31st International Summer University

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

SUNDAY, JUNE 21

3 pm – 4:30 pm: Europe’s New Choice – Coming out from the Interregnum

The opening colloquium explores Europe’s capacity to navigate a period of strategic uncertainty. Participants will examine whether the EU can redefine itself in response to global disruption, geopolitical competition, and internal fragmentation. The discussion will introduce the week’s central themes: What does strategic autonomy mean in a world of interdependencies as well as fragmentation? How can culture, knowledge, innovation, and civic trust be mobilized to strengthen the European project? The session highlights the practical and normative dilemmas Europe faces in balancing sovereignty, solidarity, and global responsibility, laying the groundwork for the week’s deeper engagement.

Keynote Speeches: 

• Krisztián Mészáros (State Secretary for Multilateral Affairs, Hungary)

• Charles Vörösmaty (City University of New York, USA) 

Chair: Ferenc Miszlivetz (iASK, Hungary) 

Panelists:  

• H. E. Mladen Andrlić (Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Hungary) 

• H.E. Edit Szilágyiné Bátorfi (Ambassador of Hungary to Austria) 

• Elira Luli (Luarasi University, Albania; iASK, Hungary) 

• Luka Martin Tomažič (Alma Mater Europaea University, Slovenia) 

• Kıvanç Ulusoy (Istanbul University, Turkey) 

4:35 pm – 6:05 pm: Europa Nostra: Culture as Compass for European Navigation

The panel will focus on how culture can serve as a guiding framework for Europe in addressing current and future social and cultural challenges. It is expected to touch on themes such as shared heritage, identity formation, and the role of cultural values in shaping political and social directions. The discussion may also explore the balance between unity and diversity within Europe, as well as the importance of cultural memory in decision-making processes, shaping how societies interpret the past and make coherent choices about the future. In addition, it will likely consider how cultural initiatives and institutions contribute to resilience and cooperation across borders. How can the EU, through deeper political and cultural integration, secure resilience, more openness, democratic legitimacy, and the capacity to act as a credible global actor?  Overall, the panel will revolve around interpreting culture as a strategic and orienting force for good in Europe’s ongoing development.

Chair:  Mónika Mátay (iASK; Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary) 

Panelists: 

• Graham Bell (Renaissance Foundation, Hungary, Europa Nostra)  

• Agata Wasowska-Pawlik (International Cultural Centre, Poland) 

• Tamás Fejérdy (iASK, Hungary) 

• Klára Nagy (Europa Nostra, Belgium) 

• Attila Sághi (Europa Nostra, Belgium) 

• Feyrouz-Ahlam Saidi (iASK, Hungary) 

6:30 pm Concert- Károly Binder (Venue: Synagogue, Várkör 38.) 

7:30 pm Reception (Venue: Europe House, Chernel str. 14.) 

MONDAY, JUNE 22

9:30 am – 10 am Registration

10 am – 12 pm: Panel: Europe at a Strategic Crossroads: Autonomy, Alliances, and the Transatlantic Future

This session examines Europe’s positioning in a rapidly changing global environment, marked by shifting power dynamics, technological competition, and renewed geopolitical tensions. Panelists will explore what “strategic autonomy” means in practice across defense, technology, energy, and foreign policy, and whether Europe has the institutional capacity to act decisively.

The discussion will also address the evolving transatlantic relationship and its implications for European security and global governance. Key themes include the future of European defense cooperation, the role of the EU within international institutions, and the challenge of reconciling autonomy with alliance-based security. The panel will consider whether Europe can strengthen its geopolitical influence while navigating divergences with its closest partners.

Chair: Elira Luli (Luarasi University, Albania) 

Panelists: 

• H. E. István Gyarmati (Hungarian Atlantic Council) 

• H. E. Martin Eichtinger (Diplomatische Akademie Wien, Austria) 

• Péter Zachar (Ludovika University of Public Service, Hungary)  

• H.E. Emil Brix (Austrian Research Association) – ONLINE 

• Gábor Kardos (ELTE, Hungary) – ONLINE 
• Iván Bába (iASK, Ludovika University of Public Service, Hungary) – ONLINE

12 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch break

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Europe, Regional Re-development

This session explores Europe’s strategic interests and vulnerabilities in the Middle East at a time of heightened regional instability. The discussion will assess Europe’s diplomatic role, its capacity to shape regional outcomes, and the challenges of translating political values into effective geopolitical influence.

