Inauguration of the Wacław Felczak Polish-Hungarian Cooperation Institute

We are proud to mark a special moment in the Institute’s history – the inauguration of a new era in its mission. From now on, the Wacław Felczak Polish-Hungarian Cooperation Institute will place even greater emphasis on supporting civil society, promoting democratic initiatives, and fostering regional dialogue in Central Europe.

In a time of growing political challenges, erosion of public trust, and increasing attempts to undermine common European values, we see it as our responsibility to create space for open debate and cross-border cooperation – both geographical and political.

Inauguration: A Meeting of Committed Minds

The inauguration of the Institute’s new formula brought together distinguished guests from Poland and Hungary – among them the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, Radosław Sikorski, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Anna Radwan-Röhrenschef, as well as representatives from the expert, academic, NGO, and diplomatic communities.

The event opened with a formal dinner that offered an opportunity for informal exchanges of ideas and initial conversations about the future of Polish-Hungarian cooperation in a new social and political context.

Conference: Discussing Values and Challenges

The following day, a conference was held with around 30 invited participants, during which an open and in-depth discussion took place, generating a wide range of opinions and recommendations for the Felczak Institute.

During two panel sessions, we addressed key questions concerning the future of democracy and integration in the region:

• How can we amplify the voice of civil society in Hungary?
  Discussions focused on ways to support local initiatives, mechanisms for protecting civil liberties, and the role of international partnerships in democratic processes.
• Central Europe – a source of problems or solutions for Europe and beyond?
  We reflected on our region's place in the broader debate about the future of the European Union and the global order, analyzing both the potential and the challenges arising from historical and geopolitical contexts.

The Future of the Institute

The Institute’s new phase is not only a shift in programmatic focus, but above all a response to the real needs of contemporary Central Europe. We aim to become a place where ideas, people, and actions meet – building bridges, not walls.

We extend our gratitude to all those who are shaping this new chapter with us. We firmly believe that joint efforts for democracy, dialogue, and solidarity are more necessary now than ever before.