As the 22nd edition of the Visegrad Summer School came to an end, we are delighted to retrace this experience together.
This exceptional cultural-educational program, held from July 1st to July 10th at Villa Decius, welcomed 30 young leaders, students, and professionals from the Visegrad Countries—Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia—as well as from the Balkans, including Albania, Kosovo, and Serbia, and from Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, among others. The combination of expert knowledge and practical guidance, along with opportunities for engagement, resulted in a transformative experience for participants, fostering both personal and professional growth.
Since its inauguration in 2002, the Visegrad Summer School has served as a forum for the exchange of knowledge, discussion among peers, and the creation of a learning environment, aiming at facilitating the integration of engaged individuals across the region, ultimately contributing to the development of innovative solutions to future challenges.
In light of this, the 22nd edition of the Visegrad Summer School focused on the “Future of Media” as a central theme. From the outset, the program included lectures that contextualized the topic and provided insights into its implications, with the concluding workshop offering a glimpse into potential future directions. As a result, the first week’s sessions were designed to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and its associated challenges, paving the way for the preparation of the participants’ final project presentations.
The first day of the program started with an opening debate centered on the V4 members and the challenging times they face, with panelists including H.E. Břetislav Dančak (Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Poland), Madam Consul Lenka Pifkova (Consul of Slovakia), Márta Ritecz-Sekulic (Consul of Hungary in Krakow), and Rafał Domisiewicz (National Coordinator of the Visegrad Cooperation and Deputy Director of the European Policy Department in Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
The delicate topic of regional cooperation and identities was explored in greater depth through insights shared by Professor Michal Vašečka, who opened the series of lectures held during the first week of the Summer School. The week continued with lively discussions about several crucial issues, including the European Union’s approach to digital media, the vital role of cooperation, the challenge of disinformation, freedom of speech, the rise of alternative media, and the challenges posed by AI.
In particular, throughout the week, Dr. Václav Štětka from Loughborough University examined whether the European Union can protect media freedom and pluralism in Central Europe in the face of digital challenges and illiberal leaders. Mr. Gjergj Murra, Executive Director of the Western Balkans Fund, explored the potential for future regional cooperation in the Western Balkans, emphasizing soft connectivity and educational exchanges. In a joint session, Michal Vit, Ljupcho Petkovski, and Vuk Uskoković examined how perceptions and narratives within the Balkans influence the integration process at the EU level.
Leszek Jażdżewski, editor-in-chief of Liberté!, explored how social media has become both an essential tool and a source of addiction, examining its impact on society. Beata Balogová, Editor-in-Chief of SME, analyzed the threats to media freedom posed by autocratic regimes and the critical role of journalism in holding power accountable. Attila Mong, a freelance journalist and representative of the Committee to Protect Journalists, explored the increasing risks journalists face in Europe, questioning whether the continent is still a safe environmnt for press freedom.
Wojciech Przybylski, editor-in-chief of Visegrad Insight, presented scenarios for the future of journalism, discussing information sovereignty and the challenges of media control and disinformation in Central Europe. Hanna Hopko, a former Ukrainian parliamentarian, highlighted the role of information in EU and NATO integration, particularly in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Gurkan Ozturan from the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom discussed the support mechanisms for journalists under threat in Europe, focusing on the work of Media Freedom Rapid Response.
During the fourth day of lectures, Ersan Pekin, a Turkish journalist seeking asylum in the interview with Madam Director of Villa Decius – prof. Dominika Kasprowicz – shared his personal experiences of persecution and emphasized the importance of networks like the International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN) in providing safe havens for threatened journalists. Finally, Daniel Moßbrucker, a journalist specializing in data protection, discussed how digital surveillance has become a significant threat to journalism, highlighting the need for vigilance in protecting journalistic integrity in the digital age.
The theoretical background and expertise shared served as a basis for participants to prepare for the final workshops on future literacy, led by Agata Bisping, an expert in creativity and training, and Marcin Maciejewski, an educator and strategist. The engaging workshop session allowed students to split into six teams, with each collaborating to identify a current problem in the realm of media and find a plausible solution. This process encouraged participants to think broadly and dynamically, culminating in the creation of a final project that they presented on the final day of the Summer School, Wednesday, July 10th. This was the final outcome of a process initiated in the previous days, shaped by peer collaboration and the expertise of our prestigious experts.
In addition to the academic activities, participants had the privilege of experiencing a study visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, preceded by an introduction held at the Oshpitzin Museum. This served as a poignant reminder of a tragic yet indelible chapter in our collective history. Furthermore, a city tour of the vibrant city of Krakow was organized, allowing participants to explore its beautiful and historical landscape. Finally, participants gained deeper insights into each other’s cultures during the MultiCooltural Party, where they shared traditions, food, customs, and habits from their respective countries, resulting in a highly enriching exchange.
We would like to express our gratitude to our esteemed donors, the Visegrad Fund and its Executive Director Petr Mareš, as well as Grupa ZUE, for their consistent support of the Summer School, making its implementation possible. Furthermore, we extend our gratitude to our indispensable partners: the Václav Havel Library, People In Focus, the Bratislava Policy Institute, the Cracovia Express Foundation, the city of Krakow, and the Municipality of Małopolska. Additionally, we would like to express our profound gratefulness to Polskie Radio dla Zagranicy, Krakow.pl, and Visegrad Insight for their invaluable contribution to the extensive media coverage.
We are also pleased to announce that this year’s edition of the Visegrad Summer School has been awarded by the the Honorary Patronage of Minister of Foreign Affairs – Radosław Sikorski.
