CALL FOR PARTICIPATION

HISTORY LESSON ABOUT FREEDOM: FREEDOM TODAY AND THE FUTURE OF EUROPE.
25 YEARS AFTER 1989.

December 9, 2014, 3.00 - 5.00 p.m.
Central European University, Budapest

The Polish Institute and the Embassy of Poland in Budapest with the Center for EU Enlargement Studies of the Central European University opens a call for students and recent graduates from all disciplines to join the roundtable discussion “Freedom Today and the Future of Europe.” The discussion is organized under the auspices of H.E. Roman Kowalski, Ambassador of Poland to Hungary and Prof. Péter Balázs, Director of the Center for EU Enlargement Studies and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, as the final event of the Polish Institute’s “History Lessons about Freedom” discussion series, which are meant to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the fall of communism and the regime changes in Central and Eastern Europe.

You are kindly invited to engage in a lively debate on what freedom means today, 25 years after the meaningful breakthrough of 1989. How do you see the future of Europe – also in light of the contemporary conflict in Ukraine, how did the long-pursued “European dream” evolve over the past quarter of a century, is it still relevant and attractive for those outside the current borders of the European Union? How about the values that the people in the region fought for 25 years ago, do they still matter?

Who can apply?

Current students (BA, MA and PhD) and recent graduates interested in Central and Eastern Europe, its eventful past, present challenges and future potential. Fluency in English is required.

Why should you apply?

On top of joining an exciting discussion with 25 bright young people from the CEE countries, successful applicants will be invited for an informal lunch with H.E. Ambassador Roman Kowalski, and to contribute with their essays or academic works to the final printed publication of the program series, which will be widely distributed in the region. Moreover, the very best participants will have the opportunity to take part in a prepaid study visit to Poland in 2015, e.g. to a conference/seminar of their interest or to conduct research.

How can you apply?

To join the program, send your CV and a short essay/motivation letter (max. 1 page) titled "Values for which the Central and Eastern European nations fought back in 1989: do they still matter today?" in English
to Zsuzsanna Végh (veghzs@ceu.hu) by December 1, 2014.