Visegrad Summer School

Time flies so fast! Before we even realized it, the countdown to the 24th has officially entered its final stretch.

While you are preparing for your journey to Kraków, the work behind the scenes here at is in full swing! We are locking in the final details and decided it’s the perfect moment to give you a backstage update and reveal what we’ve been working on for you.

What’s waiting for you right at the start? On July 6th, our Inauguration Day, we will open this year's edition with a powerful lineup. Right after the opening keynote lecture, "Is there a Future for Information❓", we will host the highly anticipated Diplomats Debate. This expert discussion will set the stage and define the framework for all our debates in the days to follow.

📌 Key details of the 24th edition:

📅When? July 5 – 15, 2026
📍 Where? Villa Decius, Kraków
🌍 Theme: Future of Information

This project would not be possible without the incredible support of our Partners and Media Patrons, to whom we extend our warmest gratitude:

🤝 International Visegrad Fund, Małopolska Region, Kraków PL, Knihovna Václava Havla, Bratislava Policy Institute and Cracovia Express Foundation.

📻 Polskie Radio dla Zagranicy - Redakcja Polska Radio Kraków tvp.info

Stay tuned, turn on notifications, and keep an eye on our feed - we will be dropping more program reveals over the next few days! 👀

From the Baltics to the Balkans, from the heart of the Visegrad region to the Caucasus and Central Asia - the VSS 2026 map is officially complete! 🌍📍

This July, 30 brilliant young professionals from 13 different countries will gather at Villa Decius in Kraków.

Why does this geographical diversity matter so much? Because to truly understand the "Future of Information", we need to look at it from multiple angles. Disinformation tactics, AI integration, and media ecosystems operate differently in every region. It is exactly your unique, local experiences that will drive our debates and fuel the VSS Future Laboratory workshops.

Here is where our Class of 2026 is traveling from:

🇦🇱 Albania | 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan | 🇨🇿 Czechia | 🇬🇪 Georgia | 🇭🇺 Hungary | 🇽🇰 Kosovo | 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan | 🇱🇹 Lithuania | 🇲🇩 Moldova | 🇲🇰 North Macedonia | 🇵🇱 Poland | 🇸🇰 Slovakia | 🇺🇦 Ukraine

We got this. See you all in July!

When? July 5 – 15, 2026
Where? Villa Decius, Kraków
Theme: Future of Information

About Partners & Sponsors:
The Visegrad Summer School is organized by the Stowarzyszenie Willa Decjusza in cooperation with its partners and supported by the International Visegrad Fund

We know you are curious about what exactly awaits you this July! 🤩 As we gear up for the 24th Visegrad Summer School, we are thrilled to give you a first look at the core structure of our 10-day program.

Here is what your journey at will look like:

🎙️ Inspirational Keynote Lectures – Deep dives into the "Future of Information" to spark critical questions about disinformation, digital platforms, and democratic resilience.

🧪 VSS Future Laboratory – Interactive, foresight-driven workshops where you won't just listen, but actively create and build long-term scenarios.

🚶‍♂️ Study Visits – Immersive trips to explore the rich history and culture of Kraków and the beautiful Małopolska Region.

🎉 Multicultural Evening – Our famous garden party where YOU take the stage to share your heritage!

10 days of bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and cross-cultural dialogue. We can't wait to welcome you to Krakow! 🌍

🤝 Supported by: International Visegrad Fund, Małopolska, Kraków PL, Grupa ZUE, Knihovna Václava Havla, Bratislava Policy Institute, and Cracovia Express Foundation.

Behind the scenes, our coordination team is busy processing the final confirmations. If you received an acceptance email, this is your crucial moment – the ball is entirely in your court! 🎾

The absolute key to securing your place in Kraków this July is your decisiveness and attention to detail. Make sure to read your acceptance email carefully and complete all the required next steps outlined in the message. Don't leave it to the last minute and risk your spot being passed on to the waiting list! ⏳

We are already putting the final touches on an unforgettable 10 days at Stowarzyszenie Willa Decjusza. This year, we are diving deep into the , exploring the critical impact of AI, digital governance, and disinformation on democratic resilience.

None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our long-standing partners and grandees. A massive thank you to the International Visegrad Fund, Knihovna Václava Havla, Bratislava Policy Institute, Cracovia Express Foundation, and the City of Kraków for co-creating this unique space for international dialogue.

Check your inboxes (and that spam folder!), make your decision, and get ready for an amazing summer! 👇

📅 When: July 5 – 15, 2026
📍 Where: Villa Decius, Kraków, Poland
🌍 Theme: Future of Information

Behind the scenes, our team is hard at work finalizing the participant list for the 24th Visegrad Summer School! 🌍

👉If you received an "Accepted" email, congratulations once again! But remember, getting the email is just the beginning. To officially secure your place in Kraków this July, you must confirm your attendance and complete all the next steps outlined in your acceptance message. Please make sure to follow the instructions carefully and respect the deadlines-don't let your spot slip away! ⏳

👉 For those of you on the waiting list, don't lose hope just yet! Keep a close eye on your inbox (and your spam folder!). Our VSS team is monitoring the participant list constantly, and if a spot opens up, your status could quickly change to "Accepted". We will reach out to you the moment an opportunity arises, so stay alert.

We are already counting down the days until we meet at Villa Decius from July 5 to July 15, 2026. This year, we are diving deep into the Future of Information, exploring how AI, digital platforms, and disinformation are reshaping our democracies and societies.

