Visegrad Summer School

In 2024, the 22nd edition of the Visegrad Summer School took place from July 1-10 in Kraków. The program focused on the future of media and the challenges facing journalism in the digital era, as well as the role of media in shaping contemporary narratives.

Visegrad Summer School Program

Monday, July 1
The first day began with an official inauguration. We were honored to host four representatives from the Visegrad Group: the National Coordinator for Visegrad Cooperation and Deputy Director of the European Policy Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rafał Domisiewicz; the Consul of Hungary, Márta Ritecz-Sekulic; the Consul General of Slovakia, Zlata Šipošová; and the Ambassador of the Czech Republic, HE Břetislav Dančák. Their speeches addressed the future of cooperation within the Visegrad Group and the challenges it faces. In the afternoon, participants took part in a panel discussion on the future of Central Europe, featuring Professor Michal Vašečka, program director of the Bratislava Policy Institute.

Tuesday, July 2
This day hosted a range of experts who shared their knowledge on media pluralism and the challenges faced by contemporary journalism. Dr. Václav Štětka, a lecturer in political communication at Loughborough University, discussed the impact of media on politics. Gjergji Murra, Director of the Western Balkans Fund, and Dr. Michal Vit, Associate Professor at the Metropolitan University Prague, presented challenges related to freedom of speech and disinformation in the Balkans region. The meeting ended with a discussion on the role of media in shaping public opinion, featuring Ljupcho Petkovski, a policy researcher, Vuk Uskoković, a journalist, and Leszek Jażdżewski, founder and editor-in-chief of Liberté.

Wednesday, July 3
The theme of media pluralism continued with renowned journalists and experts. Beata Balogová, editor-in-chief of the SME newspaper, addressed the issue of media freedom in the context of digital challenges. Attila Mong, a journalist and CPJ representative for Europe, discussed the threats of digital surveillance of journalists, while Wojciech Przybylski, editor-in-chief of Visegrad Insight, focused on the impact of media on democracy. Izabela Franke, head of consulting at Future Mind, presented innovative solutions for monitoring and protecting freedom of speech.

Thursday, July 4
This day focused on finding solutions to the issues discussed in previous days. Dr. Hanna Hopko, an expert in Russian expansionism and co-founder of the Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV), addressed challenges related to information warfare and Russian propaganda. Gürkan Ozturan, Coordinator of Media Freedom Rapid Response, presented the latest data on media freedom in Europe. Ersan Pekin, a writer and former journalist, discussed artistic freedom in the context of modern threats with Dominika Kasprowicz, Director of the Villa Decjusza. The evening concluded with a Multicultural Evening, a great opportunity for participants to integrate and better understand different cultures.

Friday, July 5
The morning was dedicated to a lecture by Daniel Moßbrucker, an editor, who provided insights into the impact of digital surveillance on journalism. After the lecture, participants took a guided tour of Villa Decjusza, learning about the history and significance of the place. In the evening, participants of the Visegrad Summer School attended the EthnoRozstaje Festival in Kraków, and the day ended with Hungarian dances in the garden and an outdoor concert.

Saturday, July 6 – Sunday, July 7
As part of the excursion program, participants traveled around the Małopolska region. On Saturday, they visited Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Jewish Museum in Oświęcim, which sparked reflections on the shared history of our nations. On Sunday, participants explored the historic center of Kraków, discovering the rich history of the city.

Monday, July 8 – Tuesday, July 9
The week began with a series of workshops on the future of media, led by Agata Bisping, an expert in process design and innovation, and Marcin Maciejewski, an educator in research and development strategies. The workshops were an excellent opportunity to deepen knowledge about new trends in media and prepare for the challenges the industry will face in the coming years.

Wednesday, July 10
The final day of the program began with a lecture by the Director of the Visegrad Fund, Ambassador Petr Mareš, who discussed key issues concerning the future of cooperation within the Visegrad Fund. After the lecture, participants presented their own projects developed during the Visegrad Summer School. The formal certificate ceremony was held by Petr Mareš and Dominika Kasprowicz. The program concluded with a summary discussion and a farewell lunch.