Ambassador Patrick ENGELBERG

Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the Council of Europe

Patrick Engelberg, a career diplomat, has served since 3 August 2021 as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the Council of Europe, as well as Consul General for the Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin. With academic backgrounds in history and political science (I.E.P. of Strasbourg and Paris-1 Sorbonne), Ambassador Engelberg held various positions, including Deputy Head of Mission in Paris (1998), Deputy Director of European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2002), Head of Government Protocol (2005) and Chief of Staff to the Grand Duke of Luxembourg (2009). In August 2017, he was appointed as Luxembourg's Representative to the EU's Political and Security Committee in Brussels.

Patrick Engelberg is fluent in French, German, English, and Luxembourgish (his native language) and has a passive knowledge of Spanish. He holds several national and international honors. Patrick Engelberg is married to Christine Engelberg, with whom he has four children. His personal interests include history and the restoration of classic cars.

Mr Gianluca ESPOSITO

Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law – Council of Europe

Gianluca Esposito has been Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe since 1 August 2024.

He was previously the Director of the Private Office of the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe. Prior to this, he served as Executive Secretary of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), Head of the Crime Problems Department, and Head of the Equality and Human Dignity Department.

Gianluca started his career at the Council of Europe in 1995 where he was involved in the negotiation of several conventions and other legal instruments, in the areas of nationality, anti-corruption, cybercrime, the efficiency of justice, combating trafficking in human beings, money laundering, terrorism and its financing. From 2005 to 2009, he was an adviser in the Private Office of the Council of Europe’s Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General. Gianluca served as the Council of Europe’s first Ethics Officer.

From 2009 to 2015, Gianluca was as a Senior Counsel in the Legal Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, DC.

Mr Tomáš BOČEK

Vice-Governor Target Group countries, CEB

Tomáš Boček is a Vice-Governor for the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), specifically overseeing "Target Group Countries"—countries prioritized for support and development initiatives within the CEB. He was first appointed in March 2019 and reappointed in 2021. His role involves implementing the CEB's Development Plan, focusing on Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern Europe, enhancing the bank’s projects, and coordinating partnerships with multilateral organizations.

Before joining the CEB, Mr Boček was the Special Representative on Migration and Refugees for the Council of Europe, where he advised on human rights protection for migrants and refugees. Earlier, he served as the Czech Republic’s Ambassador to the Council of Europe, a role in which he also represented the country on the CEB’s Governing Board from 2010 to 2016.  

Mr Koen HERMANS

Associate Professor, KU Leuven

Professor Koen Hermans is a distinguished academic in social policy and social work at KU Leuven, Belgium. He serves as an Associate Professor within KU Leuven's Centre for Sociological Research and is a prominent figure at LUCAS, the Centre for Care Research and Consultancy, where he leads numerous research initiatives. His primary academic focus lies in areas of homelessness and social exclusion, including the care and support for vulnerable populations. Hermans also teaches courses related to social work and social policy and oversees several PhD research projects.

Beyond his academic responsibilities, Professor Hermans holds influential roles in the field, acting as the Treasurer for the European Social Work Research Association and Chair of the Flemish Platform for Social Work. His research contributions extend into practical projects that seek to address complex social issues, such as homelessness and social welfare support, and his projects often involve collaborative efforts to inform policy and improve social inclusion practices in Europe. 

Mr Rafael BENITEZ

Director of Social Rights, Health and Environment – Council of Europe

Rafael A. Benitez was born on 23 January 1969 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. He holds a Master’s degree in European Law (LL.M.) from the College of Europe (Bruges) and degrees in Law and Finance from the I.C.A.D.E. - University of Comillas (Madrid). He also studied Political Science at the U.N.E.D (Madrid). He has studied in Spain, Belgium and the United States.

Rafael A. Benitez is currently Director of Social Rights, Health and Environment in the Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe.

He has worked in the Council of Europe since 1994 where he has previously occupied other functions including: Director of the Congress of Local and Regional authorities, Director Programme and Finance, Chief of Protocol, Head of the Programme Department, Head of the Public Law Department, Head of the Anti-Terrorism Division and Head of the International Law Division.

He has worked extensively in the legal field including administrative law and justice, international criminal justice and criminal law, in particular corruption and terrorism, and public international law.

He has written in these fields and spoken at many international conferences on these topics.

He has been a visiting lecturer at the Institute of International Relations (ITI-RI) and the International Human Rights Institute (IIDH) in Strasbourg and a member of the admissions board to the French Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA).

Prior to joining the Council of Europe he worked in the private sector, both in a law firm and a business association.

He speaks Spanish, English, French and Italian.

