24th Visegrad Summer School

The Visegrad Summer School is a 10-day interdisciplinary program held in Krakow, bringing together young professionals, researchers, journalists and practitioners from the V4 countries, Central and Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans and beyond. Through expert lectures, foresight-driven workshops and collaborative group work, participants engage in cross-regional dialogue and build lasting professional networks.

This year, we focus on the Future of Information, exploring how information is produced, shaped and contested in contemporary societies. Together, we will examine disinformation, democratic resilience, the impact of artificial intelligence and the growing influence of digital platforms on public debate. If you want to better understand how information ecosystems shape politics, media and civic life - this program is for you.

Since its 20th anniversary edition, the program has incorporated a Future Literacy approach, encouraging participants to think beyond short-term reactions and explore long-term scenarios for democratic societies.

#VSS is a space for critical reflection, interdisciplinary exchange and meaningful cooperation across borders. 

• When? July 5 – July 15, 2026
• Where? Krakow, Poland – Villa Decius Association

ABOUT VSS

The Visegrad Summer School is an educational program that provides an interdisciplinary learning platform for young Czech, Hungarian, Polish, and Slovak students and professionals, as well as their peers from other Central, Eastern, and Southern European countries.

The VSS program aims to widen perspectives and inspire through lectures and debates dedicated to global and regional political, technological, economic, cultural and social developments. It addresses the most pressing challenges facing the European Union and its neighborhood, with particular attention to democratic resilience and the evolving information environment. This year, special emphasis will be placed on the Future of Information, including the impact of disinformation, artificial intelligence, digital platforms and shifting media ecosystems on governance and civic life.

The workshops, led by qualified experts and practitioners, create a space to exchange views, deepen knowledge and further develop participants’ own ideas. Through foresight-driven methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration, the program encourages new ways of thinking and supports the development of emerging leaders from the V4 countries, Central and Eastern Europe and beyond. Our intensive laboratories, conducted by leading professionals in the field, are designed to shape responsible attitudes and provide practical tools for navigating complex information landscapes.

The VSS also seeks to strengthen long-term connections between its participants. The program therefore includes a series of special events and extracurricular activities designed to foster meaningful exchange and intercultural dialogue, such as integration workshops, study visits, cultural events and networking activities that encourage durable regional and cross-sector cooperation.

In the 24. edition of VSS, 30 participants from the V4 countries (Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia), Eastern Partnership, and Central Europe will take part. Priority will be given to those interested in international relations, cooperation, the future of information, and Future Studies.

During 10 days of lectures, workshops, training, and study visits, participants will work (in groups and individually) on their short presentations, which will be presented on the final day.

Previous editions of the School were attended by almost 900 people from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Brazil, France, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Moldova, Germany, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Ukraine, USA,  United Kingdom, Indonesia, Algeria, Egypt, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Nigeria, India, Ghana, Montenegro, Mexico, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Namibia, Albania, Spain and Italy.

24. edition is supported by the International Visegrad Fund, Malopolska Region, City of Krakow, and private sponsors like Grupa ZUE. 

AIM of the VSS

The Visegrad Summer School has been carried out annually by the Villa Decius Association since 2002. Our idea is to create an alternative platform besides university for advanced studies in the Visegrad region as well as for other Central, East, and South European countries. The program is an opportunity for the participants to discuss current social, security, economic, political, and cultural issues. It is also a possibility to learn about each other and start international cooperation between the people and the countries in the region.

PROGRAMME of the VSS

The program of the 24. edition of the Visegrad Summer School includes lectures, debates, and workshops on current political, cultural, and social challenges in the regional, global, and European perspective led by outstanding experts from various fields of knowledge and public activities. Our focus will be the future of information. Besides experts and intellectuals, we host Ambassadors, Ministers, representatives of the European Union, academics, politicians, businessmen, journalists, artists, representatives of national and local governments, as well as NGOs.

As part of the program, students are invited to a study visit in the Małopolska region and to attend artistic events in Kraków. The Multicultural session allows participants to explore their shared identity while gaining insight into the cultures of the Visegrad countries. Some debates, lectures, and meetings are open to the public, providing additional opportunities for integration.  

CERTIFICATION

At the end of the course, participants will be presented with a diploma of participation and recognition of learning, which will be signed by the President and the Director of the Villa Decius Association.