September and October were buzzing with activity at the Institute of European Studies! From inspiring lectures and hands-on workshops to exciting research achievements and international collaborations, our community has been thriving. We’ve taken part in high-level forums, contributed to European digital transformation projects, and welcomed visiting researchers, interns, and Erasmus students who’ve brought fresh perspectives and energy to our Institute. Here are some of the highlights from the past weeks!

Prof. Pacześniak in Seoul
Representatives of the Institute of European Studies took part in the Economic Forum in Karpacz, Poland’s leading event connecting academia, politics, and business.
Dr Marcin Adamczyk contributed to discussions on digital transformation and innovation, with the panel co-organized by Związek Cyfrowa Polska.
#EuropeanStudies #UniWroc #Karpacz #DigitalPolicy #Innovation

Prof. Maciej Cesarz at the Economic Forum in Karpacz
At the XXXIV Economic Forum in Karpacz, the Institute of European Studies was both visible and heard.
On 4 September 2025, Prof. Maciej Cesarz moderated the panel “Two-Term Limits in Local Government: Renewal of Elites or Restriction of Democracy?”
The discussion brought together key regional leaders, including Paweł Gancarz (Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship), Beata Moskal-Słaniewska (Mayor of Świdnica), Piotr Roman (Mayor of Bolesławiec), and Paweł Osiewała (Mayor of Sieradz).
#EuropeanStudies #UniWroc #Karpacz #LocalGovernment #Democracy

Dr. Jakub Bornio on Russian Drones and Regional Security
As discussions intensified around Russian drones flying over Poland and the nearby “ZAPAD 2025” military exercises, Dr. Jakub Bornio from the Institute of European Studies provided expert commentary across international media outlets.
His analysis helped clarify the complex security situation and placed recent developments within the broader context of NATO–Russia relations.
In times of growing information noise, his voice brings clarity and perspective.
#EuropeanStudies #UniWroc #Security #NATO #Russia #RegionalPolitics

Profs. Anna Pacześniak and Aleksandra Maatsch in Spain
While the winter semester preparations were underway, Profs. Anna Pacześniak and Aleksandra Maatsch traveled to Spain—not for vacation, but to work on recommendations for EU institutions addressing challenges in European digital transformation.
This was part of the ENDE project (European Network on Digitalization and E-Governance), tackling issues such as evaluating student work when AI tools like ChatGPT are used in writing.
The meeting took place in the picturesque Galician town of Pontevedra, Spain.
#EuropeanStudies #UniWroc #DigitalTransformation #ENDE #EUGovernance #JeanMonnetChair

Welcoming Visiting Researchers and Interns
On September, our institute is delighted to welcome two great personalities who will be staying with us for a while.
Prof. Ondřej Klípa (Institute of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University) has joined us for his research stay, while Ms. Sude İrem Aydın (Hatay Mustafa Kemal Üniversitesi) has started her internship with us.
We’re excited for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences their presence will bring. Welcome aboard!

Welcoming New Erasmus Students
The Institute of European Studies had the pleasure of welcoming new Erasmus students to the University of Wrocław.
Orientation Day at the Faculty of Social Sciences brought together students, coordinators, and mentors for an inspiring start to the academic year. From practical guidance to a campus tour, it was a wonderful opportunity to connect, get familiar with the campus, and build a sense of community.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to making the day memorable and wish our students an exciting and successful semester ahead!
#EuropeanStudies #UniWroc #Erasmus #OrientationDay #AcademicYear

Welcome Dr. Kinga Koranyi
We were delighted to welcome Dr. Kinga Koranyi to the Institute of European Studies and the Jean Monnet Chair this October. 🌿
We look forward to her contributions to research and teaching, and wish her a successful and inspiring semester with our community.
#EuropeanStudies #UniWroc #JeanMonnet #Welcome

New Publication by Dr. Jakub Bornio
This October, we were delighted to present the newest publication “NATO after the Summit in The Hague. Strategic challenges and regional adaptation,” edited by Dr. Jakub Bornio.
The book provides valuable insights into NATO’s strategic priorities and regional approaches

Prof. Anna Pacześniak in Action
This October, Prof. Anna Pacześniak passionately analyzed recent political developments, making the session both engaging and informative. Her approach encouraged discussion and reflection, offering valuable insights for everyone. 📺
#EuropeanStudies #UniWroc #Politics #AnnaPacześniak

Welcome Mr. Benjámin Lux
We are pleased to welcome Mr. Benjámin Lux from Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Hungary, to the Institute of European Studies this October. 🌿
As our Research Fellow, Mr. Lux focuses on Central Europe, Polish foreign and security policy, and Polish–Hungarian relations. We look forward to the insights he will bring to our community this semester.

Students in Action in Brussels
This October, our students Weronika Misztal and Pola Dajerling from European Diplomacy took part in their summer Erasmus internships in Brussels. Among other activities, they attended a session of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, gaining first-hand experience in European policymaking.

“Mariupol Justice” Exhibition Opening
This October, Dr. Jakub Bornio attended the opening of the “Mariupol Justice” exhibition, now on display at the Pan Tadeusz Museum in Wrocław’s Market Square.

Guest Lectures by Dr. Markus Meckl and Assoc. Prof. Lasha Bazhunaishvili
On October 13, the Institute of European Studies had the pleasure of hosting two engaging guest lectures. Dr. Markus Meckl from Háskólinn á Akureyri discussed “Sanctifying Suffering: Memory Culture in the Post-Heroic Era,” while Assoc. Prof. Lasha Bazhunaishvili from Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, Georgia, presented “Georgia’s Foreign Policy Shift: Internal and External Factors.” We sincerely thank both lecturers for their insightful discussions and all participants for joining us.
#EuropeanStudies #UniWroc #GuestLecture

“Wiejska świetlica vs wielkomiejski salon” Discussion
This October, we hosted a lively discussion on “Wiejska świetlica vs wielkomiejski salon” exploring questions of social and cultural elites. The session combined thoughtful conversation, engaging questions, and philosophical reflections. We thank all participants—both at the professors’ table and in the audience—for joining, and special thanks to Mr. Dominik Konopka for his help with the organization.
#EuropeanStudies #UniWroc #Discussion #SocialCulture

On October 22–23, 2025, Sigrun Rottmann led an engaging two-day workshop exploring how media can handle debate, controversy, and social conflict responsibly. The sessions encouraged reflection, discussion, and new ways of thinking about the journalist’s role in society.
#EuropeanStudies #UniWroc #ConflictLab #Media

Polish-German Cooperation Seminar: “Remembrance – Understanding – Future”
This October, students from Germany, Poland, and the Western Balkans took part in the seminar “Remembrance – Understanding – Future” held at the German Consulate. The sessions explored the complex process of Polish-German reconciliation, discussing challenges, symbols, practical actions, and differing perspectives. Dr. Sylwia Romańska joined our students, contributing to rich and thoughtful discussions.
We sincerely thank Mr. Szymon Wojtasik, Deputy Director of the Department of Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consul General Martin Kremer, and Ms. Paulina Maloy, Head of the Interreg Poland-Saxony Joint Secretariat, for their support.
#EuropeanStudies #UniWroc #PolishGermanCooperation #RemembranceSeminar

Our Student in Japan
This October, our student Kamila Tomaszczyk represented the Institute of European Studies in Japan, sharing insights about our programs and activities
