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Sessions

Session ISession IISession IIISession IVSession VSession VISession VII3rd day session

Session I: Future of migration in Europe
Wednesday, 4 June 2025 | 13:00 – 14:30

Chairs:

  • Mikołaj Pawlak, University of Warsaw
  • Marta Pachocka, University of Warsaw

Speakers:

  • Marta Cygan, DG Migration and Home Affairs, European Commission (EU)
  • Alicja Kępka, Ministry of the Interior and Administration (Poland)
  • Myroslava Keryk, Ukrainian House Foundation (Poland)
  • Kevin J. Allen, UNHCR in Poland
  • Paola Alvarez, Global Thematic Specialist – Labour Mobility & Social Inclusion, Global Office in Brussels, IOM

This session brought together experts from EU institutions, national governments, UN agencies, and civil society to analyze the evolving dynamics of migration in Europe. The discussion emphasized migration’s persistent character and its growing impact on the continent’s demographic and labor market needs. Key challenges included building comprehensive, trust-based migration governance frameworks, addressing security risks like weaponized migration, and facilitating effective integration – particularly in countries like Poland that have transitioned from emigration to immigration hubs.

Panelists stressed the economic benefits of smart migrant inclusion, especially the positive contributions by Ukrainian refugees, but also highlighted barriers such as data gaps, qualification recognition, and the need for better policy coherence across employment, education, and social integration. The debate called for more agency and stable funding for NGOs, efficient asylum and return procedures, and a shift toward foresight-driven, multi-level governance. The session concluded that successful migration governance in Europe relies on evidence-based policy, trust among stakeholders, and a move from crisis rhetoric to policies rooted in solidarity and competitiveness.

Session II: Demographic change and demographic resilience
Wednesday, 4 June 2025 | 14:45 – 16:15

Chair:

  • Anna Matysiak, University of Warsaw

Introduction:

  • Anna Matysiak, University of Warsaw
  • Fabrizio Natale, European Commission Joint Research Centre (EU)

Speakers:

  • Aleksandra Gajewska, Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy (Poland)
  • Hanna Vseviov, Ministry of Social Affairs and Communications (Estonia)
  • Andreas Edel, Population Europe / Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research
  • Agnieszka Chłoń-Domińczak, Warsaw School of Economics
  • Karolina Andrian, Share The Care Foundation

The session “Demographic Change and Demographic Resilience” gathered leading experts from academia, government, and civil society to address Europe’s evolving demographic landscape, particularly population aging and declining fertility rates. Rather than viewing these trends as crises, the panel promoted seeing demographic change as a source of opportunity and transformation. Speakers highlighted the limited impact of traditional fertility-boosting policies and stressed the importance of comprehensive support, such as childcare, flexible work, and parental leave.

Key discussions included the crucial role of migration in offsetting labor market shortages, the need to increase labor force participation among underrepresented groups (women, older adults), and the importance of tackling regional inequalities through locally tailored strategies. Panelists called for rethinking retirement, redefining old age, and leveraging active aging policies. The consensus was that demographic resilience requires coordinated, long-term, and inclusive policymaking, built on cross-sector collaboration and investment in people throughout the life course.

Session III: Central and Eastern Europe in Transition: Demographic and Socio-Economic Implications for the EU
Wednesday, 4 June 2025 | 16:30 – 18:00

Chairs:

  • Alicja Curanović, University of Warsaw
  • Marta Jaroszewicz, University of Warsaw
  • Support: Marta Pachocka, University of Warsaw

Speakers:

  • Henryka Mościcka-Dendys, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Poland)
  • Wasyl Bodnar, Ambassador of Ukraine to Poland
  • Jolanta Szymańska, Polish Institute of International Affairs
  • Laure Delcour, La Sorbonne University
  • Alar Streimann, University of Tartu

This session explored the challenges and opportunities of the EU’s enlargement and neighbourhood policies against a backdrop of geopolitical volatility and the war in Ukraine. Experts from foreign affairs, policy institutes, academia, and diplomacy discussed the transformative potential of enlargement for peace, prosperity, and security. The debate addressed obstacles such as “enlargement fatigue”, uneven public support, demanding accession criteria, and risks from external threats like Russian aggression.

Speakers stressed the need for parallel internal EU reforms, democratization, and honest public debate about mutual benefits. Candidate countries were encouraged to view the process as both a geopolitical necessity and a vehicle for long-term modernization. The importance of strategic communication, regional partnerships, and sustained rule-of-law efforts was underlined as critical for future EU enlargement success. The session closed with calls for reinvigorated, inclusive enlargement instruments and participatory processes to secure a stable, united, and democratic Europe.

Session IV: Democratic backsliding
Thursday, 5 June 2025 | 09:00 – 10:30

Chair:

  • Renata Włoch, Univeristy of Warsaw/DELab UW/Faculty of Sociology

Speakers:

  • Zofia Dzik, Humanites Institute
  • Wolfgang Schulz, Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society
  • Mina Stareva, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission
  • Anna Timofiejczuk, Silesian University of Technology / Poland in Silicon Valley

This session examined Europe’s response to rapid technological change, focusing on the interplay between identity, governance, and human agency in the digital era. Speakers – representing academia, policy, and civil society – debated whether the EU can lead with a normative approach to digital transformation while facing implementation gaps and fragmented governance. The importance of bridging social sciences and humanities with STEM disciplines was emphasized as essential for shaping long-term, value-driven technology policy.

Participants called for anticipatory and experimental governance – moving beyond reactive regulation to proactive, ethical innovation guided by democratic values. Regional representation, particularly from Central and Eastern Europe, was highlighted as vital for co-authoring Europe’s digital future. The session concluded that human agency and inclusive education should be central to EU strategies, and that ethical oversight, civic engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration are key to ensuring technology serves collective societal ends.

Session V: Green transformations
Thursday, 5 June 2025 | 10:45 – 12:15

This panel will focus on the challenges and opportunities of the transition to a sustainable and equitable energy system in Europe, particularly in Poland and Central and Eastern European countries. The session will explore the socio-economic implications of energy accessibility and the transition from fossil fuel industries to green jobs.

Session VI: EU in the age of technological revolutions
Thursday, 5 June 2025 | 13:15 – 14:45

This panel will focus on the key challenges and opportunities facing Europe in the context of global technological competition and digital transformation. We aim to explore the EU’s position in the technology race, its strategies for fostering innovation, and the broader socio-economic implications of technological change.

Session VII: European Research Area potential in the Social Sciences & Humanities
Thursday, 5 June 2025 | 15:00 – 16:30

The panel on digital transformation is part of the cross-European CHANSE (Collaboration of Humanities and Social Sciences in Europe) programme, which explores Europe’s role in digital platforms and their impact on human and planetary well-being. Bringing together stakeholders from industry, government, academia, social services, and workers’ unions, it examines concepts like universality, ‘public good’, equality, and sovereignty in digital infrastructure development. The discussion will highlight the lived experiences of those affected by algorithmic systems and platform economies. It will also address the complex roles of regulators, businesses, and other actors in shaping digital development.

Navigating opportunities and challenges: Early Career Researchers in transnational projects
Friday, 6 June 2025 | 10:00 – 11:30

Early Career Researchers involved in transnational projects embrace the opportunities of building their research networks and exploring diverse research environments, while also encountering challenges specific to their career stage. This session will delve into key issues including research topic selection, career trajectories, job security and access to funding. Through discussion and exchange of experiences, speakers will share their perspectives on both the challenges and opportunities shaping their academic careers, as well as the role of mentors, host institutions, and funding agencies.