Kristian Vigenin is a Member of the European Parliament from Bulgaria and Head of the Bulgarian Delegation within the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D). He is a full member of the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE). He also serves as a substitute member of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE), the Subcommittee on Public Health (SANT), and the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO), contributing to key legislative efforts on EU security, sustainability, resilience, public health, and democratic governance. Mr. Vigenin brings a strong background in foreign policy, having served as Bulgaria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2013 to 2014, where he led strategic EU and regional diplomatic initiatives. From 2017 to 2024, he was Vice-President of the National Assembly of Bulgaria and Chair of the Committee on European Affairs and Oversight of EU Funds.

Presently an associate senior researcher in the Romanian Academy’s Institute for Economic Forecasting, and Executive Director of the Advisory Center for Energy and Environment, Dr.Purica was also President – State Secretary of the Romanian Agency for Nuclear Energy and Radioactive Waste and counselor of the Minister of Research, the Minister of Economy and previously the Minister of the Environment and an expert for the Parliament of Romania He participated in the elaboration of the EU accession strategy for Romania and the energy (electricity and heat) strategy (for the Ministry of Economy and Trade) and did risk analysis and transaction structuring and project management with the World Bank, USEA, JBIC, MARSH, ITOCHU, MVV, etc. 

Previously he worked as a project officer for energy and infrastructure in the World Bank, in Romania and the Balkans (e.g. energy Assessment in Kosovo 1999), being trained in project guarantees, value at risk, procurement to complete his expertise in engineering acquired as director for international projects of the Romanian Power Company RENEL and senior engineer managing a joint Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd-IMG-Bucharest quality engineering group for the manufacture of nuclear reactor components for the  CANDU units in Romania. He worked also 3 years as an international researcher for ENEA Rome – the Italian Commission for Energy New Technology and Environment – and 5 years as an associate researcher at ICTP Trieste. 

Prof.Purica has authored books in his field of expertise published by Imperial College Press, Academic Press, Elsevier, etc. and published articles in journals like Risk Analysis, IEEE Power Engineering Review, Foundations of Control Engineering, etc. He took his second PhD in economics, (the first one in Nuclear Energy Engineering) and, he is also a Professor teaching a course in Risk management to masters of science in the Polytechnic University of Bucharest and Hyperion University. He is a member of the WEC study group  for energy scenarios 2050 and 2060 and a member of the Advisory Group for Energy of the EU Commission. He is also a member of the Advisory Council for Sustainable Development of the Prime Minister of Romania.

Visionary executive leader with extensive experience in managing complex, high-value industrial and energy projects, including nuclear power programs. Recognized for strategic thinking, strong leadership, and ability to build and lead high-performing, cross-functional teams across global organizations.

     Demonstrated excellence in implementing integrated quality management systems (ISO9001, ISO19443, ISO 14001, ISO45001, NQA-1, ASME, IAEA GSR) and driving operational excellence across the value chain — from engineering and procurement through execution and commissioning. Successfully led major energy infrastructure projects with a cumulative value exceeding 1.5 billion PLN (GRID business).

     Proven track record in creating new organizational capabilities — including establishing the Global Order Fulfilment Department at GE Power — and driving key KPIs (e.g., On-Time Delivery improved from 15% to 90% in three years). Trusted to deliver results in high-stakes, safety-critical, and regulated environments.

     Since 2025, I have been lecturing on “Process Management” as part of the „MBA in Decarbonization” program at Wrocław Business Academy. This role allows me to share practical experience in quality systems, operational excellence, and energy sector management with postgraduate students.

Mr Lízal graduated at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the Czech Technical University. He obtained a PhD in economics and serves as an associate professor in economics.

In 2003–2008 he has been Director of both the Economics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences and CERGE, Charles University. He was a member of the National Economic Council of the Government and a member of the supervisory board of energy company ČEZ. Lubomír Lízal has been a member of the Czech National Bank Board in 2011-2017. In 2020-2021 he was CEO of Expobank CZ, where he was (among others) responsible for business.

Currently he works on analysis of financing energy transition and is an associate professor at Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics, and Cybernetics, both at the Czech Technical University and at The University of Finance and Administration.

Certified GARP professional with 25+ years of experience in financial risk management, out of those 15 years in the City of London. Lived, studied and worked in the U.S. and countries in which EBRD is active. 

Change-oriented but also risk-focused professional with experience across a variety of complex Liquidity & Capital Risk Management roles in the finance sector. Diligent risk manager with a strong track record of providing financial risk oversight (2LoD) to support organisational decision-making in a fast-paced and deadline driven environment. Excellent capacity to participate on cross-functional teams while also completing individual projects. Sustainability mindset with a strong focus on maintaining regulatory compliance. Acted as Deputy CRO and held SMF4 function responsibilities.

Mrs. Sokcic-Kostic studied Technical Physics at the University of Belgrade (Serbia) from 1977 till 1982. After her Diploma with the course specialization nucleonic she enlarged her studies to include a Master with the department of nuclear energetic (1982-1990). 

Afterwards Mrs. Sokcic-Kostic did a doctor’s degree at the RWTH Aachen about safety reviews at the high temperature reactor and passed her graduation with distinction. Based hereupon she worked as a scientific assistant at the research centres Jülich (Institute for Security Research and Nuclear Safety) and Karlsruhe (Institute for Nuclear Safety) on the work scopes neutrons and gamma monitoring as well as waste characterization. 2001 she changed to Nukem Technologies GmbH. 

Mrs. Sokcic-Kostic is a Group Leader (Principal Engineer) on the field radiation monitoring systems and Lead Engineer for all international projects for waste treatment centres.

Kostadin Sirleshtov is Managing Partner of CMS Sofia and Head of Energy & Climate Change for Central and Eastern Europe and for Bulgaria.

