Nazarii Boiarskyi mentioned that although every person has human honour and pride, has rights and responsibilities, history and today’s practice show us that these are often violated or used speculatively. At the same time, he asked how to qualify human rights in the case of aggressors.

Human rights are violated most often during crises and wars and then how to proceed when people lose confidence in these rights. Regarding inclusiveness, this is a process and must be approached from a complex perspective.

Therefore, it is important to include groups of people who have fewer opportunities in all life processes. To succeed in ensuring this right, this process must be planned, included in the sustainable development strategies of our societies and guaranteed through concrete actions, and education remains the essential element of these processes.

Ivan Duminica in his presentation, discussed the situation in the Republic of Moldova regarding the status and rights of minority groups, including refugees from Ukraine.

He mentioned the states duty to prevent and anticipate violations of the rights of every citizen. Similarly, attention was drawn to some essential measures to guarantee the rights and inclusion of minorities, ensuring access to education in their language, knowledge of the history and traditions of minority communities, etc.

A successful example in this regard is the integration of Ukrainian refugees into the Moldovan educational system, the opening of classes teaching in the Ukrainian language, ensuring access to the labour market, etc.

Galyna Petrenko discussed various aspects regarding access to information, the quality of the mass media in our societies, contested histories, and the image of refugees in the new homelands.

Combating stereotypical attitudes that divide societies must be promoted through educational programs and projects. Only by raising awareness of these issues can we build resilience and a culture of tolerance in our countries.

Victor Guzun presented his views on digital citizenship, which refers to responsible, ethical, and informed use of technology by individuals, emphasising their rights, responsibilities, and active participation in digital spaces.

The most important elements of digital citizenship from a human rights perspective:

1. Digital Access Ensuring equitable access to digital technologies and the Internet for all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic background, geographic location, or personal circumstances.
2. Digital Literacy and Education. Providing education on the use of digital tools, critical thinking, media literacy, and online behaviour.
3. Digital Privacy and Data Protection. Safeguarding personal data and ensuring that individuals have control over their digital footprint, including understanding what data is collected and how it is used.
4. Digital Safety and Security. Ensuring safe online environments by protecting individuals from threats such as cyberbullying, hacking, and online harassment.
5. Digital Rights and Freedom of Expression. Guaranteeing the right to express opinions and access information online, within the boundaries of responsible digital behaviour.
6. Digital Responsibility and Ethical Use. Promoting responsible behaviour online, such as respecting others rights, intellectual property, and ethical considerations.
7. Digital Health and Well-being. Supporting the physical and mental well-being of individuals engaging in digital spaces, including encouraging balanced use of technology.
8. Right to be heard and taken into consideration, including for the development of better policies.
9. Right to have equal access to public services.
10. Right to vote.

The webinar ended with a round of questions and answers where it was highlighted that in today societies, especially in the context of political, military, economic and digital challenges, there must be a balanced approach in favor of people, tolerance and respect for human rights, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, identity, etc. but, in order to achieve these aspirations, it is necessary to promote civic education, social and political responsibility.

EENCE Dialogue is organised by the Eastern European Association for Citizenship Education with the support of the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) with funds from the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Сообщение How to ensure inclusiveness and protection of human rights in Eastern European countries появились сначала на Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education.

Petra Guasti, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, did a presentation based on the comparative analysis of polarization in Central Europe, particularly examining the Visegrad Four countries—Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. She pointed out the way of increasing the populist discourse in those countries during 2019-204 and the ability of civil society to prevent and save the erosion of democracy.

Anton Shekhovtsov, Central European University, Austria, mentioned that Europe is currently facing several major crises underpinned by economic stresses, migration pressure, climate change, and geopolitical tensions resulting from the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Populism is very close to nationalism and produces multiple effects on our societies. 

Anatoliy Kruglashov, „Chernivtsi Jury Fedkovych” National University, Ukraine, also pointed out that populism discourse is used by political leaders as a tool for coming to power or maintaining control. Some people are looking to such leaders as a saviour of the societies. Such discourses diminish the capacity of civil society and endanger democracy and the rule of law.

Sebastian Schäffer, Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM), Vienna, Austria, highlighted that we do not have a positive narrative for the future rebirth of liberal democracy. That is why the populism is increasing in some countries. 

