Policymaking in Choppy Waters
Fostering Resilience in Central Eastern and Southeastern Europe (CESEE)
June 2-3, 2023
The IMF and the Croatian National Bank (CNB) are organizing a new edition of the joint conference that last took place in Dubrovnik four years ago. This year's conference will focus on fostering resilience in the region to better respond to today’s challenges: energy, trade and supply shocks.
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Friday June 2, 2023 |
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18:30 – 19:15 |
Concert |
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19:30 – 21:30 |
Welcome Dinner Welcome: Boris Vujčić, Governor, Croatian National Bank Dinner Speech: "Setting sail towards a European approach to economic security" |
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Saturday, June 3, 2023 |
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8:30 – 9:00 |
Registration and Welcome Coffee |
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9:00 – 9:40 |
Introductory and Opening Remarks: Introductory Remarks: Opening Remarks: Welcoming Remarks: |
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9:40 – 11:00 |
SESSION I: ENHANCING ENERGY SECURITY ALONG THE GREEN TRANSITION Key questions: Russia’s war against Ukraine has curtailed gas supply and dramatically increased energy prices, while making it more challenging for CESEE and other European economies to maintain reliable access to affordable energy in the future. How has the energy crisis affected CESEE economies? What are the challenges in the short- and medium-term? What policies can mitigate them? Can the green transition help? Panelists will explore these issues, share country-specific experiences, and discuss domestic and regional policy options. Moderator: Karen Tso, Journalist, CNBC Panelists: Alfred Kammer, Director, European Department, International Monetary Fund Jan Švejnar, Director, Center on Global Economy and Governance, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University Paulo Pinho, Director for Just Transition, Consumers, Energy Efficiency and Innovation, Directorate-General for Energy, European Commission Olga Khakova, Deputy Director, European Energy Security, Atlantic Council Round table discussion with Q&As from the audience |
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11:00 – 11:40 |
Coffee Break and Group Photo |
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11:40 – 13:00 |
SESSION II: ADJUSTING TO ONGOING SHIFTS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAINS Key questions: The COVID crisis and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have fueled concerns about the resilience of cross-border supply chains. How would greater trade and FDI fragmentation affect the economic prospects of CESEE countries? Which policy adjustments are needed? How can policies help create more resilient supply chains? The discussion will explore risks and opportunities for CESEE countries pursuing growth strategies built on external openness and international supply chains. The discussion will also touch on possible opportunities, such as “reshoring” or “friend-shoring” of activities located in the other regions. Moderator: Mladen Sirovica, Journalist, Hrvatska Televizija Panelists: Debora Revoltella, Chief Economist, European Investment Bank Vazil Hudak, Vice-Chairman, GLOBSEC Alain Florence, International Automotive Purchasing Specialist Joseph Francois, Managing-Director, World Trade Institute Round table discussion with Q&As from the audience |
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13:00 –14:30 |
Lunch |
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14:30– 15:30 |
SESSION III: POLICY ROUND TABLE: STEERING MACROECONOMIC POLICIES THROUGH MORE FREQUENT SUPPLY SHOCKS Key questions: Europe has been hit by repeated supply shocks in the last few years and, with rising fragmentation and climate risks, more such shocks can be expected in the future. What are the implications for monetary, fiscal and structural policies? How can policies foster resilience against more frequent supply shocks in the future? And how can they help navigate possible trade-offs between current financial sector stability, growth and inflation risks? How can the private sector be mobilized to enhance energy security and address climate challenges? Moderator: Ali Aslan, International TV Presenter and Journalist Panelists: Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund Gedeminas Simkus, Chairman of the Board, Bank of Lithuania Delina Ibrahimaj, Minister of Finance and Economy, Albania Teresa Czerwińska, Vice-President, European Investment Bank |
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15:30 – 16:00 |
Coffee Break |
| 16:00 – 16:45 |
Keynote Address: Prof. Peter D. Lund, Professor, Aalto University, Helsinki New Technologies and Innovation - solutions for green transition and climate risks |
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16:45– 17:00 |
Closing Remarks: Marko Primorac, Minister, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Croatia |
| 19:30-21:30 | Dinner |