20th DRC (Danube Rectors’ Conference) Summer School: Navigating the Future of EU Enlargement

Date: 06 – 12 July 2025 

Location: Vienna, Austria

An intensive one-week programme for students and researchers

We are looking for young researchers with a scientific background and/or a strong interest in deepening their knowledge of developments in central, Eastern, and South-Eastern Europe. Participants will have the opportunity to present their research related to the Danube Region and European integration. Following the Summer School, their contributions will be published as articles inDer Donauraum (Danube Region), the scientific journal of the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM). 

Join us for an unforgettable week in the beautiful city of Vienna! Engage in inspiring lectures, interactive workshops, and social activities while building lasting collaborations and friendships. Expand your international experience and network with like-minded peers. Be part of the DRC Summer School and gain valuable insights into the political, economic and social challenges shaping the Danube Region today!


DETAILS OF THE SUMMER SCHOOL 2025

  • Date: 06–12 July 2025
  • Application deadline: 15 May 2025
  • Target group: BA, MA, PhD level students and scientists
  • Registration fee: none
  • Accommodation: provided and covered by the organisers
  • Travel: covered by the organisers up to 200 €
  • Language of instruction: English
  • Course location: Vienna
  • Organisers: Danube Rectors’ Conference (DRC), Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM)
  • Publication: possibility of publishing of contribution

GENERAL TOPICS EXPECTED TO BE EXPLORED DURING THE SUMMER SCHOOL

  1. Shifting Geopolitical Realities
    With U.S. President Trump back in office, Europe’s geopolitical landscape is shifting once again. The U.S. can no longer be seen as the reliable partner it once was. While this may present an opportunity for Europe to take greater control and deepen internal cooperation, it also brings major challenges. How can Europe boost its security and military capabilities, also regarding the EU’s mutual defense clause and the newly presented ‚Rearm Europe‘ plan? Can Europe support Ukraine on its own and stand firm against Russia? Will the EU act strong and united, positioning itself as an independent global actor amid rising far-right tendencies and growing polarization within its own member states? And what crucial role will EU enlargement play in shaping this new reality?
  2. Rethinking Enlargement
    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called EU enlargement a geopolitical imperative, stressing the need for a larger and stronger Union to enhance security, stability, and democracy in Europe. However, the current enlargement process has become slow and ineffective, highlighting the urgency for reform. Various models have been proposed, including economic integration, staged accession, the European Political Community (EPC), and the Greater European Council (GEC). How do these models envision enlargement and the future of EU decision making? What are their advantages, what are their disadvantages? And which of them could gain consensus among member states and be effectively implemented?
  3. Engaging Citizens
    Public support and understanding are crucial for the legitimacy and success of EU decision-making. This applies also to the EU enlargement process, which requires broad acceptance in both member states and candidate countries. Yet citizen engagement often remains limited. Many people feel their voices are not heard, and Brussels seems like a distant entity. How can citizens become more involved in EU decision-making? How do they perceive enlargement, and how can their voices be better integrated into the process? Which strategies can bridge the gap between EU institutions and the public, making enlargement more inclusive, democratic, and responsive to citizens‘ concerns and ideas?
  4. Growing sustainably
    As the EU takes action to achieve its climate goals, the candidate countries will have to meet new sustainability standards. Yet significant gaps remain in energy legislation and environment policy. The Western Balkans suffer from the worst air pollution in Europe, while the drive for critical raw materials is the subject of geopolitical debates and civil society protests. At the same time, the region is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and energy poverty. A green economy would require significant investment in renewable energy and infrastructure, but attracting sustainable financing remains a challenge. Which reforms can accelerate the green transition? How can the region reduce its dependency on fossil fuels while ensuring energy security? And what policies are necessary to balance economic development with environmental sustainability?

IMPORTANT NOTE: Research topics should align with the themes above, but relevant contributions beyond these areas, as long as they relate to EU enlargement, are also welcome.

You can find the draft programme here, which is continuously being updated. 


PUBLISHING OF RESEARCH RESULTS

 Participants of the Summer School have the possibility to publish their scientific results in „Der Donauraum“, the scientific journal of the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM). Please indicate in the application form if you are interested in publishing of your research. Guidelines for authors can be found on the webpage of IDM. Applicants interested in publishing will be prioritized during the selection.


APPLICATION PROCESS

  1. Fill out the application form and send the required documents to info@drc-danube.org by 15 May 2025, at the latest
  2. Wait for the decision of the board
  3. Selected participants will be informed on 6 June 2025, at the latest

You can find the application form and more details about the required documents here.