Vahtang Zarkua from Georgia related „The cause of populism and propaganda is the problems in the issues of democracy, it can be said that populism and pseudo-democracy give rise to populism and propaganda in the countries. In the EU countries, they focus only on the attributes of democracy, such as freedom of speech, free and fair court, free elections, etc.”

In the final part, in the round of questions and answers, aspects regarding the use of populist speech and propaganda by church institutions were also addressed.

In conclusion, most of the participants mentioned the topicality of populism and propaganda in our countries, especially in Eastern European countries. Therefore, it is necessary to continue the debate on these topics.

EENCE Dialogue is organised by the Eastern European Association for Citizenship Education with the support of the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) with funds from the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Сообщение Combating Populism and Propaganda in Eastern Europe появились сначала на Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education.

Read the key messages from the speakers who participated in the webinar:

Michał Nowosielski, WSB Merito University in Gdańsk, Centre of Migration Research at the University of Warsaw, pointed out the role of host societies in integrating migrants into new cultural environments. He also discussed the role of migrant organizations as key facilitators of integration processes.

Adrian Corpadean, Faculty of European Studies at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania based on the example of „Babeș Bolyai” University of Cluj-Napoca discussed the measures taken after the onset of war in Ukraine and the prompt reaction of the Romanian society (state institutions, NGOs, individual initiatives) to help and integrate refugees without any cultural barriers. In the end, he concludes that Ukraine is a new and great potential for future partnerships with Romania.

Andrei Chistol, State Secretary at the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova mentioned the role of culture in promoting tolerance and democracy in our countries. Each government has to pay more attention to cultural diversity and include these issues in sustainable development strategies. Cultural diplomacy is an efficient tool for enforcing relations between neighbouring countries and between majority and minority groups. That is why we have to support cultural diversity and contribute to the unity of our countries.

EENCE Dialogue is organised by the Eastern European Association for Citizenship Education with the support of the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) with funds from the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Сообщение Europe’s Cultural Diversity: Strengths and Challenges появились сначала на Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education.

Date: November, 6 (15:00-18:00 CET).

Program:

1. Introduction (15 minutes)
2. Keynote Speech (30 minutes): Nazarii Boiarskyi
3. Panel Discussion (45 minutes: Ivan Duminica, Galyna Petrenko, Victor Guzun 
4. Q&A Session (30 minutes): Interactive session with attendees.
5. Evaluation and Follow-up (15 minutes)

Working languages: English and Russian (simultaneous translation).

Moderator: Sergiu Musteata

ZOOM Registration:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpdu-upz4iG92AS8ec4WzJwTDI40sGjzLZ

Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with conference login information.

Information about speakers:

Nazarii Boiarskyi

Human rights expert and educator with extensive experience in civic education, human rights advocacy, and project management. He holds a Master’s degree in International and European Union Law from Vilnius University (Lithuania) and a second Master’s in Psychological Rehabilitation in Emergency Situations from Donetsk National University named after Vasyl Stus (Ukraine). Nazarii has worked with numerous NGOs across Europe, focusing on protecting vulnerable groups, promoting democracy, and fostering inclusion. Currently, he leads programs at the Ukrainian NGO ‘Democratic Initiatives Incubator’, which focuses on Ukraine, the Baltic States, and the Eastern Partnership countries. Nazarii is also a recognised trainer and speaker having facilitated many international human rights education events. His work continues to shape inclusive policies, develop the application of trauma-informed approaches, and engage young people in civic activism across Europe.

Ivan Duminica

Historian and scientific researcher from the Republic of Moldova. He studied at the Faculty of History and Philosophy of the State University of Moldova (2007-2010) and obtained his PhD in history at the “St. Cyril and Methodius” University in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria (2010-2014). Between 2013 and 2023, he was a scientific researcher in the “Ethnology of Bulgarians” group at the Cultural Heritage Institute of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova. In February 2021, he was awarded the title of Doctor Habilitat in historical sciences. He is the president of the Scientific Society of Bulgarian Studies in the Republic of Moldova. In November 2023, he was appointed head of the “Policies in the Field of Interethnic Relations” Service at the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova. As head of this service, he coordinates and implements policies related to the integration of national minorities into the education system. He works on promoting inclusive education for Roma, Ukrainians, and other ethnic communities, as well as facilitating access to education for refugees from Ukraine. Duminica closely collaborates with international organizations such as UNICEF and UNHCR, developing programs and initiatives aimed at supporting the integration of children and young people from ethnic minority groups. Additionally, he monitors the implementation of international human rights treaties and coordinates activities related to combating racism, anti-Semitism, and other forms of intolerance.