Mr Balakrishnan RAJAGOPAL

United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing 2020-2026 (remote participation)

Balakrishnan Rajagopal currently serves as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing, a role he began in May 2020. He is also a Professor of Law and Development within the Urban Studies and Planning Department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Rajagopal's work centres on critical issues in human rights, especially in housing rights, forced evictions, and displacement, advocating for social justice in housing worldwide.

With extensive experience in the United Nations system and legal academia, Mr Rajagopal has advised on human rights with organisations like the World Commission on Dams and served as a human rights officer in Cambodia during the 1990s. At MIT, he founded the Displacement Research and Action Network, which conducts research on housing rights and collaborates with local governments and communities facing housing crises. 

His academic background includes a Law degree from the University of Madras, a Master’s in Law from the American University, and a doctorate from Harvard. Mr Rajagopal’s career is marked by numerous publications, policy research, and influential lectures across institutions, reflecting his commitment to advocating for equitable housing rights globally.

Ms Aoife NOLAN

President of the European Committee of Social Rights - Council of Europe

Aoife Nolan is a leading figure in international human rights law, with a particular focus on social rights. She is President of the Council of Europe European Committee of Social Rights, which she joined in 2017. She is also Professor and Director of the internationally celebrated Human Rights Law Centre at the University of Nottingham.
 
Professor Nolan’s professional experience straddles the legal, policy, practitioner and academic fields. She has acted as an expert advisor to governments, as well as a wide range of international and national organisations and bodies working on human rights issues, including UN entities, the Council of Europe, the World Bank, and multiple NHRIs and NGOs. She has held visiting positions at academic institutions in Europe, Africa, the US and Australia. She is an Academic Expert member at Doughty Street Chambers where she co-leads the Children’s Rights Group and is a member of the Doughty Street International steering group. Professor Nolan holds an LL.B. from Trinity College Dublin and a PhD from the European University Institute in Florence.

Ms Aurora FLORIDIA

PACE Rapporteur on Analysis and guidelines to guarantee the right to housing and to decent housing

Aurora Floridia is a linguist and expert in psychosocial and pedagogical areas. As a Senator in Italy, she focuses on environmental topics and social policies. As a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), she actively engages in discussions around environmental and social justice and human rights, aiming to influence policies that address the needs of vulnerable populations.

She is currently working on the phenomenon of homelessness in its broadest sense, which includes a wide range of vulnerable groups, from women to young people and families, from refugees to migrants, from elderly people to persons that live in insecure housing. She graduated from the University of Würzburg, Germany. In her work, she emphasises the urgent need for effective strategies to combat homelessness, advocating for approaches like Housing First, which prioritises stable housing as a fundamental human right.

Aurora Floridia collaborates with various organisations and networks dedicated to improving living conditions for homeless people, pushing for systemic changes that promote social inclusion. By highlighting the intersection of social justice and housing, she seeks to empower communities and inform policy decisions to effectively tackle homelessness in Italy.

Mr Jimmy MOLONEY

Rapporteur on Social Housing and member of the Social Inclusion Committee, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities - Council of Europe

 Cllr Jimmy Moloney is member of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, representing Ireland and Vice Chair of the Social Inclusion Committee, serving as a rapporteur on social inclusion and housing issues. He is particularly focused on the challenges surrounding housing and social policy, advocating for better strategies to combat homelessness and housing insecurity across Europe.

In his role, Cllr Moloney emphasises the need for local and regional authorities to prioritise social inclusion initiatives and to develop effective policies that address the housing crisis. His work includes engaging with various stakeholders to promote collaborative solutions that improve housing conditions and support vulnerable populations. Through his commitment to social justice, he aims to enhance the living standards of those at risk of homelessness, thereby fostering inclusive communities.

Ms Katarina IVANKOVIĆ-KNEZEVIĆ

Director, DG EMPL – European

Katarina Ivanković Knežević is the Director for Social Rights and Inclusion at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion. Since her appointment in 2018, she has focused on modernising social protection systems and fostering greater social and labour inclusion across the EU. Ms Ivanković Knežević plays a significant role in implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights, specifically targeting disability rights, social inclusion, and workforce equality. Additionally, she coordinates equality initiatives within DG EMPL, reinforcing inclusive policies to improve the lives of marginalised groups. She was also instrumental in establishing the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness.

Prior to joining the European Commission, Ms Ivanković Knežević served as State Secretary in Croatia’s Ministry of Labor and Pension Systems, where she managed the European Social Fund and oversaw human resource development programmes. Her career spans over two decades with a focus on human rights, gender equality, and social policy innovation, establishing her as a prominent advocate for inclusive and sustainable social systems throughout Europe.

Mr Florian MEYERHOEFER

Head of International Affairs & Analysis Unit - CEB

Florian Meyerhoefer is a senior expert at the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), where he plays a significant role in managing country relations and overseeing various projects. His responsibilities include coordinating the Bank's efforts across multiple European nations. Prior to joining the CEB, Mr Meyerhoefer held several prominent positions, including as a senior economist for the Federal Ministry of Finance in Germany and a financial counselor at the German Embassy in Tokyo. He has an extensive background in financial economics and international development, gained through his work with institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the German Ministry of Finance.