None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our partners. A huge thank you to the IInternational Visegrad Fund KKnihovna Václava Havla BBratislava Policy Institute the Cracovia Express Foundation, and the City of Kraków for helping us create this unique space for dialogue.

Check your emails, finish your next steps, and get ready for an unforgettable summer! ☀️

The wait is over - results are out!

Check your inbox - decisions for the 24th have been sent. Whether you’re joining us in Krakow this July, placed on the waiting list, or not selected this time - all the details are waiting for you in your email.

Here’s a quick guide:
🟢 Accepted - congratulations! Make sure to carefully follow the next steps included in your email to confirm your place.
🟡 Waiting list - you’re still very much in the game, and we’ll keep you updated as spots open up.
🔴 Not selected - thank you for your time, effort, and trust. We truly appreciate it.

❗️ Important: completing the next steps on time is key to securing your participation.

If you’re on the waiting list - stay with us. We’ll be updating it on an ongoing basis and reaching out as soon as anything changes.

Thank you for being part of this process. The time, thought, and effort you put into your applications, as well as the perspectives and ideas you shared, truly mean a lot to us. We’re genuinely grateful for every single application - you’ve made this journey inspiring already.

And if you have any questions at this stage - we’re here for you. Just reach out.

About Partners & Sponsors:
The Visegrad Summer School is organized by the Villa Decius Association in cooperation with its partners and supported by the International Visegrad Fund.

Applications Closed!!!

The call for applications to the 24th Visegrad Summer School has officially come to an end - and the numbers speak for themselves: we received 328 applications from 45 countries 👏🌍

Thank you for your interest. Your engagement is the best reward for us - and the fuel that keeps us going and improving year after year.

We’re now fully focused on selecting a diverse and inspiring group of participants - people who will bring fresh perspectives to this year’s theme: .

What’s next?
👉The results will be announced in the first week of May
👉 The waiting list will be updated regularly in the following weeks.

Stay tuned - we’ll be in touch soon.

About Partners & Sponsors:

The Visegrad Summer School is organized by the Stowarzyszenie Willa Decjusza in cooperation with its partners: Bratislava Policy Institute, Knihovna Václava Havla Cracovia Expressz Foundation – Hungarian Centre in Kraków (Budapest and supported by the International Visegrad Fund.

So… how many days left?

Based on previous editions, we already know the answer - yes, some of you are still waiting until the very last moment with your applications. And we get it.

But just a quick reminder: applications close on April 15.
No extra time. No extensions this time.

At this point, we hope we’ve given you everything you need to know about the 24th Visegrad Summer School, happening July 5–15 in Kraków, at Villa Decius.

Still unsure about something? Reading this and a question just popped into your head? Text us - we’re here and happy to help.

What’s waiting for you if you apply?
- 10 days of discussions on the Future of Information - from disinformation and AI to the role of digital platforms.
- Workshops, expert talks, group work, and conversations that don’t end when the session is over.
- And most importantly - people, perspectives, and connections that stay with you long after the program ends.

📩 Results will be announced in the first week of May.

So… what do you say? Who are we meeting in Kraków this summer?

👉 Apply now - link in comments.

We’re still accepting applications for the extended recruitment to the 24th – Future of Information.

And honestly - we’re excited. The applications we’ve received so far, your energy, your messages, your support - it all means a lot to us. Thank you.

If you’ve been thinking about applying, take this as your sign and don’t wait any longer.

VSS is more than just a 10-day program. For over 20 years now, it has been bringing together young professionals, researchers and future leaders who go on to build a community that lasts far beyond the summer in Krakow. It’s the connections, the shared experiences, the photos you send us later, the conversations that continue - that’s what truly drives this project forward.

❤️ We’re incredibly grateful to our alumni for every recommendation, every share, every kind word.

As the VSS Team, we truly can’t wait to meet the final group of participants of this year’s edition. By applying now, you’re giving yourself a chance - and it might be one you’ll thank yourself for already this July.

If you have any questions, feel free to message us - we’re happy to help. Application forms in the comments section below.

The Visegrad Summer School is organized by the Stowarzyszenie Willa Decjusza in cooperation with its long-standing partners Bratislava Policy Institute, Knihovna Václava Havla, Cracovia Expressz Foundation – Hungarian Centre in Kraków (Budapest) and supported by the International Visegrad Fund.

🚨 Good news - we’ve got you.

Didn’t make it in time? Still polishing your application? We hear you. In response to your questions, and great interest in this year’s edition, we’re extending the application deadline for the 24th until April 15, 2026.

We’re genuinely impressed by the applications, your engagement, and the energy you’ve brought to this so far. And yes… we’re curious to see even more of you.

What’s VSS❓
It’s a 10-day interdisciplinary experience at Villa Decius in Kraków, where discussions meet real exchange, and ideas turn into something bigger. You’ll dive into topics like disinformation, AI, and the future of public debate - while working, thinking, and connecting in an international environment.

Applications have already come in from 15+ countries 🌏 - thank you for that.

Will there be another extension? No. This is it.
So if you’ve been hesitating - this is your moment. Just apply.

⏳ New deadline: April 15, 2026
👉 Application links stay the same (link in comments)

Visegrad Summer School Without strong and continuous support, the 23 editions behind us - and the upcoming 24th - would not have been possible. A huge thank you to our long-standing partners and grantors, who help shape the Visegrad Summer School into the unique program it is today.