Galyna Petrenko

Director at NGO Detector Media. A journalist and media expert with 20 years of experience.

A co-author of multiple researches on countering disinformation.

Ms. Petrenko also serves as a Member of the Public Council at the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) on Freedom of Speech and the Independent Media Council.

Victor Guzun

Expert in digitization policies at the Institute for European Policies and Reforms in Moldova and runs an international consulting company in Estonia. He is passionate on digital transformation and participates as an expert in several specialized projects aimed at the governments of various countries, the business sector, and communities. Victor was a university professor and lecturer, civil servant in the field of international relations and Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova in Estonia.

Abstracts

Nazarii Boiarskyi, Civic education as a key factor in protecting human rights 

The presentation will focus on the importance of inclusion in civic education as a key factor in protecting human rights and creating equal opportunities. The speaker will talk about the importance of adapting educational programs to the needs of different participants.

Listeners will learn about real approaches and strategies that help create an inclusive learning environment in which everyone feels valued and supported. Special attention will be paid to successful examples from Nazaria’s experience, demonstrating how the integration of inclusive principles contributes to the creation of a more cohesive and just society.

Ivan Duminica, Involvement of ethnic minorities in various public processes in the Republic of Moldova

The Republic of Moldova is a multi-ethnic country with diverse communities, including Roma, Gagauz, Ukrainians, Russians, and Bulgarians. Their participation in public life indicates their integration into the social, economic, and political structures.

The Moldovan state has developed policies and mechanisms to support the active participation of national minorities in various fields such as education, public administration, and political life. In this regard, special inclusive education programs have been implemented, providing access to education in their mother tongue and promoting respect for the cultural identity of minorities.

Additionally, some mechanisms enable minority representatives to participate in decision-making processes at both local and national levels. Besides political and administrative participation, minorities in the Republic of Moldova are also involved in social and cultural projects aimed at integrating into society and combating discrimination. Collaboration with international organisations such as UNHCR and UNICEF facilitates access to resources and support for vulnerable communities, including Roma and refugees. 

Galyna Petrenko, Building Societal Resilience 

Kremlin efforts to manipulate and interfere with information are an ongoing challenge in the countries of the Lublin Triangle, or L3, a regional alliance composed of Lithuania, Ukraine, and Poland that was established in July 2020 to facilitate coordination between the three states.

Upon its foundation, a key priority for the L3 was developing mutually beneficial and strategically effective countermeasures to the common security challenges faced by all three states, such as foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) operations and other non-kinetic threats posed by the Kremlin and its allies, such as cyber-attacks, malign political influence, and economic corruption.

In 2023, this initiative extended outside the L3 to cover Moldova – which faces many of the same challenges (and many of the same FIMI operations) as the L3 countries. During the webinar, mapping and analysis of the narratives used in these influence operations will be presented, as well as mechanisms for building societal resilience to them, and several key recommendations for the governments.

Victor Guzun, Human rights and the inclusion of citizens in decision-making processes from a digital perspective

The expert will address current issues for European societies such as the digital transformation for every citizen, participation and digital citizenship, alternative ways of expressing the vote and ensuring access to electoral processes, including the use of digital tools.

EENCE Dialogue is organised by the Eastern European Association for Citizenship Education with the support of the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) with funds from the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Сообщение Inclusivity and Human Rights появились сначала на Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education.

Date: October, 30 (15:00-18:00 CET).

Program:

1. Introduction (15 minutes): Overview of Combating Populism and Propaganda in Eastern Europe.
2. Keynote Speech (30 minutes): Petra Guasti, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University in Prague
3. Panel Discussion (45 minutes: Anton Shekhovtsov, Central European University (Austria); Anatoliy Kruglashov, Research Institute of European Integration and Regional Studies, Chernivtsi Jury Fedkovych National University, Ukraine; Sebastian Schäffer, Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM).
4. Q&A Session (30 minutes): Interactive session with attendees.
5. Evaluation and Follow-up (15 minutes)

Working languages: English and Russian (simultaneous translation).

