The school was co-organised by IRMO, the Austrian Society for European Politics (ÖGfE), the Austrian Institute for International Affairs (oiip), and the Elcano Royal Institute in Madrid, in cooperation with the WB2EU Network. Its aim is to connect a new generation of young researchers, activists and engaged citizens, empowering them to strengthen European values, democratic culture, and a strong, united Europe.
Senada Šelo Šabić, Scientific Adviser at IRMO, was a member of the organising team and contributed to the development and delivery of the programme. She moderated discussions on EU enlargement and security, European strategic autonomy and Europe’s global role, and the relationship between democracy and security in a changing geopolitical environment. She co-led “Democratic Activism for Europe” workshops focused on developing ideas for democratic engagement and preparing a joint document by the participants.
The programme combined lectures, exchanges with policymakers, an EU budget negotiation simulation, and creative workshops. Discussions explored how knowledge, critical thinking and active civic engagement can address polarisation, disinformation and declining trust in institutions. The school approached Europe’s future not only as a topic for discussion, but also as a shared endeavour in which young people can play an active role.