INITIATORS AND ORGANIZERS

SPONSORS

Munich International Summer University: Next Europe – European Studies in Munich and Vienna 2018

Das IDM war heuer erneut Partner der Munich International Summer University (MISU). Im Rahmen der Summer University, die von der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München organisiert wird, kamen zwischen dem 5. und 22. August rund 80 Studierende aus China in mehreren Gruppen nach Wien und nahmen an Aktivitäten in ausgewählten Modulen (wie The Member States of the European Union, The EU in International Affairs, European Economic Affairs) teil. Neben Vorträgen zu „Austria and the CEE member states of the EU“, „A strategy for the Danube region”, „European Neighbourhood Policy and EU-Russia relations”, „Energy and Energy Security”, sowie „Transport policy” von Sebastian Schäffer, der bereits zum zehnten Mal als Lecturer des Programms tätig ist, standen auch Besuche von Internationalen Organisationen (EU, UN, Energy Community) in Wien auf dem Programm. Zudem kamen zwei Expert/innen der Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) an das IDM: Florence Le Clézio (Senior Media Assistant, OSCE Secretariat Vienna) sprach mit den MISU-Teilnehmer/innen ganz allgemein über die Geschichte, Strukturen und Aufgaben der OSCE, während David Campion (Operational Support Officer, Conflict Prevention Center) Einblicke in Operationen des Krisenmanagements mit Fokus auf die Situation in der Ukraine gab. Wir möchten uns noch einmal ganz herzlich für die spannenden Vorträge und Diskussionen bedanken!

Zum Abschluss ihres Aufenthaltes präsentierten die Teilnehmer/innen ihre Ideen und Vorschläge zum Thema „The Future of European Integration“, die sie in Gruppen erarbeitet hatten. Natürlich hatten die Studierenden auch die Möglichkeit, Wien zu erkunden und die Stadt kennen zu lernen.

Alle Informationen und das komplette Programm sind zu finden unter http://www.eu-china-misu.de/en/content/EUC_Program_China

  • Beginn: Freitag, 03. August 2018
  • Ende: Freitag, 24. August 2018
  • Ort: OeAD Wohnraumverwaltung, Wien

15th DRC (Danube Rectors’ Conference) Summer School: “Modernizing Europe: Generating Accountability?”

Each year, the DRC Summer School is hosted by a different university and therefore offers a variety of settings. The combination of expert lectures in the morning and workshops held by experienced scholars using innovative methods in the afternoon will give you the chance to:

  • Present your research
  • Exchange with other academics from the Danube Region
  • Publish an article in our DRC Summer School Book series

Every edition of the DRC Summer School is a unique experience. The topics are selected in relation to current and historical events, offering a broad variety for social scientists. A field trip complements theory and brings perspectives outside of the seminar room to the group. Furthermore, you will experience the vibrant atmosphere of this year’s host city Prague during our social programme.

Become part of the broad alumni network of the DRC Summer School!

Workshop topics:

  1. Rise and fall of empires: integration and re-nationalisation3. Fostering brain-circulation in CEE
  2. 4. Cultural heritage protection in the Danube Region
  3. 2. Towards a European federation: achieving EU integration through democratisation?


Mehr Informationen unter:
https://www.drc-danube.org/drc-summer-school/
https://www.facebook.com/DRCSummerSchool

  • Beginn: Sonntag, 01. Juli 2018
  • Ende: Sonntag, 08. Juli 2018
  • Ort: Donau-Universität Krems

ERASMUS+ Internationales Danube-Camp für Kids von 13-14,5 Jahren

ERASMUS+ Internationales Danube-Camp

  1. Juli bis 11. August 2019 in Tulln an der Donau

für Kinder von 13 bis 14 Jahren

mit Übernachtung und Vollpension

um € 180

Ein Danube-Camp mit vielfältigen Aktivitäten (siehe auch die Beilage):

Die Kinder erfüllen insgesamt 10 „Missions“ in 6-er Teams: sie kochen, tanzen, musizieren gemeinsam, verkleiden sich als Donaumonster, basteln Roboter, studieren die Natur, lernen Witze und Wörter aus anderen Sprachen, bauen Schiffsmodelle, die dann mit 3D-Druckern verwirklicht werden, drehen Videos und können danach verantwortungsvoll mit dem Internet umgehen. An den „freien“ Tagen wird gebadet, gespielt, gepaddelt und die Umgebung erkundet.

Die Organisatoren wünschen sich, dass die Kinder sie mit ihren Ideen überraschen, dass sie im Team arbeiten, dass sie neue Freundschaften schließen, dass sie selbstständiger werden, und nachher noch lange viel Schönes und Interessantes vom Danube-Camp erzählen.

Das Camp findet statt im schönen und gut ausgestatteten „Junge Hotel Tulln“.