ZOOM Registration:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMof-GvrzIjH9JymBPrbwPW6sBqeD4EfD_r#/registration

Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with conference login information.

Information about speakers:

Petra Guasti

Associate professor of democratic theory at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University in Prague, and a senior research fellow at the Institute of Sociology, Czech Academy of Sciences. Her research focuses on reconfiguring the political landscape and revolves around representation, democratisation, and populism. Between 2022 and 2025, Petra is a co-PI of SYRI (National Institute for Research on the Socio-Economic Impact of Diseases and Systemic Risks), leading a 22-member team focusing on polarization and populism. She also leads the Czech teams in Horizon projects Neo-Authoritarianism in Europe and the Liberal Democratic Response (AUTHLIB) and Intersectional Spaces of Participation: Inclusive, Resilient, Embedded (INSPIRE). In AUTHLIB Petra leads a work package on mini-publics in INSPIRE she leads a work package on the Co-production of learning and action with public officials and citizens.

Dr Anton Shekhovtsov

A Visiting Professor/Senior Fellow at the Department of International Relations of the Central European University (Austria) and Director of the Centre for Democratic Integrity (Austria). He holds a PhD from University College London (UK). He is the author of the books New Radical Right-Wing Parties in European Democracies (2011), Russia and the Western Far Right: Tango Noir (2017), and Russian Political Warfare (2023). Shekhovtsov also published numerous op-eds in international media, and several academic articles in the Journal of Democracy, Russian Politics and Law, Europe-Asia Studies, Nationalities Papers, Patterns of Prejudice, and Osteuropa, among others.

Prof. Dr. Habil. Anatoliy Kruglashov

a political scientist, and historian who works as Head, of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, and Director of the Research Institute of European Integration and Regional Studies, Chernivtsi Jury Fedkovych National University, Ukraine. He has also been a Professor at the Department of International Relations and Political Science, University of Lodz, Poland since November 2022. He is a Member of the Group of Independent Experts on the European Chapter of Self-Government, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, and Council of Europe since 2014. Also, he is a Member of the OCEAN Advisory Board, Council of Europe. Research interests mainly cover but are not limited to European integration with special attention on the EU policy towards Ukraine and EaP countries, Security studies, CEE and post-soviet space political processes, Political regionalism and ethnopolitics, History of Political Ideas and Political Science, Public Administration and Self-government. Prof. Kruglashov has been Invited as a Scholar and Professor at the University of Alberta (Edmonton, Canada), a Visiting Fellow of Harvard Ukrainian Institute, Harvard University, and a Professor of Jagiellonian University (Krakow, Poland), European Humanities University (Belarus and Lithuania). He has been invited to lecture in Canada, Germany, Slovakia, Poland, Russia, Romania, and the USA.

Sebastian Schäffer

Director of the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM), a regional think tank based in Vienna. In this capacity, he also serves as Secretary General of the Danube Rectors’ Conference (DRC), a network of more than 60 universities in the wider Danube Region. In 2011, the Munich-born political scientist founded SSC Europe, a competence network for Seminars, Simulations, and Consulting. Schäffer has held several positions as a lecturer and research fellow at universities and institutions in Germany, where he also gained two Master’s degrees. His areas of expertise include European Integration, EU enlargement and future scenarios. He is the author of more than 100 articles and papers, and has written as well as edited several books, among them “Ukraine in Central and Eastern Europe”.

Abstracts

Petra Guasti, Polarization and Democracy in Central Europe

This presentation focuses on the comparative analysis of polarization in Central Europe, particularly examining the Visegrad Four countries—Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. It aims to trace the degree and evolution of various forms of polarization—ideological, affective, intransigent, and partisan sorting—across these nations over time. Using comparative data from the V-Dem Institute, this analysis highlights regional trends and differences in how these forms of polarization have developed and manifested.

By contrasting the experiences of each country, we can better understand the impact of polarization on societal mobilization and its implications for democratic resilience or decay in the region. Through this examination, the presentation will illuminate the complexities of polarization in Central Europe and contribute to the broader discourse on the challenges facing democracy in this context.

