The main theme of the project is the problem of growing Euroscepticism, i.e. reluctance to deeper political and economic integration within the structures of the European Union that is manifesting itself with a greater or lesser intensity. This phenomenon can be observed more and more clearly in the countries of the Visegrad Group, which paradoxically belong to the group of the greatest beneficiaries of membership in the European Union. The growing popularity of Eurosceptic attitudes, in various forms, is certainly not conducive to building a strong position within the Union, while it should be the political priority because of easier implementation of national goals and plans. Moreover, the Visegrad Group countries should consider the possibility of building a common position within the EU structures, which would give them even greater clout. The challenges faced by all four countries of the Visegrad Group are similar and we believe that together they can be tackled more effectively.
Our goal is to try to counteract Eurosceptic tendencies by pointing to the areas of potential cooperation between the Visegrad Group countries as part of the conceptual and decision-making processes conducted in each of these countries and in the EU administration. It is also necessary to raise public awareness of our benefits resulting from remaining part of the European community, as well as the dangers of leaving the Union and the disintegration processes taking place within the grouping itself.
The project aims at discussing the above issues in international academic community among student, PhD students and scholars. The results will be disseminated among policy advisors, policy makers, civil servants, think tanks and among the general public through media coverage.
The project is financed by International Visegrad Fund and carried out by four public universities: University of Economics in Katowice (coordinating partner), Mendel University in Brno, National University of Public Service in Budapest and University of Economics in Bratislava.
The project will include the following events:
- four student workshops and four open lectures with invited speakers to be held at all partner universities,
- scientific conference to be held at the end of the project summarizing project results,
- organization of the contest for the best Master/Diploma thesis covering the position of V4 within the EU.
Additionally, four thematic policy papers addressed to stakeholders will be published as an outcome of student workshops.