July 4th at VSS: Challenging Perspectives and Remembering the Past. On Friday, our participants immersed themselves in another intellectually charged day at Villa Decius - one filled with critical questions, historical reflection, and meaningful dialogue.
The day began with Adnan Huskić’s lecture, “The Future of EU Enlargement in the Western Balkans: Many Individual Scenarios or a United Front.” Through a sharp, at times provocative lens, Huskić walked participants through the complexities of EU integration for the Western Balkans — from Montenegro’s relative progress to the regional deadlocks of Serbia, Bosnia, and Kosovo. Raising uncomfortable but essential questions, he pushed the group to consider whether a common path forward is even possible, and whether the EU is ready for it.
Next, Joseph Abodakpi delivered a dynamic session on “Rethinking Global Governance: Emerging Powers and Trends.” His lecture traced the evolution of global institutions, explored the balance of power, and highlighted the role of actors from multinational corporations to civil society. With an interactive style and plenty of questions from the room, the session emphasized that reimagining governance in the 21st century requires shared values, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge traditional frameworks.
The day concluded with a powerful study visit to the Galicia Jewish Museum, where participants explored five thematic zones - from Jewish life before the war, through the devastation of the Holocaust, to post-war memory and cultural revival. Working in small groups, they engaged deeply with curatorial tasks, reflecting on remembrance, responsibility, and heritage in the context of both Polish and European history.
Thoughtful questions, critical reflections, and emotional engagement defined this full day, proving once again that knowledge and empathy go hand in hand.