Anton Shekhovtsov, Europe’s Interregnum and Right-Wing Populism

Europe is currently facing several major crises underpinned by economic stresses, migration pressure, climate change, and geopolitical tensions resulting from the Russian aggression against Ukraine. If Europe recovers from this multiplicity of crises, it will unlikely re-emerge in the familiar political and socio-cultural form, which imbues the current situation with the characteristics of an interregnum – a transitional period between the old and new orders.

European liberal democracies try to navigate the interregnum by mitigating the challenges of both the interregnum and the perceived new order. While the liberal-democratic consensus still holds in Europe, it is being defied by right-wing populist governments and political parties that imagine a return of Europe to the old order.

Anatoliy Kruglashov, Populism, pandemic but must be curable 

Populism is not a novelty in the realm of policy and politics. Some traits of them might be easily detected since ancient times. However, last decades we have witnessed a true revival of populism. Both as the type of political culture and behaviour and as the set of tools to get wider political support. It is hardly possible to portray populism as a consolidated movement or a clearly defined phenomenon. It has distinct colours and tunes, ramifications, and specificities all over the globe.

It affects the most stable democratic countries, like the USA or Great Britain. It makes more threatened and fragile countries with weaker democratic traditions and regimes, like some of the post-soviet countries. That is why the phenomenon worth to be deeply analyzed and considered. In my presentation, I will evaluate the most common traits of the populist’s societal and psychological foundations, special attention is to be paid to the situation in Ukraine and Moldova. I am going to deliberate on the connotation of advancing populists’ assaults and Russia’s backed political parties and forces in Europe too. Some proposals to hasten populism expansion will be made at the end of the presentation.

EENCE Dialogue is organised by the Eastern European Association for Citizenship Education with the support of the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) with funds from the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Сообщение Combating Populism and Propaganda in Eastern Europe появились сначала на Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education.

Date: October, 23 (15:00-18:00 CET).

Program:

1. Introduction (15 minutes): Overview of Cultural Diversity.
2. Keynote Speech (30 minutes): Michał Nowosielski, WSB Merito University in Gdańsk, Centre of Migration Research at the University of Warsaw
3. Panel Discussion (45 minutes: Adrian Corpadean, Faculty of European Studies at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Andrei Chistol, State Secretary at the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova
4. Q&A Session (30 minutes): Interactive session with attendees.
5. Evaluation and Follow-up (15 minutes)

Working languages: English and Russian (simultaneous translation).

ZOOM Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qduqhqzItHdO6o2WlHjwiQS981QdLOQlw

Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with conference login information.

Moderator: Sergiu Musteata (Moldova).

Information about speakers:

Michał NOWOSIELSKI

Professor at the WSB Merito University in Gdańsk, an affiliate in the Centre of Migration Research at the University of Warsaw, and a member of the IMISCOE Standing Committee DIVCULT. Principal investigator in numerous research projects, like: ‘Foreigners – Varsovians. Diagnosis and recommendations for integration activities’, or ‘Polish immigrant organizations in Europe’. His academic interests concentrate on migration issues, particularly immigrant organizations, culture & and migration, diaspora policies, and migrants’ inclusion.

Andrei CHISTOL

Is the State Secretary at the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova. With a fervent dedication to promoting cultural heritage, arts, and creativity, Andrei has been instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives that enhance Moldova’s cultural landscape. Andrei Chistol is actively involved in the advancement of tourism and creative industries in Moldova. He works tirelessly to promote the country’s rich cultural heritage as a cornerstone of its tourism appeal. Throughout his career, Andrei has been a staunch advocate for cultural preservation, innovation, and inclusivity. He has spearheaded numerous projects aimed at revitalizing traditional arts, fostering cultural exchanges, and nurturing emerging talents within Moldova and beyond.

Adrian-Gabriel CORPĂDEAN

A habilitated associate professor and dean of the Faculty of European Studies at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania (since 2020). A graduate in international relations and European studies, he holds a master’s degree in European affairs and project management at the Faculty of European Studies. He holds a doctorate in history from UBB and Université de Cergy-Pontoise and completed his postdoctoral studies at the Romanian Academy. He specializes in EU institutional reform, the history of European integration and EU enlargement policy, which have been the subject of over 70 publications, 40 conferences and 10 international projects implemented by Dr Corpădean. He frequently collaborates with DG Communication of the European Commission and the Representation of the European Commission in Romania. He is an editor of the international journals Synergies Roumanie, Modelling the New Europe and Studia Europaea. He speaks fluent English, French and Italian.

