oiip

Cres Summer School 2025

CRES SUMMER SCHOOL “Next Generation Europe”
Cres, 14 – 19 September 2025
Regaining new European and democratic momentum

The “CRES Summer School”, organised on the island of Cres (Croatia), focused on the topic:

“Defending democracy in turbulent times: challenges and opportunities. The European perspective.”

Aims of the “CRES Summer School”:
The Summer School aimed to support a new generation of young European experts, scholars, activists, and engaged citizens in their work for a renewed Europe and strengthened European togetherness. The interactions provided young researchers and activists with knowledge, experience, and skills relevant to their professional futures and the future of Europe. Participants, including those who had taken part in the first edition of the Summer School in Cres in September 2022, organised under the framework of the WB2EU project, formed a vibrant network of enthusiastic young leaders, capable of addressing political challenges, deepening dialogue with decision-makers, and contributing to the restoration of European and democratic momentum.

The Summer School resulted in:

1. An increased understanding of Europeanisation and democratic developments among young researchers and activists,

2. New ties and networks between researchers, civic activists, and politicians,

3. Innovative ways to influence public debates through qualified, evidence-based, yet politically engaged activities.

The event included politicians, senior external experts, and researchers from institutions such as the University of Rijeka, the Royal Elcano Institute, ÖGfE, oiip, IRMO, CAS SEE, the Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA), the Sciences Po Center for European Studies, the European Commission, ambassadors of EU member states, and other relevant speakers.

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