior. He is an experienced PI and has been part of >40 externally funded research and advisory projects – many of them interdisciplinary. Currently, he is part of the EU project Ukraine towards Carbon Neutraility (U_CAN), where he e.g. analyses governance transition barriers and opportunities at city level in Ukraine. He is also part of the EU project COMMIT2GREEN on participatory urban greening and renaturing towards climate neutrality and resilience in European cities.

Borys Pakholiuk, Director of City Development Agency, Zhytomyr City
Yurii Polianskyi, Head of EU projects in МI City Institute (Lviv city council)

Yurii Polianskyi

Head of EU projects in МI City Institute (Lviv city council)

Yurii Polianskyi is Head of EU projects in Municipal institution City Institute(Lviv city council). He led 10 European Commission innovation projects across Horizon Europe, LIFE, and Interreg Europe, delivering breakthrough solutions, cross-border collaboration, and measurable impact. He is actively involved in global development and urban transformation. Key topics of interest include urban studies and spatial planning, climate neutrality and creation of positive energy districts; revitalization processes in urban space and industrial areas; sustainable development goals.

9:30-11:00

Parallel Roundtable discussion V. Energy performance standards and local building codes

The revised Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) place buildings at the heart of Europe’s transition toward climate neutrality. They set binding obligations for energy savings, introduce minimum energy performance standards, and require long-term renovation strategies to decarbonize the building stock by 2050. This panel will explore how municipalities can translate these EU directives into action — by scaling up deep renovations of residential and public buildings to cut emissions, lower energy use, and enhance living conditions. Discussion will focus on the implementation of new energy performance requirements, digital building logbooks, and the role of local renovation programs, including energy audits, one-stop-shops, and financial instruments. Beyond the EU, the session will also highlight how Ukrainian cities and regions can apply these principles to integrate energy-efficient reconstruction into their post-war recovery, drawing on lessons from the EU’s Renovation Wave and cohesion policy tools.

Chair
Katarína Nikodemová, Director, Buildings for Future

Discussants
Matteo Abita, Research Associate, University of L'Aquila

Matteo Abita

Research Associate, University of L'Aquila

Matteo Abita is Associate Professor of Architectural Engineering at the DICEAA Department at the University of L’Aquila in Italy. His research focuses on steel construction and the use of digital tools to enhance and improve building heritage, as well as adaptive reuse and refurbishment according to the principles of the circular economy. He is currently the scientific coordinator of the University of L’Aquila's research unit on the Tecnodigit PNRR research project (Technologies for the Development of Digital Twins) and a member of the national research project ST3P+L (Buildings and the Circular Economy. Steel from production to post-production. Law and responsibility issues) and the Horizon EU research project U_CAN (Towards carbon neutrality of Ukrainian cities) which aims to make Ukrainian cities carbon neutral. He is involved in teaching activities on the master’s degree course in Construction-Architectural Engineering and Emergency Housing Facilities and the bachelor's degree course in Civil Protection Techniques and Territorial Safety. Since May 2024, he has been a member of the Board of Directors of Do.co.mo.mo. Italy.

Kristína Mojzesová, Value for Money Institute, Ministry of Finance, Slovak republic
Kristína Korčeková, Public Affair Manager, Buildings for the Future
Andriy Kyrchiv, Programs and Projects Coordinator, Association of Energy Efficient Cities of Ukraine

Andriy Kyrchiv

Programs and Projects Coordinator, Association of Energy Efficient Cities of Ukraine

Andriy Kyrchiv – acting Programs and Projects coordinator in Association „Energy Efficient Cities of Ukraine”(EECU), former Deputy Executive director and Executive director of EECU where he works since 2009. Master Degree in Biology (1986) and International Relations (1997), Lviv National University. Worked as an international consortium team member in EU-funded large projects for EaP countries (Covenant of Mayors East, Covenant of Mayors – Demonstration Projects, MODEL-CIUDAD etc.), coordinated projects implemented in Ukrainian communities and supported by GIZ and USAID, currently involved in the project management within 3 EU LIFE Program and INTERREG. From February 24, 2022 till July, 2024 took part in the defense of his country within Ukrainian Armed Forces. Languages: English, Polish, russian (fluent), German, French (fair).

11:30-13:00

Parallel Roundtable discussion VI. Municipal and regional strategies for a circular future

This roundtable brings together municipal and subnational representatives to explore how circular economy principles can transform the buildings and industry sectors into engines of sustainable local development. The discussion will focus on practical pathways to reduce material waste, promote reuse and refurbishment of construction components, and foster resource-efficient industrial processes. Participants will consider how municipalities can act as frontrunners in implementing circular construction practices, sustainable procurement and industrial symbiosis and how subnational governments can support innovation ecosystems that connect local businesses, research institutions and citizens around circular solutions. The session aims to highlight successful regional and local initiatives, identify barriers to scaling up and examine how circular strategies in buildings and industry can strengthen economic resilience, competitiveness, job creation and community well-being.

Chairs
Anders Branth Pedersen, Senior Researcher, Aarhus University

Anders Branth Pedersen

Senior Researcher, Aarhus University

Matteo Abita, Research Associate, University of L'Aquila

Matteo Abita

Research Associate, University of L'Aquila

Discussant
Yevhen Terekhov, Researcher, Joanneum Research

11:30-13:00

Parallel Roundtable discussion VII. Strengthening urban and regional resilience through adaptation

As the impacts of climate change intensify, cities and regions are taking on a central role in developing and implementing adaptation measures. Local governments can respond to climate risks such as heatwaves, flooding, drought and biodiversity loss, while also addressing the social and economic vulnerabilities these challenges create. This discussion will examine how municipalities and regions can design strategies that enhance resilience, protect public health, safeguard critical infrastructure, and strengthen local economies. Emphasis will be placed on practical tools for planning, financing and governance that enable adaptation actions to be mainstreamed across policy sectors and levels of government. By sharing experiences and successful practices, the session aims to highlight how subnational actors can act as key drivers of climate resilience, fostering cooperation with communities, civil society and international partners.

Chair
Oldřich Sklenář, Research Fellow, AMO

Oldřich Sklenář

Research Fellow, AMO

Discussant
Zuzana Hudeková, Climate Change and Adaptation Expert, Union of Towns and Cities