Abstracts

Michał NOWOSIELSKI, ‘Towards Migrant Civil Society?“

This lecture explores the social activity of migrants through the lens of social capital and civil society. It focuses on two types of social capital: bonding, which strengthens ties within ethnic groups, and bridging, which connects migrants to the broader society. While bonding capital offers essential support, it can sometimes hinder integration, whereas bridging capital promotes relationships beyond ethnic communities, aiding integration.

The lecture also introduces the concept of “migrant civil society” and its influence on public discourse and integration efforts. Furthermore, it discusses migrant engagement within both their ethnic groups and the wider host community, with a special emphasis on migrant organizations. These organizations play a crucial role, not only in fostering migrant civil society but also in supporting migrant integration.

Adrian CORPADEAN, “Rediscovering the potential for cooperation with Ukraine from the perspective of Babeș-Bolyai University”

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has triggered a genuine rediscovery of the need for better dialogue between Romania and Ukraine, with far-reaching consequences germane to synergies in international bodies, political dialogue and closeness amid EU integration.

This has largely been echoed by positive developments at the level of civil society, whose mobilisation has been quite exemplary concerning the management of the refugee crisis triggered by the war. One more notable achievement pertains to the potential for academic and scientific collaboration seen through the lens of Romanian and Ukrainian universities, with Babeș-Bolyai, as the oldest and largest university in Romania, implementing creative measures in this regard, in keeping with its multicultural breadth.

Some of the projects engendered as such may serve as best practice examples for further enhancing bilateral ties between the aforementioned neighbouring countries, tapping into the potential of border communities, mobility arrangements, research on topics of mutual interest etc.

EENCE Dialogue is organised by the Eastern European Association for Citizenship Education with the support of the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) with funds from the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Сообщение Cultural Diversity of Europe – unity in diversity появились сначала на Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education.

The discussion brought together experts to discuss the new challenges for Europe in light of the conflicts and refugee crises taking place at its borders.

Malvina Talik examined Europe’s response to war, focusing on the reception of refugees from Ukraine and the wider migration discourse since 2015.

Markus Howe highlighted the different reactions to the war in Ukraine in Central and Eastern Europe, showing examples from Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Serbia.

Nazarii Boiarskyi shared his experience of working with displaced persons and implementing civic education programmes, offering practical recommendations on conducting educational activities for migrants.

The panellists stressed the need for continued dialogue, cooperation and, most importantly, innovative solutions to support those who have been forced to flee their countries due to wars and political crises.

The panellists also stressed the importance of recognising the human stories behind statistics and headlines and the need for a more compassionate and understanding approach to meeting the needs of refugees and migrants.

They called for greater solidarity and co-operation among European countries to respond effectively to the crisis and ensure the protection of human rights for all those affected.

EENCE Dialogue is organised by the Eastern European Association for Citizenship Education with the support of the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) with funds from the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Сообщение EENCE-Dialogue: seeking innovative solutions for those fleeing war появились сначала на Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education.

As experts were Igor Kąkolewski, director of the Center of Historical Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CB PAN) in Berlin and a professor at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland), Lidija Županić Šuica, president of Education for the 21st Century (Serbia); Bojana Dujkovic Blagojevic, educator and history-teaching expert (Bosnia and Herzegovina); Marko Šuica, University of Belgrade (Serbia).

In the first part of the webinar, the experts highlighted important aspects of the presentation of wars in school history and citizenship education programs and textbooks, highlighting the Franco-German example in the development of common history textbooks and the balanced teaching of sensitive topics, such as the two world wars, regional, border conflicts, etc.

Experts from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Ukraine showed the situation in their countries and how they try to promote citizenship education in post-conflict situations.

In the second part, the participants had the opportunity to ask questions, make comments and discuss both the current situations in Eastern European countries, as well as the ways to promote citizenship education in countries in conflict or in regions where we have frozen conflicts.

The next webinar: “War, Migrants, and Refugees – New Challenges for Europe”

Date: October, 11 (15:00-18:00 CET).