He holds a PhD in economics from Freie Universität Berlin and has an executive master's degree in public management from the Hertie School of Governance in Germany, alongside the London School of Economics.

Mr Igor POLAKOVIĆ

Mayor of Lamač city district of Bratislava, Slovak Republic

Igor Polakovic, since 2018 serving as member of the Bratislava city council and from 2020 also as mayor of one of the Bratislava districts has a strong NGO background. The Bratislava representation prioritises outreach programmes that connect homeless people with essential services, including shelters, health and mental health support and job training followed by employment in the municipality services, “Housing First” programme and helping many find stability and hope.

Mr Polakovic believes in a compassionate and collaborative approach, forming partnerships with local organisations, non-profits, and community groups to create long-term housing solutions and improve healthcare access or solve the addiction problems for the most vulnerable.

The local administration emphasises transparency and community involvement, encouraging open dialogue among residents to build understanding around homelessness and its challenges with aim to ensure that all residents have opportunities for a stable, fulfilling life.

Ms Sarah COUPECHOUX

Leader Europe, Foundation for housing disadvantaged people

Sarah Coupechoux is a European Policy Manager with an extensive background in housing rights and social justice. Since 2009, she has been affiliated with the Foundation for housing disadvantaged people, a major French organisation dedicated to addressing homelessness and housing insecurity. Her work there includes advocating for social housing policies and contributing to annual reports that assess and analyse housing exclusion across Europe. These reports, created in collaboration with FEANTSA (the European Federation of National Organisations working with the Homeless), evaluate the effectiveness of European housing policies and provide data-driven recommendations for improving housing stability for vulnerable populations.

Coupechoux’s academic and professional background includes a Master’s degree in International Law from the Sorbonne, which has informed her approach to social policy through a legal and human rights perspective. She is recognised for her advocacy within EU policy frameworks, aiming to enhance housing security and influence legislation against homelessness and exclusion

Ms Martine CHANAL

Housing and Accommodation Department, Metropolis of Lyon

Martine Chanal is a sociologist and public policy expert working with La Métropole de Lyon, where she serves as the Policy Officer in the Housing Department. Her background includes postgraduate studies and a doctorate in sociology. Since joining Métropole de Lyon in 2004, Ms Chanal has focused on progressive housing strategies, including the Housing First initiative, which seeks to tackle homelessness by providing secure housing as a foundational step to other support services. 

Martine’s role involves implementing innovative housing solutions, like the “Organisme Foncier Solidaire” and the “Bail Réel Solidaire,” that support participatory and community-driven housing projects. She also collaborates to secure European funding for projects aimed at social innovation and housing inclusivity, making her a key figure in Lyon’s housing transformation efforts.

Mr Polyvios ELIOFOTOU

DG ECFIN, European Commission

Polyvios Eliofotou is a senior economist in the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN) of the European Commission, in the unit coordinating the implementation of the InvestEU Programme. He has recently joined from the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion (DG EMPL). He has extensive experience managing EU financial instruments focused on supporting social infrastructure investments, microfinance and social enterprise initiatives across Europe. His role included enhancing financial access for underserved communities and facilitating social innovation, helping to implement EU policies aimed at increasing employment and social inclusion. Through strategic oversight, he has contributed to building sustainable investment ecosystems that align with broader EU priorities, such as promoting social investments and skills, and supporting the green transition.

This work places Mr Eliofotou at the centre of impactful initiatives aimed at creating an enabling framework for the InvestEU Programme, which supports sustainable investment, innovation and job creation in Europe. His contributions are part of broader EU efforts to fostering inclusive growth, support social cohesion and create resilient, inclusive economies across member states.

Mr André RIEMER

Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building, Germany

Mr André Riemer currently serves within the German Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development, and Building. In his role, Mr Riemer is Head of Unit for Homelessness, Accessibility in Housing and Housing for Special Needs Groups. In particular, he was responsible for the conception and development of the first National Action Plan against Homelessness in Germany. The National Action Plan aims to overcome homelessness in a sustainable and cross-policy manner. Through multi-level governance initiatives involving all stakeholders, Mr. Riemer and his team are working to sustainably improve the housing supply and social conditions of homeless people in the municipalities. Mr. Riemer also represents the Federal Government in the area of homelessness in the European Platform on Combating Homelessness (EPOCH).

