Annabel Backs Email & Phone Number

Steenokkerzeel, Flemish Region, Belgium

Monitoring the evolution of the global aviation environment, coordinating strategic thinking and innovation initiatives and promoting innovation culture towards internal and external stakeholders.

General tasks related to public affairs matters: preparation of internal files that have to be endorsed by policy makers or other bodies, negotiations with public authorities, coordination of parliamentary questions, follow-up of relevant regulations. Support to the development of the Management Contract is included in these tasks. Advisor to the Director-general on matters of strategic importance.Responsible for the Urbanism department, who delivers advises for all temporary and permanent constructions (cranes, building and windmills) in Belgium. In this context, a Policy was drawn up, quality processes and tooling were adjusted and a negotiation strategy with all stakeholders was set up. In addition a full risk assessment was conducted for the Urbanism department.

Development and coordination with the Board of Directors of the company’s position in key EU institutions related to Air Transport.Overall internal coordination of the company’s international representation.Member of the Industry Consultation Body (ICB). The group provides position papers and gives technical advice to the European Commission on the implementation of Single European Sky initiatives and legislation.Member of Strategic Task Force of the Functional Airspace Block Europe Central (FABEC), preparing decision sheets for C-level.Member of the CANSO (Civil air navigation services organisation) European Coordination Meeting, that represents the interests of all service providers at European level, with an active role in the preparation and negotiation with the EU institutions of the legal package applicable to the sector (Single European Sky I and II and the Implementing Rules).

Steenokkerzeel, Flemish Region, Belgium

Legal advice in International and European law pertaining to Air Transport and Air Navigation Services, with direct briefing of top management. Assigned to the legal expert group of the Functional Airspace Block Europe Central (FABEC), dealing with all legal matters concerning the FABEC implementation, in particular the institutional set-up (from contract drafting and negotiation to the establishment of a legal entity), the operational and technical questions and the contractual arrangements between the Beneficiaries of the Union financial aid in the field of TEN-T. Chair of meetings on a regular basis and in charge of all contracts. Project manager for the detailed feasibility study for FABEC from 2006 till 2008, chairing the coordination meetings to develop the company’s position on the subjects of the study (operations, technical convergence, human resources, safety and finance) and a member of the legal group at FABEC level that made extensive comparisons of the institutional and legal structures of the participating service providers and developed a set of harmonised rules.

Brussels Metropolitan Area

Legal advice as a member of the legal cell and the air transport cell, with direct briefings to the Vice prime-minister. In charge of the political negotiations with the representatives of the government members in the dossiers pertaining to airport activities, civil aviation and environment, especially noise reduction measures at the airport of Brussels. Chair in numerous meetings with stakeholders: airport managers, airline representatives, national and local authorities in order to prepare and defend the strategic orientation decided by the Minister and the government.Regular legal advice in dossiers pertaining to railroad (ex. Diabolo project for Brussels and adaptation of governance structure of the SNCB (Société nationale des Chemins de fer belges)) and road transport (ex. adaptation of the legislation pertaining driving schools and the recognition of international driver’s licence).

Brussels, Brussels Region, Belgium

Teacher at the law school and research for PhD in the field of multicultural law conflicts.Practical exercises for several courses: Introduction to Belgian law, History of Law and Introduction to the institutions of modern states.Author of articles on gender and conflicts of law.Member of the Board of the faculty of law, Member of the Board for the revision of the curriculum in line with the Bologna Declaration and founding member of the Research group for Human Rights.

Advanced Master, Cooperation And Development

Advanced Master, International And European Law

Master'S Degree, Law