Working languages: English and Russian (simultaneous translation).

Registration:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkcequrjIvEtTK0E5SGo6ZZHPHCSK100Jt

EENCE Dialogue is organised by the Eastern European Association for Citizenship Education with the support of the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) with funds from the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Сообщение How citizenship education helps to overcome the consequences of war and conflict появились сначала на Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education.

Program:

1. Introduction (15 minutes): Overview of Migration and Refugees in today’s Europe.
2. Keynote Speech (30 minutes):
3. Panel Discussion (45 minutes:
4. Q&A Session (30 minutes): Interactive session with attendees.
5. Workshop (30 minutes): Integrating migrants and refugees.
6. Evaluation and Follow-up (15 minutes)

Moderator: Natalie Gamtsemlidze, Vice-chairperson of the Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education & EDI specialist.

Date: October, 11 (15:00-18:00 CET).

Working languages: English and Russian (simultaneous translation).

Registration:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkcequrjIvEtTK0E5SGo6ZZHPHCSK100Jt

Information about speakers:

Malwina TALIK

Malwina is a Research Associate at the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (Vienna), where she focuses on current politics in Central Europe, migration, democratic resilience
and gender equality. She holds a joint degree in Global Studies and History from the University of Vienna and the University of Leipzig. She has further expanded her expertise through summer
programs in Peace Research and Democratic Resilience at the University of Oslo.

Marcus HOW

Head of Research and Analysis of the VE Insight, a political risk advisory based in
Vienna and specialized in CEE. He is responsible for political risk analysis (PRA). He writes many insights news and periodically publishes articles to market our regional expertise in Europe, especially Central and Eastern Europe. He has also undertaken projects in the Middle East and Africa.
Marcus has a BA in Philosophy and an MA in Political Economy and says his studies set the foundations for his analytical skills.

Nazarii BOIARSKYI

Nazarii is a seasoned human rights expert and educator with extensive experience in
civic education, human rights advocacy, and project management. He holds a Master’s degree in International and European Union Law from Vilnius University (Lithuania) and a second Master’s in Psychological Rehabilitation in Emergency Situations from Donetsk National University named after Vasyl Stus (Ukraine). Nazarii has worked with numerous NGOs across Europe, focusing on protecting vulnerable groups, promoting democracy, and fostering inclusion. Currently, he leads programs at
the Ukrainian NGO ‘Democratic Initiatives Incubator’, which focuses on Ukraine, the Baltic States, and the Eastern Partnership countries. Nazarii is also a recognised trainer and speaker having facilitated many international human rights education events. His work continues to shape inclusive policies, develop the application of trauma-informed approaches, and engage young people in civic activism across Europe.

Abstracts

Malwina Talik, War(s), refugees, migration – new challenges for Europe?

The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine represents a turning point in Europe’s post-war history. Not only has it brought interstate conflict to the EU’s doorstep and challenged its longstanding policies toward Russia, but it has also triggered the largest refugee movement in Europe since World War II. Yet, it is not the only conflict unfolding near the EU’s borders.

This lecture will examine how Europe has responded to the challenges caused by the war, with a particular focus on the reception of refugees from Ukraine, situating this response within the broader post-2015 migration discourse.
It will also explore how Russian and Belarusian authorities are instrumentalizing migration on the EU’s eastern frontiers.

Marcus How, The politics of the war in Ukraine in CEE

Different governments in CEE have responded to the war in Ukraine, and the refugee flows it has generated, in different ways.

Responses to the relevant policy areas have not always been consistent. Internal consensus also does not necessarily exist, with the policy direction changing with the election cycle.

This presentation will focus on case studies from Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Serbia to illustrate the challenges.

Nazarii Boiarskyi, The work with forced migrants and the civic education programs

The speaker will share his experience working with forced migrants, paying special attention to the implementation of civic education programs.

As part of the presentation, practical recommendations will be given on the organization and implementation of educational events for forced migrants. The main challenges faced by civic education providers and non-governmental
organizations working with migrants and for their support will also be considered.

EENCE Dialogue is organised by the Eastern European Association for Citizenship Education with the support of the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) with funds from the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Сообщение War, Migrants, and Refugees – New Challenges for Europe появились сначала на Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education.

