Balkan Economic Forum
Ministry of Finance
Japan Tobacco International

Ohrid 2026 Regional Conference | 9-11 September

The Eurozone: Current Challenges and Their Impact on the Fiscal Policies of the Western Balkan Countries Outside the EU

Ohrid 2026 – Premium Conference Agenda
Ohrid 2026

Conference Agenda

9–11 September 2026 · Hotel Inex Olgica · Ohrid, North Macedonia

09September

Wednesday

Arrival and welcoming programme

19:00 – 22:00
10September

Thursday

Main conference programme

09:00 – 09:45

Registration & Welcome Coffee

09:45 – 10:05

Opening Remarks

10:05 – 10:30

Keynote Address

10:30 – 11:45
Panel 1

From Eurozone Pressure to Fiscal Resilience: Budget Priorities, Private Sector Realities and Regional Lessons

Moderator:
Zoran Stavreski
former Minister of Finance, North Macedonia
Panelists
  1. Gordana Dimitrieska – Kochoska
    Minister of Finance, North Macedonia
  2. Hekuran Murati
    Acting Minister of Finance, Kosovo
  3. Zdravko Marić
    former Minister of Finance, Croatia
  4. Maja Hostnik Kališek
    State Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Slovenia
  5. Goran Pekez
    Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications of JTI Western Balkans
11:45 – 12:00

Q & A

12:15 – 13:45

Networking Lunch

14:00 – 15:15
Panel 2

Tax revenues, tax gap and the fight against the informal economy: stronger public finances and better EU compliance

Moderator:
Gligor Bishev
former President, Fiscal Council, North Macedonia
Panelists
  1. Elena Petrova
    Director General, Public Revenue Office, North Macedonia
  2. Mentor Hyseni
    Director General of the Kosovo Tax Administration, Kosovo
  3. Janko Preac
    Acting General Director of Financial Administration, Slovenia
  4. Vinko Skoko
    Assistant Director, Indirect Taxation Authority, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  5. Jasna Golic
    Head, Department for Expert Management Affairs, TARS
  6. Viktor Mizo
    President of the Foreign Investors Council, North Macedonia
15:15 – 15:30

Q & A

15:30 – 15:45

Closing Remarks

15:45 – 16:15

Coffee & Networking

17:00 – 20:00
20:00 – 23:00

Dinner

11September

Friday

Closing day

Departure

Departure of Participants

End of the Ohrid 2026 Regional Conference programme.

Why Attend

Shape the Fiscal Agenda

Gain first-hand insights into the economic and fiscal challenges affecting the Western Balkans and contribute to discussions that will help shape future policy responses in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Learn from Regional and Global Leaders

Engage with Ministers of Finance, Heads of Tax Administrations, international financial institutions, policymakers and leading economic experts as they share practical experiences, successful reforms and forward-looking strategies.

Build Strategic Connections

Expand your professional network by connecting with senior public officials, international organizations, academia and private sector leaders committed to strengthening regional cooperation and fiscal resilience.

Experience Ohrid Beyond the Conference

Combine high-level discussions with meaningful networking in one of Europe's most inspiring UNESCO destinations, where professional exchange continues beyond the conference sessions.

 

Organized by the Balkan Economic Forum (BEF), under the Auspices of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of North Macedonia and supported by Japan Tobacco International (JTI), the conference aims to contribute to more resilient fiscal policies, sustainable economic development and closer regional integration in an increasingly complex global environment.

Location

City of Ohrid

Nestled on the shores of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lake Ohrid, the city of Ohrid is one of Europe's oldest and most captivating cultural destinations. Renowned for its rich history, breathtaking natural beauty and warm hospitality, Ohrid provides an inspiring setting for meaningful dialogue and regional cooperation. Combining centuries of heritage with a modern conference environment, it offers participants a unique opportunity to exchange ideas while experiencing one of the Balkans' most remarkable destinations.

The Venue

Inex Olgica Hotel

The conference will be hosted at Inex Olgica Hotel & Spa, one of North Macedonia's premier conference venues, located directly on the shores of Lake Ohrid, just a few minutes from the city's historic center. With modern conference facilities, elegant accommodation, panoramic lake views and dedicated event services, the hotel provides an exceptional setting for high-level meetings, policy discussions and professional networking. Its combination of comfort, functionality and outstanding location makes it an ideal venue for hosting distinguished guests from across the region and beyond.

Join the Ohrid 2026 Regional Conference

The conference participation fee includes the welcome cocktail, lunch, dinner, coffee breaks and a boat tour on Lake Ohrid.

Welcome Cocktail
Lunch
Dinner
Coffee Breaks
Boat Tour
Participation Fee EUR 206 per participant
Conference Participation

Payment Details

Please use the following banking details for payment of the conference participation fee.

Account Information
  • Name of the Account Holder
    Association for Regional Development Balkan Economic Forum
    Здружение за регионален развој Балкан Економик Форум
  • Address of the Account Holder
    Blvd. Kuzman Josifovski Pitu 19/5-27, 1000 Skopje
  • Account Number – MKD Payments
    200003452557464
  • IBAN – MKD Payments
    MK07200003452557464
  • Account Number – EUR Payments
    200003078054820
  • IBAN – EUR Payments
    MK07200003078054820
  • SWIFT Code
    STOBMK2X
  • Bank
    Stopanska Banka AD Skopje
    Philip Vtori Makedonski No. 6, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
Accommodation at Hotel Inex Olgica

Accommodation Payment

Accommodation costs are payable directly to Hotel Inex Olgica, A.D. Ohrid.

Single Room EUR 114
Double Room EUR 130
Account Information
  • Name of the Account Holder
    INEKS GORICA AD
    ИНЕКС ГОРИЦА АД
  • Address of the Account Holder
    Ul. Naum Ohridski No. 5-7, 6000 Ohrid
  • Account Number – MKD Payments
    300010000022006
  • IBAN – MKD Payments
    MK07300010000022006
  • Account Number – EUR Payments
    300701000882473
  • IBAN – EUR Payments
    MK07300701000882473
  • SWIFT Code
    KOBSMK2XOHB
  • Bank
    Komercijalna Banka AD Skopje
    St. Vasil Iljoski No. 3, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
Please make sure that the payment reference includes the participant’s full name and the conference title.
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