Agata Wąsowska-Pawlik’s presentation at the 31st International Summer University in Kőszeg

The 31st International Summer University took place in Kőszeg, Hungary, from 21 to 26 June. Its main theme was: “Europe’s choice: Strategic Autonomy, Political Community and European Alternatives”. One of the panellists at the event was Agata Wąsowska-Pawlik, Director of the ICC.

The 31st International Summer University in Kőszeg addressed issues relating to the contemporary challenges facing Europe. The event provided an opportunity to discuss issues related to defence and strategic autonomy, digital sovereignty and technological dependence, universities in the Europe of the future, as well as culture as a kind of indicator for European action, using the example of the Europa Nostra organisation. During the meetings, participants reflected on these issues in the context of crises – shifting transatlantic relations, hybrid wars and struggles over energy resources.

This year’s International Summer University was co-organised by Ludovika University of Public Service in Budapest with the support of the Institute for Social and European Studies (ISES) and the UNESCO Chair in Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainability.

The key role of culture in Europe’s development

The Director of the ICC, Agata Wąsowska-Pawlik, took part in a panel discussion entitled “Europa Nostra: Culture as a Compass for European Navigation”. This part of the event focused on the role of culture in addressing contemporary social and cultural challenges. It was emphasised that culture often shapes political and social courses of action. The discussion also centred on finding ways to strike a balance between community and cultural diversity. The value of historical memory in making current decisions was highlighted, as was its influence on society’s interpretation of the past and its choices.

The discussion also touched upon how cultural initiatives and institutions contribute to building resilience and cooperation between individual countries. The role of culture as a strategic and directional force, working for the common good in the ongoing process of European development, was highlighted. The panel discussion was attended by the following, alongside the representative from the ICC: Graham Bell (Magyar Reneszánsz Alapítvány – Hungarian Renaissance Foundation, Hungary, Europa Nostra, Belgium), Tamás Fejérdy (Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg iASK, Hungary), Klára Nagy (Europa Nostra, Belgium), Attila Sághi (Europa Nostra, Belgium), and Feyrouz Ahlam Saidi (iASK, Hungary).

MCK on the importance of heritage 

The ICC is once again engaging in the discussion on the resilience-building role of heritage. Our institution is an associate member of Europa Nostra. In 1995, it organised the Europa Nostra Congress, which took place in Central Europe for the first time following the political changes; between 2013 and 2015, the ICC, under the auspices of Europa Nostra, co-authored the report „Cultural Heritage Counts for Europe”, and between 2019 and 2021 it co-created the ILUCIDARE project. 

Currently, the ICC is a partner in the European Heritage Hub project. Agata Wąsowska-Pawlik is a member of the Council and the Board of Europa Nostra, whilst Prof. Jacek Purchla, the Director’s representative for academic affairs, is Vice-President of Europa Nostra and, from 2024, will also serve as Chair of the Jury for the Cultural Heritage Awards/Europa Nostra Awards.

Event programme 

Photo: Insti tute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg (iASK).