photo: Agata Mitek
Arqus Summer School on Democracy
The Arqus Summer School on Democracy began at the University of Wrocław on Monday, 3 June: Ukraine on the Road to Europe. The event will last until 7 June and is part of a project that is an initiative of the UWr International Office and the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) to establish cooperation between Ukrainian universities and members of the Arqus Alliance of European Universities.
The war in eastern Ukraine poses a serious challenge to Ukraine’s EU integration efforts. The conflict has displaced millions of people and destroyed infrastructure. Despite these difficulties, Ukraine has made progress in reforming its economy and strengthening its institutions. The war has also created a new generation of Ukrainians who are committed to European values and ready to fight for the future of their country.
The Ukrainian government has set itself the goal of European Union membership. This is a long-term project that will require significant reforms, but it is achievable. The benefits of EU membership are clear: increased trade, investment and economic growth. Membership would also bring political stability and security to Ukraine. The road to European integration is not easy, but it is worth pursuing. For Ukraine, the benefits are obvious: greater prosperity, security and democracy for its citizens.
“Arqus Summer School on Democracy: Ukraine on the Road to Europe’ at the University of Wrocław is a summer school organised by the University of Wrocław in partnership with the Arqus Alliance of European Universities. However, the initiative builds on the Summer School on Democracy organised by the University of Wrocław (Institute of Political Science) since 2013. The school will provide an opportunity for young scholars to engage in critical reflection on Ukraine’s current political and economic transition.
The summer school takes place from 3-7 June 2024 at the Water Castle in Wojnowice near Wrocław and will host more than 20 participants. The theme of the school will be ‘Ukraine on the Road to Europe’.
During the five days of the school, participants will have the opportunity to attend lectures and workshops and share their perspectives on Ukraine’s democratic path to the European Union and the current war situation. Doctoral students from Ukrainian universities will present the political, social and economic changes caused by the war, and doctoral students from Arqus will present the political, social and economic consequences of the war in Ukraine for their countries. The specific topics will be related to the research interests of the individual participants.
The school will provide a unique space for open and frank discussions on sensitive topics related to Ukrainian society’s choice of Europe. It also offers an excellent opportunity for networking and exchange of ideas among young European professionals from different regions of the country. The event will contribute to a better understanding of Euro-Atlantic integration processes among its participants and help them develop the skills necessary to effectively support Ukraine’s European aspirations.
More information can be found on the website.