Kostadin is leading the CMS nuclear initiatives in Central and Eastern Europe and in Bulgaria and is coordinating the ongoing nuclear energy assignments that the firm has across CEE.

His particular area of expertise is in conventional power, nuclear, electricity, oil & gas, renewables, infrastructure, projects, PPP, public procurement, underground resources. He has worked on the largest nuclear energy projects in Bulgaria.

Vladimír Wagner (1960) is nuclear physicists graduated from Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of the Charles University at Prague. He acts at the Nuclear Physics Institute of CAS in the fields of very hot and dense nuclear matter study and accelerator driven transmutation research. He lectures on the Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering of CTU at Prague and he is member of Commission for Energy of CAS. He is promoter of science, physics and energy technologies. He gives lectures for students and public, and is an author of hundreds of articles, and wrote a book about the Fukushima accident

Ivan Hinovski is mechanical & nuclear engineer with more than 50 years experience in nuclear energy development with long term experience in the business in USA, France, Italy, IAEA, Japan, Canada.  

The key milestones of his professional carrier: 

-CEO of Bulgarian National Electric Company (1997-1998),

-MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Energy Commission in 46th National Assembly of Bulgaria (2017); 

-Chairman of Bulgarian Energy and Mining Forum (since 2003);

  - Chairman of Chamber of Energy Communities in Bulgaria (since 2023);

- Consultant of nuclear energy and SMR development and implementation projects.

With over a decade of experience in engineering and project management, I currently lead the deployment of Romania's first SMR at RoPower Nuclear. My expertise spans nuclear energy, power plants, hydrogen systems, and CO₂ capture technologies. I’ve led global teams at Siemens Energy and Honeywell, managing complex instrumentation, controls, and commissioning for international energy projects. Skilled in cross-functional coordination, contract management, and process improvement, I ensure timely, high-quality project delivery. My technical foundation includes thermal-hydraulic analysis, system design, and dynamic simulation, backed by a PhD in Nuclear Engineering from Politehnica University of Bucharest. I thrive in multidisciplinary teams, driving value through innovation and problem-solving. Fluent in English, with working knowledge of Spanish and German, I bring both leadership and technical depth to every project I manage.

Jan Blomgren is CEO and founder of INBEx (Institute of Nuclear Business Excellence), providing independent nuclear executive advice and business leadership training globally. The INBEx team comprises over 20 former CEOs, Director Generals and similar. 

He was the youngest professor ever in Sweden in nuclear physics, holding the chair in applied nuclear physics at Uppsala University. His research was focused on neutroninduced nuclear reactions, an area in which he has published over 200 papers in refereed international journals and conference proceedings. 

When plans to build new nuclear power in Sweden were initiated, he was recruited to Vattenfall, one of the largest nuclear power operators in Europe. At Vattenfall, he was responsible for planning the competence development needed for nuclear new-build, as well as coordinating training for nuclear power plant personnel. In addition, he was Director of the Swedish Nuclear Technology Centre, which is the coordination organization for nuclear research and education involving universities, industry, and the regulator. 

He was involved in the creation of ENEN, the European Nuclear Education Network, in which essentially all European universities in nuclear engineering collaborate. Moreover, he has recently established a large collaboration with France on research and education. Finally, he is the father of several industrysponsored university programs, as well as having started several nuclear business training programs in industry. 

Jan Blomgren is alone in Europe to have upheld high-ranked positions both at university and nuclear industry. He is frequently invited speaker at conferences, and he has served as invited expert advisor to the French Senate. 

In 2021, his books “Allt du behöver veta om Sveriges elförsörjning” (All you need to know about the Swedish power supply) and “Jodå, Gud spelar tärning” (Yes, God plays dice) both became best-sellers in their respective categories.

Ivan Hinovski is mechanical & nuclear engineer with more than 50 years experience in nuclear energy development with long term experience in the business in USA, France, Italy, IAEA, Japan, Canada.  

The key milestones of his professional carrier: 

-CEO of Bulgarian National Electric Company (1997-1998),

-MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Energy Commission in 46th National Assembly of Bulgaria (2017); 

-Chairman of Bulgarian Energy and Mining Forum (since 2003);

  - Chairman of Chamber of Energy Communities in Bulgaria (since 2023);

- Consultant of nuclear energy and SMR development and implementation projects.

A manager with many years of experience working in large capital groups, government, and local administration.
he was involved in investment and legal consulting.
he sorted out capital group structures, optimized costs, and maximized company benefits.

 Recently President of PGE Polish Energy Group 2020-2024, the largest producer and distibutor of  energy in Poland.The key directions of the PGE Group's development will be offshore and onshore wind energy,energy storage, photovoltaics, grid infrastructure, low-emission heating, energy services and Nuclear Power Plant.

 In 2018-2024 Chairman of the Supervisory Board PGZ Polish Armament Group, is a capital group concentrating several dozen production plants, service facilities and research centres crucial for the Polish defence industry. PGZ manufactures innovative systems and solutions used by the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland and allied formations.

 Currently Member of Council for Strategic Development Projects under the President of the Republic of Poland

Associate professor at the Faculty of Energy and Fuels of the AGH University of Krakow, Head of Nuclear Energy Technology Team

Specializations: ENERGY, NUCLEAR ENERGY, NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE

A graduate of the Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, 2014 (Dr. Eng.) and the Inter-Faculty School of Power Engineering, 2008 (M.Sc. Eng.), AGH University of Krakow.

Author or co-author of over 100 scientific publications. Participant in several projects concerning the development of innovative nuclear technologies. A graduate of courses at the University of California, Berkeley – Haas School of Business, and educational programs of the International Atomic Energy Agency related to management and knowledge management in nuclear energy. He is an expert at the European Commission and a reviewer of many international scientific journals.