Mitko Chatalbashev has been Regional Director for Europe at CISAC and BIEM – the two international umbrella organisations for authors’ societies based in Paris, since October 2003. At the CISAC/BIEM European regional office located in Budapest, Mr. Chatalbashev is mainly responsible for relations with CISAC/BIEM members from Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia and the implementation of CISAC policies and assistance programs in this vast region, including the implementation of the CISAC Professional Rules and the related verification process.

Mr. Chatalbashev studied Law at Sofia University he became a lawyer and member of the Sofia Bar, with special interests in copyright and human rights law. In 1995, he pursued a Private International Law specialisation in Spain with an emphasis on International Protection of Copyright and Related Rights. He has been a Lecturer on IP issues at the New Bulgarian University (2000 – 2002). From 2001 to 2003 Mr. Chatalbashev was the Chief Legal Adviser to the Bulgarian society of music authors and publishers “MUSICAUTOR”.