The 30th International Summer University in Kőszeg, June 22 – 27, 2025

THE BIG U-TURN

Paradoxes and Perspectives of the Geo-Political Turbulence and the European Peace Project

Geopolitical Crossroads and the Future of the European Peace project

 At the beginning of the second quarter of the 21st century, interconnected global transformations are intensifying, driving a deepening geopolitical crisis making the collapse of the rules-based international order an increasingly a tangible reality.

As a result, the European Union, the harbinger of European dream and the 2012 Peace Nobel Price Laurate, is facing the greatest challenge in its history. In order to reach geo-strategic autonomy in terms of reducing its military reliance on the U.S. and energy independence vis-a-vis Russia, it is forced to confront divisions, and its fragmented military potential and re-militarize itself under a unified command.

The EU grapples with internal paradoxes while also recognizing the unique opportunities embedded within these constraints. A critical challenge lies in how Europe can strategically leverage its tools and resources to enhance its global influence while reintegrating its scattered “pieces” – into a more cohesive and resilient whole. Some of the most pressing questions requiring urgent answers include:

• Is it possible—and if so, how—for the EU to achieve geostrategic autonomy from the U.S. while maintaining its role as a global soft power and a model for peaceful coexistence?
• Can the EU keep the promise about further enlargement realistic towards the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe amidst such constrains? More specifically, can the EU both secure and expand its eastern borders while countering economic, military, ideological, and cultural influence from other global powers already involved in these regions?
• How plausible it is under current  security pressure to create an effective and efficient European Defence Force (European Army) composed by EU member states and neighbouring candidates, meanwhile keeping the Noth Atlantic Alliance alive?
• Can the EU’s rapid militarization reshape or undermine its role as a global soft power, its commitment to the European peace project, and its foundational values, especially in the face of growing security threats? How can th EU adopt to a combination of both hard and soft power?
• Most importantly: under what conditions can this obvious U-turn in military and security policy form a credible and durable foundation for a new, lasting peace order in the longer run? Will societies and cross border solidarity and cross-regional cooperation play a role in these vital transformations?
• Alternatively, could the EU become ensnaredthe in the vortex of escalating hybrid wars, ultimately abandoning its core values, promises and aspirations?
• How can Civic Spaces and Collective Action and horizontal actors contribute for a better future? How grassroots movements, innovative research and planning (combined academic insights with practical applications) that better reflect the needs of local communities provide a strategic framework for sustainable political evolution across Europe.
• In a time when information is fragmented and often polarized, can media improve its coherence, transparency, and constructive debate in reshaping political and social change for better?

The cover topics mentioned above, along with many other related challenges, will be thoroughly discussed in our signature Europe House style, complemented by authentic regional music and cultural events, all set in the medieval jewel town of Kőszeg.

We are excited to welcome you and engage in meaningful discussions that will shape the future of Europe together.

More details are coming soon!