A central focus will be on energy security and the broader economic consequences of instability in the region, including the security of critical maritime routes, energy supply chains, and infrastructure. Panelists will consider how regional conflicts affect Europe’s energy markets, economic resilience, and long-term strategic planning, and what policy tools Europe can deploy to mitigate risks and strengthen resilience.

Chair: Branislav Radeljic (iASK, Hungary) 

Panelists: 

• András Deák (Ludovika University of Public Service, Hungary) 

• Charles Vörösmarty (City University of New York, USA) 

• János Bogárdi (iASK, Ludovika University of Public Service, Hungary) 

• Marlond Druga (Port of Durrës Authority, Albania) 

• András Szöllősi-Nagy (iASK, Ludovika University of Public Service, Hungary) 

• Vahidije Kadiu (Durana Tech Park, Albania) – ONLINE

3:30 pm – 4 pm Coffee break  

4 pm – 5 pm City walk with Zoltán Mizsei 

6 pm Concert- Bozsodi quartett (Venue: Synagogue, Várkör 38.) 

7 pm Reception (Venue: Europe House, Chernel str. 14.) 

TUESDAY, JUNE 23

9:30 am – 10 am Registration

10 am – 12 pm Panel: European Identity, Democratic Cohesion, and the Foundations of a Political Community

This panel examines the cultural, social, and civic foundations of a European political community beyond institutional and economic integration. It explores how shared values, collective identity, and civic participation contribute to social cohesion and democratic resilience across increasingly diverse European societies.

The discussion will analyze the role of culture, civil society, and grassroots engagement in shaping democratic legitimacy and countering fragmentation. Particular attention will be given to how cultural policy, civic mobilization, and new forms of participation may foster solidarity, sustain democratic norms, and contribute to the long-term viability of a European political community.

Chair: Tamás Novák (iASK, Hungary) 

Panelists: 

• Tomáš Korda (iASK, Hungary) 

• Bernát Török (Ludovika University of Public Service, Hungary) 

• Vladimir Đorđević (Police Academy of the Czech Republic, Prague) 

• Elira Luli (Luarasi University, Albania) 

• Ignacio-Jesús Serrano-Contreras (University of Granada, Spain)  

12 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch break

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm Panel: EU Balkan Observatory: Enlargement, Neighborhood Policy, and Europe’s Geopolitical Reach

This panel addresses the European Union’s engagement with its wider neighborhood through the lens of enlargement, political conditionality, and multilevel cooperation. It evaluates the credibility of current enlargement processes, examining the political, institutional, and geopolitical factors shaping accession prospects in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe.

Beyond formal enlargement frameworks, the panel considers how networks of cooperation – including academic, cultural, and civil society platforms – contribute to integration, regional stability, and the EU’s external influence. The discussion assesses the implications of enlargement and the role of transnational engagement in shaping Europe’s geopolitical position.

Chair: Jody Jensen (iASK, Hungary)  

Panelists: 

• Vedran Dzihic (OiiP, Austria) 

• Miruna Butnaru-Troncota (National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA), Romania) 

• Mirela Metushaj (Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës)  

3:30 pm – 4 pm Coffee break 

4 pm – 5 pm Workshop with Aleksandra Bulatovic (IFDT, Serbia):

“Solidarity in Action: Politics Beyond Protest”

The Emergence of the Solidarity Network in Serbia

6 pm Folk music- Julianna Agócs and Benjámin Balog (Altelena) (Venue: Synagogue, Várkör 38.) 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24

9:30 am – 10 am Registration

10 am – 12 pm Panel: The Future of Universities in Future Europe

This panel explores the future of universities in Europe by questioning traditional academic hierarchies and institutional structures. It will examinye how higher education, in its current form and in varying forms of reshaping across regions, can keep pace with technological change, shifting political contexts, and growing demands for social relevance, partnerships, and international collaborations. Participants will discuss the tension between specialized, market-oriented requirements and broader, critical forms of knowledge production, as well as the gradual erosion of rigid disciplinary boundaries. The conversation will also address how universities can become more open, flexible, and engaged with society, the private sector, international organizations, and public institutions while maintaining academic autonomy. Special attention will be given to the challenges and transformations in Central and Eastern Europe as institutions navigate both global pressures and local contexts. The panel aims to foster critical reflection on how universities can move beyond traditional models and adapt to an increasingly complex and uncertain future.

