Bella Nestorova leads the Centre of Expertise on Civil Society at the European Commission’s DG NEAR. She steers EU policy support for civil society in the Neighbourhood and Enlargement countries, and oversees the portfolio of civil society projects in the Eastern Neighbourhood. Previously, Bella led EU cooperation with the countries of the Eastern Neighbourhood in the areas of climate change, energy, energy efficiency, environment, and transport, and with the counties of Central Asia in the areas of good governance and rule of law. Before joining the European Commission, she worked on international cooperation and sustainable development at the International Food Policy Research Institute, the United Nations, and the International Monetary Fund.

  • Day 1 – Wednesday 9 June
  • 9.00 – 9.50

Collaborate for Impact – partnership to foster social entrepreneurship & social investment in the Eastern Partnership & Russia

At this Welcome session the EVPA Team of the DG NEAR project will share the outline of the "Collaborate for Impact" project, its activities and planned impact. We will also share the findings of the needs' assessment of social enterprises from the region in the context of fostering development of social entrepreneurship and social investment in the Eastern Partnership countries and Russia. We will hear from the representatives of DG NEAR, the EU Delegation in Armenia, and CEO of EVPA, who will share their reflections on the development of the field in the region. Watch the session recording