Navigating the Future of EU Enlargement 

06 – 12 July 2025 

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 in Der 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!

• 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 
• Board: 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

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. 

 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.

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.