Verbilligter Kostenbeitrag € 180 für 15 Tage Übernachtungen mit Vollpension (Buffets) von abends 27. Juli bis morgens 11. August 2019.

Das Betreuungsverhältnis: jeweils 5 Kinder mit einem Betreuer.

Die Kinder kommen aus Österreich, Serbien, Bulgarien, Ungarn – lernen sich kennen und schließen neue Freundschaften.

Ein wenig Englisch ist von Vorteil.

Das Camp wird im Namen des „Instituts für den Donauraum und Mitteleuropa“ vom Verein „International Cultural Communication“ organisiert und von ERASMUS+ finanziell unterstützt.

Kontakt und Anmeldung bei DI Peter Rebernik – office@danube-camps.net

Website: www.danube-camps.net

  • Beginn: Samstag, 27. Juli 2019
  • Ende: Sonntag, 11. August 2019
  • Ort: Tulln an der Donau
  • Auskunft: DI Peter Rebernik
  • E-Mail: office@danube-camps.net

http://www.danube-camps.net/

Next Europe: discussing the EU’s future in light of its history (MISU Summer School 2019)

‘Next Europe: discussing the EU’s future in light of its history’ (MISU Summer School 2019)

Munich and Vienna, August 5 – 28, 2019

The European Studies Program takes place under the patronage of the Chair of Political Systems and European Integration at Ludwig- Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich) and the Center for Applied Policy Research (CAP) in collaboration with the Viennese Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) as well as the European Academy of Sciences and Arts in Salzburg.

The European Union is the most prominent example of regional cooperation. Both historical lessons and today’s global challenges spur European states to prefer cooperation over unilateral policy-making. Starting out as a peace project resting primarily on economic cooperation, the EU has developed into a supranational polity that does not fit neatly into the categories of a ‘state’ or an ‘international organisation’. European integration resulted in ever expanding EU authority, the ‘Europeanization’ of national political and economic systems as well as increased foreign security policy cooperation.

At the same time, however, disagreement on how to deal with crises in Europe’s eastern and southern neighbourhood, on the handling of refugee flows from the Middle East as well as the still looming sovereign debt crisis seem to show the limits of European consensus and solidarity. Time and again, national particularities appear at odds with the common interests. Domestically, public opinion has become less favourable with regard to European cooperation than it had been in the past, with the United Kingdom having decided to exit the Union. Internationally, the EU is triggered to re-consider its global role given the current US administration’s isolationist tendencies.

Against this background, the summer academy also analyses the prospects and challenges for finding a new rationale for European Integration. It thereby relates to the broader debates on the future of Europe and the project “Next Europe: In search for its narrative” that has been launched as a collaborative effort by the CAP and the European Academy of Sciences and Arts.

The Munich International Summer University is based on an interdisciplinary approach. It combines different methodologies such as lectures, round-table discussions, group-work and students‘ presentations along with excursions. In addition to the academy, we encourage you to engage in a vibrant international student life on the campus of LMU Munich during the summer of 2019.

 

  • Beginn: Montag, 05. August 2019
  • Ende: Mittwoch, 28. August 2019
  • Ort: LMU Munich, IDM Vienna

https://www.eu-china-misu.de/en/content/EUC_Program_China

16th DRC Summer School: “Falling Walls – moving borders – common house Europe?”

16th DRC Summer School on Regional Co-operation

„Falling walls – moving borders – common house Europe?“

30 June – 7 July 2019 University of Zagreb

The DRC (Danube Rectors‘ Conference) Summer School project was initiated by the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) and International House Pécs in 2003 to promote regional co-operation among young social scientists. It brings together young scientists and experts in different fields to discuss the ongoing changes, challenges and important aspects affecting the Danube Region. The participants come from different backgrounds and disciplines, which encourages them to widen their horizons and become more aware of the contrasting realities in Central Europe.

The DRC Summer School represents the opportunity to:

  • Share research results about the Danube region
  • Discuss the most up-to-date issues of the Danube region and Central and Eastern Europe with leading experts in the field
  • Present your research and get input from the workshop leaders as well as other participants
  • Broaden your horizon and knowledge
  • Meet new people from all around Europe and develop yourself academically

Experience an unforgettable week in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and make lasting cooperation as well as friendships with an international academic institution.
Workshop topics
1. Collective security or a new cold war?
2. The common European currency – constant crisis management?
3. From “Big Bang” to “Brexit”
4. From homo sovieticus to homo digitalis – successful transformation of the civil society in CEE?

Join our DRC Summer School and receive up-to-date knowledge about the political, economic and social challenges of the Danube Region!

