Project description

Aims of the “Cres Summer School”:

The aim is to support a new generation of young European experts, scholars, activists, and engaged citizens in their work for a new Europe and new European togetherness. The interaction will provide young researchers and activists with knowledge, experience, and skills relevant to their professional futures and the future of Europe. Researchers and activists, starting from those that participated in the first edition of the Summer School in Cres in September 2022, organised in the framework of the “WB2EU project”, will form a vibrant new network of enthusiastic young people and leaders able to meet political challenges, deepen the dialogue with decision-makers, and thus contribute to regaining a new European and democratic momentum.

The “Cres Summer School” will lead to

• an increased understanding of Europeanisation and democratic developments among young researchers and activists,
• new ties and networks between researchers, civic activists, and politicians,
• new ways of influencing public debates through qualified, evidence-based, and yet politically engaged activities.

Target group:

• 20 young researchers, active young civic activists, and engaged citizens

The participants (age max. 28 years) will be nominated by partner institutions from the WB2EU Network (1 participant from each partner – see below). Furthermore, decision-makers and stakeholders will be invited and engaged in dialogue with the young participants on the topic of Europeanisation and democratisation.

Working methods and approaches:

• Lectures, workshops with presentations, and discussions of research projects and forms of civic activism
• Developing scenarios and action plans regarding the future of Europe
• A specific dialogue format dedicated to the meetings with stakeholders
• Preparation of a joint op-ed and a series of YouTube videos

The organising team of the “Cres Summer School”, in charge of coordination, providing leadership, moderation, and workshop guidance for the “Cres Summer School”, consists of Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Development and International Relations (IMRO), Senada Šelo Šabić, Secretary General of the Austrian Society for European Politics (ÖGfE), Paul Schmidt, Senior Researcher at the Austrian Institute for International Affairs (oiip), Co-Director of the Center of Advanced Studies Southeastern Europe (CAS SEE), Vedran Džihić, and Research Associate and Project Manager at ÖGfE, Susan Milford-Faber.

The working language is English

General information:

• Venue: Center for Advanced Studies – South East Europe (CAS SEE), Moise Palace, Zagrad 6, HR- 51557 Cres
• Accommodation and board (except breakfast) will be covered by the organisers. 
• Travel costs will be reimbursed by the organisers after the Summer School.