Mr Samir KULENOVIC

Senior Technical Advisor, Technical Assessment & Monitoring Directorate, CEB/TAM

Mr Samir Kulenovic is a dedicated expert at the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), where he focuses on enhancing social investment, particularly in addressing housing and social inclusion issues across Europe. With a solid background in economic development and urban planning, Mr Kulenovic has played a critical role in shaping projects that support vulnerable populations, including refugees and homeless individuals. His work involves crafting tailored financial solutions and partnerships that bolster housing accessibility and improve living conditions for marginalised communities, a mission that became even more pertinent during the COVID-19 pandemic. By coordinating efforts with government bodies, NGOs, and local authorities, Mr Kulenovic's contributions are pivotal in advancing the CEB's broader goals of fostering social cohesion and sustainable development in European societies.

Mr Cristian TABACARU

Director General for Loans and Social Development, CEB

Cristian Tabacaru serves as the Director of Loans and Social Development at the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB). In his role, he manages financial and social development projects that align with CEB's mission to promote social cohesion and improve the quality of life in its member states. M. Tabacaru plays a central part in overseeing projects, particularly those that respond to social needs in crisis and post-conflict situations. Recently, he has been focused on coordinating CEB’s initiatives in Ukraine, aiming to address urgent needs like healthcare and housing for displaced populations affected by the ongoing conflict.

Through his guidance, CEB has approved significant funding for projects that address healthcare, social housing, and mental health services. M. Tabacaru also leads CEB's efforts to identify and mitigate risks associated with project implementation, such as budget constraints and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the projects are well-integrated with local communities. His experience has positioned him as a vital leader within the CEB's response to social and humanitarian crises across Europe, furthering the institution's longstanding mission of social support and development.

Mr Patrick DEVELTERE

Advisor to the Chair of the Steering Board of the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness

Mr Patrick Develtere is a specialist in Social Sciences and international development cooperation, currently serving as a professor at KU Leuven in Belgium. With a PhD in Social Sciences obtained in 1994, he has made significant contributions to the field through both academic and practical engagements. Mr Develtere previously held the position of principal advisor for European social policy at the European Political Strategy Centre from 2017 to early 2020. 

He has also been the Executive President of beweging.net, Belgium's largest civil society network, focusing on social justice and workers' rights. His research extensively covers cooperatives and social enterprises, particularly their impact on poverty and social inclusion. Notably, he is a member of the European Platform on Combating Homelessness (EPOCH), reflecting his commitment to addressing housing precarity in Europe. 

Mr Juha KAHILA

Head of International Affairs, Y-Säätiö/Y-Foundation 

Juha Kahila is an expert in housing policy and the management of housing insecurity in Finland. He has played a pivotal role in implementing the Housing First model, which aims to provide stable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, emphasising autonomy and support. As a member of the 
Y-Foundation, Mr Kahila is dedicated to creating social housing and eradicating housing insecurity by improving access to affordable housing and offering counseling services to those at risk of losing their homes.

Mr Kahila also supports government programmes aimed at curbing housing insecurity, highlighting the need for an integrated approach that combines housing and social services. His work aligns with a broader vision that recognises the right to housing as fundamental to social well-being.

Mr Freek SPINNEWIJN

Director European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless (FEANTSA)

Freek Spinnewijn is the Director of FEANTSA (the European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless), a position he has held since 2001. He plays a vital role in advocating for policies to address homelessness and severe housing exclusion across Europe. Mr Spinnewijn also served as President and Vice-President of the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), contributing to public health initiatives throughout the continent.  His educational background includes History and European studies from the University of Leuven, which informs his advocacy work. Additionally, he is involved with several other organisations, including the European Anti-Poverty Network and Social Services Europe, highlighting his broader commitment to social issues.

Mr Vitomir Miles RAGUZ

Head of European Relations Office, CEB

Vitomir Miles Raguz currently serves as the Head of the Office for European Relations at the Council of Europe Development Bank, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, Mr Raguz oversees strategic initiatives and partnerships to foster the bank’s commitment to social development and cohesion across Europe. Before taking on this role, Mr Raguz accumulated significant experience in economic policy, social cohesion projects, and regional cooperation, particularly within the Western Balkans. His leadership at CEB continues to focus on creating resilience and supporting equitable economic development among member states, reinforcing the European social model through targeted financial support and policy alignment. 

Mr Johannes BÖHMER

Vice-Governor Social Development Strategy, CEB

Johannes Böhmer has served as Vice-Governor for Social Development Strategy at the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) since August 2022. He joined the CEB in 2010 as an internal auditor and subsequently held various leadership roles, including Director of Human Development, the Executive Office, and European Affairs.

Before his tenure at the CEB, Mr Böhmer worked at KPMG Germany, focusing on high-growth markets, especially in India, where he led initiatives to strengthen Indo-European investments. His expertise in auditing, international project management, and social development policy supports his mission to promote social cohesion and address humanitarian challenges across Europe. He holds an MBA in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Mannheim.