The “CRES Summer School”, organised on the island of Cres (Croatia), focuses on current aspects of the main topic, “Regaining new European and democratic momentum”.
Next Generation Europe
Regaining new European and democratic momentum
Background
From 29 October 2020 until 28 October 2023 we implemented the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Network Project “Europeanisation meets democracy from below: The Western Balkans on the search for new European and democratic Momentum” (WB2EU). The WB2EU Network consisted of 17 renowned think tanks, higher education institutes, and policy centres from the countries that were and still are decisive for the enlargement process in the upcoming years. As part of the project, we organised a summer school in September 2022 at the beautiful premises of the University of Rijeka in the Moise Palace on the island of Cres in Croatia. It was a very positive experience, out of which a further network of 17 young experts from 13 different countries has established itself.
A tangible outcome of these seven days was a joint op-ed, on which the group had worked on, that was released in different media and various languages. Additionally, we published 21 videos with statements by all participants and some of the speakers.
One of the takeaways of this EU project was the intention to keep supporting the “next generation” and organise a summer school at Cres on a yearly basis.
Follow-up
Further successful follow-up summer schools could be realised together with the WB2EU Network and new cooperation partners at Cres in 2023 and 2024. They were again very successful and positive experiences.
Main goal
The aim is to encourage 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.