The second webinar of the EENCE-Dialogue project, which will take place on September 26 (15:00-18:00 CET), will focus on these questions.

Moderator: Sergiu Musteata (Moldova).

Program:

1. Introduction (15 minutes): Overview of Civic Education in War and Conflict Zones.

2. Keynote Speech (30 minutes): Igor Kąkolewski, director of the Center of Historical Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CBH PAN) in Berlin and a professor at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland)
3. Panel Discussion (45 minutes): Lidija Županić Šuica, president of Education for the 21st Century (Serbia); Bojana Dujkovic Blagojevic, educator and history-teaching expert (Bosnia and Herzegovina); Marko Šuica, University of Belgrade (Serbia), Valery Balayan, Professor at the Free University (Briva Universitate, Riga, Latvia);
4. Q&A Session (30 minutes): Interactive session with attendees.
5. Workshop (30 minutes): Developing civic education programs for conflict-affected areas.
6. Evaluation and Follow-up (15 minutes).

Working languages: English and Russian (simultaneous translation).

Register in advance for the conference:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAkd-CgpjMoG9coRfYPKk0Sa72YCbKJ-TID 

Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with conference login information.

Information about speakers:

Igor Kąkolewski (Poland)

Director of the Center of Historical Research of
the Polish Academy of Sciences (CBH PAN) in Berlin and a professor at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland). Historian, educator, exhibition organizer, and a member of the Joint German-Polish Textbook
Commission.

In his research, Kąkolewski deals with the early modern history of Poland in the European context and German-Polish-Jewish relations. From 2012 to 2020 he was the Polish scientific coordinator on the Polish-German joint history textbook “Europe – Our History”.

Lidija Županic Šuica (Serbia)

Art and civic education teacher, as
well as the president of Education for the 21st Century. She has extensive experience in project management, coordination, and consultancy on both national and
international projects. Her expertise includes curriculum design, textbook development, teacher training, and cultural heritage education, where she has made a profound impact.
Lidija’s achievements have earned her numerous prestigious national and international awards, including the 2020 City of Belgrade Award for her exceptional contributions to education. In recognition of her innovative approach to history education, Lidija and her team were awarded The HISTOLAB Award for
Innovative School Projects by the Council of Europe for their work on the Beotura school project. She is actively involved in the Erasmus+ projects.

Marko Šuica (Serbia)

Historian and member of the OHTE Scientific Advisory Council. His academic career as a Serbian medievalist started and advanced at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade where he lectures as a professor. He was coordinator of the Georg Eckert Institute project on the History Textbook Research and Development in South-Eastern Europe
from 2001 until 2004. Since 2010 he has been engaged as an expert in intergovernmental projects and bilateral programs of the Council of Europe’s History Teaching Unit and EuroClio. His
field of expertise includes medieval Balkan history, history didactics, curricula design, and assessment. He is active in educational projects and teacher training on national, regional, and international levels. He is the author of several textbooks, additional teaching materials, education standards, and history curricula. He is a consultant on the Council of Europe anti-discrimination and national minorities
programs and a member of EuroClio and International Society for History Didactics.

Bojana DUJKOVIC BLAGOJEVIC (Bosnia and Hercegovina)

Educator and history-teaching expert. Bojana holds an MSc in history from Banja
Luka university. Main field of interest Bojana has in consultancy services in education, in-service teacher training for history and civic teachers as well in textbooks development and editing of transnational teaching and learning materials. After working is schools, Bojana
switched to activism and in last 20 years is active in local history teacher association in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in EuroClio network. She is conducting trainings, writing teaching and learning materials specializing in sensitive and controversial issues related to the history of former Yugoslavia in the 20th century and textbooks. Besides BiH, Bojana is actively working in all six Western Balkans countries as a project coordinator.

Valery Balayan (Ukraine)

Professor at the Free University (Briva Universitate, Riga, Latvia).

Radio Liberty journalist since 2002.

Head of the Centre for Research on Civic Initiatives in Kiev, Ukraine.

 Documentary filmmaker.

Abstracts:

EENCE Dialogue is organised by the Eastern European Association for Citizenship Education with the support of the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) with funds from the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Сообщение Civic Education in War, Conflict, and Post-conflict Zones появились сначала на Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education.