Kristina Mikulova

Speaker's Bio

Kristina Mikulova is an accomplished international development expert with extensive experience in economic resilience, regional cooperation, and inclusive growth. At the European Investment Bank (EIB), she serves as Head of the Regional Hub for Eastern Europe, overseeing the Bank’s engagement across Eastern Europe and the Mashreq region. She previously represented the EIB in Lebanon, where she advanced sustainable investment and regional integration initiatives.

Before joining the EIB, Mikulova worked with the World Bank Group and served as Head of Unit at the Ministry of Finance of Slovakia, where she led efforts in development cooperation. Her career reflects a deep commitment to strengthening institutions, fostering innovation, and promoting social inclusion through strategic investments.

Holding a PhD in Politics and an MA in Russian and East European Studies from Oxford University, Mikulova brings both academic rigor and practical insight to her work. Her research and advisory roles for the World Bank and UNDP have focused on migration, governance, and innovation policy, particularly within emerging European economies.

An active public voice, Mikulova has contributed to leading international outlets such as The Economist, The Financial Times, and The Huffington Post, and co-edited the 2015 Palgrave Macmillan volume Democratization in EU Foreign Policy.

Beyond her institutional work, Mikulova is passionate about addressing regional disparities. She founded and organizes “Vandrovka”, a biannual bicycle trip around Slovakia’s lagging regions, bringing together young leaders and local mayors for discussions on inclusive and sustainable development.

Through her leadership and vision, Kristina Mikulova continues to shape policies and partnerships that strengthen Europe’s economic and social fabric.