As the year drew to a close and the holiday season approached, the Institute of European Studies remained actively engaged in academic, research, and outreach activities. The final months of the year brought inspiring discussions on European security and foreign policy, new publications, international student achievements, and cooperation with schools and local communities. Even during the busy end-of-semester period, our staff and students continued to contribute to important debates and initiatives connected to European and global affairs. Here are some of the highlights from the closing months of the year.
Our student, Nikola Żak at the Second World Summit for Social Development
One of our students, Nikola Żak from the European Diplomacy program, represented the University of Wrocław at the Second World Summit for Social Development organized by the United Nations in Doha, Qatar. The conference gathered international experts and policymakers to discuss progress in addressing poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. Nikola participated in plenary sessions and thematic panels focused on women’s leadership in social diplomacy, digital inclusion, human rights, and global partnerships for sustainable development. Her participation reflects the growing international engagement of our students and the strong global outlook of our Institute.
Discussion on the Priorities of Polish Foreign Policy
On November 27th, the Institute co-organized a public discussion titled “Around the Priorities of Polish Foreign Policy”, featuring Dr. hab. Paweł Kowal, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Polish Sejm. The event addressed key challenges facing Polish diplomacy in the changing international order, including the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the future of security in Central and Eastern Europe, Poland’s role within the European Union, and transatlantic relations. The meeting was moderated by Dr. Jakub Bornio and brought together students, academics, and members of the public interested in contemporary international politics.
Dr. Jakub Bornio on Russian Drones and Regional Debate on NATO and European Security Security
Security policy remained an important topic of discussion at the Institute. On 10 December, a debate titled “NATO after the Hague Summit” examined the future of the Alliance and the implications of recent decisions regarding defense spending and transatlantic relations. Experts discussed the evolving role of NATO, the impact of the war in Ukraine on European security architecture, and the future of cooperation between Europe and the United States. The event gathered researchers, students, and policy experts for a dynamic exchange of views on current geopolitical challenges.
New publication by Prof. Anna Pacześniak
Advancing research on European politics remained an important focus of the Institute’s academic activities. This autumn also marked the publication of the book Social Democracy and Urban Politics: Party Responses to the Diversification of the Left in European Cities, which includes a chapter by Prof. Anna Pacześniak from our Institute. Her contribution, “The painstaking forging of the liberal left in Polish cities,” examines the development and challenges of the liberal left in major Polish cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Łódź, and Poznań. The study highlights how national political dynamics and competition between major parties shape local urban politics in Poland.
Regional Stage of the National Olympiad on Security and Defence
Strengthening cooperation with high schools and promoting knowledge about international security remained an important part of the Institute’s outreach activities. On 12 December, the Faculty hosted the regional stage of the 10th edition of the National Olympiad on Security and Defence, welcoming students from Wrocław and across Lower Silesia. After completing the competition test, participants attended a lecture by Dr. Jakub Bornio on the security of the Central and Eastern European region and learned more about the study programs offered by the Faculty. The best students will represent the region at the national finals in Warsaw next March.
New Publication on the Future of Europe
December also brought an important academic achievement with the publication of the book “Dokąd zmierzasz, Europo? Wyzwania Unii Europejskiej w czasach multikryzysu” (Where Are You Heading, Europe? Challenges of the European Union in Times of Polycrisis). Edited by Sylwia Romańska and Marcin Adamczyk, the volume brings together contributions from scholars, doctoral researchers, and students exploring key challenges facing the European Union today. The publication reflects the Institute’s commitment to supporting young researchers and encouraging new perspectives on the future of European integration.
