Elena Presilska
Foreign Policy & EU Affairs | Strategic Communications
Strezova 30A/2, Skopje
Summary
Policy advisor and strategic communicator with extensive experience supporting top political leadership on EU affairs, foreign policy & public diplomacy. A trusted advisor to Presidents, Deputy PM and Ministers, I have worked at the heart of decision-making processes, shaping narratives around sensitive political issues, international negotiations, and institutional reform. Known for political judgment, clarity of expression, and discretion, I support institutions in navigating high-stakes media environments and moments of transition or crisis. I combine strong drafting skills with hands-on leadership to deliver communication strategies that reinforce policy objectives, protect institutional credibility, and build public trust - nationally and internationally.
Overview
2024
2024
years of professional experience
9
9
Languages
Work History
SPECIAL ADVISOR FOR FOREIGN POLICY & EU AFFAIRS
Office of the Minister for European Affairs
01.2024 - 2026
- Advised the Minister on EU integration priorities, alignment with acquis, and political messaging at national and EU level.
- Translated complex EU policy developments into clear strategic positions and public narratives.
- Drafted speeches, key messages, and media statements used in high-level EU engagements.
- Led strategic communication planning on EU integration milestones, strengthening public visibility and coherence of government messaging.
- Acted as focal point for media relations on EU affairs, including proactive reputation and crisis communication.
SPECIAL ADVISOR FOR FOREIGN POLICY
Office of the President of North Macedonia
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Served as senior communications and policy advisor to the President and First Lady on foreign policy and international engagement.
- Designed and executed communication strategies for official visits, summits, and diplomatic initiatives.
- Prepared talking points, speeches, and briefing materials for bilateral and multilateral engagements.
- Managed relations with EU Member State ambassadors and Western Balkans diplomats.
- Oversaw digital communications, increasing reach and engagement of presidential foreign policy activities.
CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER FOR EU AFFAIRS
Secretariat for European Affairs, Government of North Macedonia
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Oversaw daily operations and coordinated the work of a 100-person administration supporting EU integration.
- Played a central role in IPA programming, NPAA coordination, and EU reform agendas.
- Co-designed institutional frameworks for EU negotiations and monitoring of sectoral reforms.
- Introduced performance monitoring tools for tracking reform progress.
- Led strategic communications and transparency initiatives related to EU integration.
SPOKESWOMAN & HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Led communications for the MFA and 50+ diplomatic missions abroad.
- Managed public messaging during landmark moments including Prespa Agreement negotiations, NATO accession, and COVID-19 crisis repatriations.
- Served as main media contact during negotiations with Greece.
- Developed crisis communication frameworks and modernized digital diplomacy practices.
- MFA communications team awarded Best Public Diplomacy Initiative (2020).
INTERNATIONAL KEY EXPERT
Delegation of the EU – Europe House
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Designed and delivered 90+ EU visibility and public diplomacy events annually.
- Led campaigns promoting EU values, reforms, and enlargement process.
- Moderated high-level debates, press conferences, and outreach activities nationwide.
- Produced analytical reports on media coverage and public perception for EU institutions.
ACCOUNT AND PR MANAGER
New Moment New Ideas Company
2000 - 2012
- Delivered 100+ large-scale corporate, government, and EU-related events and public campaigns, managing PR, media strategy, stakeholder coordination, and post-campaign evaluation for multinational and institutional clients.
Education
MSc - European Studies (Policy Advisor & Project Manag.)
Université Catholique De Louvain
BelgiumBA - French Language & Literature
National University Ss. Cyril And Methodius
North MacedoniaCORE EXPERTISE
- EU Integration & Enlargement
- Foreign Policy Advisory
- Strategic Communications
- Speechwriting & Messaging
- Media & Crisis Management
- Stakeholder & Diplomatic Relations
- Public Diplomacy
- Digital Communications
- Team Leadership
REFERENCES
For verification of my professional experience, please feel free to contact the following references:
1. Ministry for European Affairs
Reference: Hristina Koneska-Beroska, State Advisor
Email: hristina.koneska-beroska@mep.gov.mk
Phone: +389 70 40 96 14
2. Office of the President
Reference: Toshe Zafirov, Deputy-Secretary General
Email: toshe.zafirov@presidentoffice.mk
Phone: +389 72 315 589
3. Secretariat for European Affairs
Reference: Nikola Dimitrov, Former Deputy PM
Email: ndimitrovmk@gmail.com
Phone: +389 78 212 127
4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Reference: Nikola Dimitrov, Former MFA
Email: ndimitrovmk@gmail.com
Phone: +389 78 212 1275.
5. Europe House - DEU to Montenegro
Reference: Alberto Cammarata, Deputy Head of Unit for Albania and North Macedonia, European Commission
Email: Alberto.Cammarata@eeas.europa.eu
Phone: +32 473 91 25 84
6. New Moment Advertising Agency
Reference: Jelena Ivanovic, Vice Managing Director
Email: jelena.ivanovic@newmoment.mk
Phone: +389 70 335 544
7. Evrozum, TV Show - EU Funded Project
Reference: Borjan Jovanovski, Editor-in Chief, correspondent for Euronews
Email: borjanj@yahoo.com
Phone: +389 78 430 737
Timeline
SPECIAL ADVISOR FOR FOREIGN POLICY & EU AFFAIRS
Office of the Minister for European Affairs
01.2024 - 2026
SPECIAL ADVISOR FOR FOREIGN POLICY
Office of the President of North Macedonia
01.2022 - 01.2024
CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER FOR EU AFFAIRS
Secretariat for European Affairs, Government of North Macedonia
01.2020 - 01.2022
SPOKESWOMAN & HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
01.2017 - 01.2020
INTERNATIONAL KEY EXPERT
Delegation of the EU – Europe House
01.2013 - 01.2016
ACCOUNT AND PR MANAGER
New Moment New Ideas Company
2000 - 2012
MSc - European Studies (Policy Advisor & Project Manag.)
Université Catholique De Louvain
BA - French Language & Literature
National University Ss. Cyril And Methodius