Chair: József Fülöp (iASK, Hungary) 

Panelists: 

• H.E. Klára Breuer (State Secretary Responsible for Bilateral Relations, Hungary) 

• Ludvik Toplak (Alma Mater Europaea University, Slovenia) – ONLINE 

• David Lock (Magna Charta Universitatum Observatory, Italy) – ONLINE 

• Damir Boras (University of Zagreb, Croatia) – ONLINE 

• Aleksander Zidanšek (World Academy of Art and Science; Jožef Stefan Institute) -ONLINE 
• Veronika Wittmann (Johannes Kepler University, Austria) 

12 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch break

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm Panel: Digital Sovereignty, Technological Power, and the Transformation of Governance

This panel examines how technological transformation and global digital competition are redefining power, sovereignty, and governance. As data infrastructures, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence become central to economic and political systems, Europe faces structural challenges related to dependency, regulatory capacity, and technological autonomy.

The discussion will assess Europe’s regulatory agenda, including data governance, platform regulation, and emerging AI frameworks, and consider whether these instruments can translate into meaningful digital sovereignty. Panelists will examine trade-offs between competitiveness and regulation, innovation and security, and Europe’s capacity to shape global digital norms.

Chair: Ivana Stepanovic (iASK, Hungary) 

Panelists: 

• László Palkovics (former Minister for Innovation and Technology) 

• Zsolt Ződi (Ludovika University of Public Service, Hungary) 

• Balázs Barta (iASK, Hungary) 

• László Z. Karvalics (iASK, Hungary) 

• Péter Krekó (Eötvös Lorand University, Hungary) 

• Tinatin Khidasheli (Civic IDEA, Former Minister of Defence of Georgia) 

• Balázs Bartóki-Gönczy (Ludovika University of Public Service)  

3:30 pm – 4 pm Coffee break 

4 pm – 5 pm Workshop on AI ethics and literacy with Branislav Radeljic 

THURSDAY, JUNE 25

9:30 am – 10 am Registration

10 am – 12 pm Panel: Roundtable: Europe’s Future: Youth, Culture, Arts and Global Engagement

Young people across Europe are reshaping political life in ways that exceed conventional definitions of participation. From grassroots organising and digital activism to transnational solidarity networks and new forms of civic identity, youth engagement is redefining what politics means and how it is practiced. This panel brings together researchers and practitioners to examine how young people in Central and Southeastern Europe are navigating questions of democracy, integration, and Europe’s place in a changing world, and what their experiences reveal about the broader political transformations underway.

Chair: Ivana Stepanović (iASK, Hungary) 

Panelists: 

• Igor Stipić (iASK, Hungary) 

• Dimitar Nikolovski (Eurothink-Center for European Strategies) 

• Dženita Šiljak (Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, Bosnia & Herzegovina)  

• Péter Balogh (Senior Youth Delegate of Hungary to the United Nations)  

• Erina Troka (Institute for Policy and Law) 

12 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch break

Afternoon: Team work session or excursion

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

9:30 am – 10 am Registration

10 am – 12 pm Student Presentations and Workshop Synthesis

This session presents the outcomes of the week’s workshops. Participants will deliver short, analytical discussions based on their group work, highlighting key insights and policy-relevant conclusions.

The session aims to synthesize discussions across the conference themes, addressing questions such as:

• How can EU enlargement balance geopolitical urgency with accession criteria?
• Can Europe achieve meaningful digital sovereignty in a competitive global environment?
• Is regulation sufficient to secure strategic autonomy, or must Europe invest more in innovation and infrastructure?
• How can civic engagement and cultural cohesion strengthen the European political community?

The session encourages participants to connect analysis with practice and to offer forward-looking perspectives on Europe’s strategic future.