 

  • Beginn: Sonntag, 30. Juni 2019
  • Ende: Sonntag, 07. Juli 2019
  • Ort: University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

https://www.drc-danube.org/drc-summer-school/

IDM Summer School 2019

16th DRC (Danube Rectors’ Conference)
Summer School on Regional Co-operation

30 June – 7 July 2019

The DRC (Danube Rectors‘ Conference) Summer School project was initiated by the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) and International House Pécs in 2003 to promote regional co-operation among young social scientists. It brings together young scientists and experts in different fields to discuss the ongoing changes, challenges and important aspects affecting the Danube Region. The participants come from different backgrounds and disciplines, which encourages them to widen their horizons and become more aware of the contrasting realities in Central Europe.

The DRC Summer School represents the opportunity to: 

  • Share research results about the Danube region 
  • Discuss the most up-to-date issues of the Danube region and Central and Eastern Europe with leading experts in the field 
  • Present your research and get input from the workshop leaders as well as other participants  
  • Broaden your horizon and knowledge 
  • Meet new people from all around Europe and develop yourself academically 

Experience an unforgettable week in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and make lasting cooperation as well as friendships with an international academic institution.
Workshop topics
1. Collective security or a new cold war?
2. The common European currency – constant crisis management?
3. From “Big Bang” to “Brexit”
4. From homo sovieticus to homo digitalis – successful transformation of the civil society in CEE?

Join our DRC Summer School and receive up-to-date knowledge about the political, economic and social challenges of the Danube Region! 

  • Beginn: Sonntag, 30. Juni 2019 
  • Ende: Sonntag, 07. Juli 2019 
  • Ort: University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia 

Visit the DRC website for more information.

IDM Summer School 2018

15th DRC (Danube Rectors’ Conference) Summer School: “Modernizing Europe: Generating Accountability?”

Each year, the DRC Summer School is hosted by a different university and therefore offers a variety of settings. The combination of expert lectures in the morning and workshops held by experienced scholars using innovative methods in the afternoon will give you the chance to: 

  • Present your research 
  • Exchange with other academics from the Danube Region 
  • Publish an article in our DRC Summer School Book series 

Every edition of the DRC Summer School is a unique experience. The topics are selected in relation to current and historical events, offering a broad variety for social scientists. A field trip complements theory and brings perspectives outside of the seminar room to the group. Furthermore, you will experience the vibrant atmosphere of this year’s host city Prague during our social programme. 

Become part of the broad alumni network of the DRC Summer School! 

Workshop topics: 

  1. Rise and fall of empires: integration and re-nationalisation 
  2. Towards a European federation: achieving EU integration through democratisation?
  3. Fostering brain-circulation in CEE
  4. Cultural heritage protection in the Danube Region
  • Beginn: Sonntag, 01. Juli 2018 
  • Ende: Sonntag, 08. Juli 2018 
  • Ort: Donau-Universität Krems 

 

Visit the DRC website for more information.

IDM Summer School 2017

14th DRC (Danube Rectors’ Conference)
Summer School on Regional Co-operation

2017

The DRC (Danube Rectors‘ Conference) Summer School project was initiated by the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) and International House Pécs in 2003 to promote regional co-operation among young social scientists. It brings together young scientists and experts in different fields to discuss the ongoing changes, challenges and important aspects affecting the Danube Region. The participants come from different backgrounds and disciplines, which encourages them to widen their horizons and become more aware of the contrasting realities in Central Europe.

The DRC Summer School represents the opportunity to:

  • Share research results about the Danube region
  • Discuss the most up-to-date issues of the Danube region and Central and Eastern Europe with leading experts in the field
  • Present your research and get input from the workshop leaders as well as other participants
  • Broaden your horizon and knowledge
  • Meet new people from all around Europe and develop yourself academically

 

Visit the DRC website for more information.

IDM Summer School 2016

Post-Socialist Transformations in the Danube Region – 25 Years After the Collapse of the Soviet Union

13th DRC (Danube Rectors’ Conference)
Summer School on Regional Co-operation

03 – 10 July 2016

The DRC (Danube Rectors‘ Conference) Summer School project was initiated by the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) and International House Pécs in 2003 to promote regional co-operation among young social scientists. It brings together young scientists and experts in different fields to discuss the ongoing changes, challenges and important aspects affecting the Danube Region. The participants come from different backgrounds and disciplines, which encourages them to widen their horizons and become more aware of the contrasting realities in Central Europe.

The DRC Summer School represents the opportunity to:

  • Share research results about the Danube region
  • Discuss the most up-to-date issues of the Danube region and Central and Eastern Europe with leading experts in the field
  • Present your research and get input from the workshop leaders as well as other participants
  • Broaden your horizon and knowledge
  • Meet new people from all around Europe and develop yourself academically

 

Visit the DRC website for more information.