As of 1 January, Ilina Neshikj has been appointed Interim Executive Director of the Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties). She was appointed by the Board following the decision of Liberties’ founder and Executive Director since 2017, Balázs Dénes, to step down from his position.

Ilina, who joined Liberties in 2022 as Network Coordinator and CERV Project Manager, brings extensive experience in network management and civil society leadership. She previously served as Executive Director of Accountable Now, a global network of international NGOs, and of the Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN), a regional network of 14 civil society organisations in the Balkans and Turkey. She has managed and contributed to international and global projects focused on strengthening the civil society enabling environment, building CSO capacity and accountability, combating shrinking civic space, and fostering meaningful civil society participation in policymaking. Ilina holds a Master’s degree in European Studies, specialising in Strategic Communication and Public Relations in Europe, from the University of Lorraine, France.

Since 2017, Balázs has served as Liberties’ Executive Director, bringing to life a visionary idea to create an EU-wide human rights and civil liberties organisation. Through his courage, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment, Balázs has shaped Liberties into a respected and effective advocate in EU policymaking, a trusted source for international media, and a resilient Europe-wide network addressing the key pillars of a healthy democracy — the rule of law, civic space, and the protection of human rights in the digital age.

“Liberties’ mission to protect human rights for everyone in the EU is more relevant than ever. Over the past nearly ten years, we have demonstrated that, as an EU-wide watchdog umbrella organisation, we can effectively campaign for the fundamental rights of EU citizens — from the rule of law and media freedom to digital rights and beyond. I am confident that under Ilina’s leadership, the organisation will enter this new chapter from a position of strength and stability,” said Balázs Dénes.

Liberties’ Board and team extend their heartfelt thanks to Balázs for his leadership and express their full confidence and support for Ilina as she guides Liberties through this transition period.

Ilina’s mandate will remain in place until the start of the newly selected Executive Director’s tenure.