Next Generation Europe The Cres Summer School, organised on the island of Cres (Croatia), will focus on the topic “Democracy and Security in Europe: Building Resilience in Uncertain Times”. Context: The European Union is facing growing geopolitical uncertainty, shaped by ongoing conflicts, shifting global power dynamics, and increasing pressure on democratic systems. Russia’s war against Ukraine, transatlantic relations under severe strain, evolving European dependencies, and a more fragmented international order highlight the need for a stronger and more resilient Europe. At the same time, internal dynamics such as political polarisation, the spread of disinformation, and declining trust in public institutions are putting increased stress on democratic societies.