The 41st edition of Forum Europa Karpat, an international conference took place in Przemyśl, Poland, between 22 and 24 March 2026. Themed “The Carpathians - Mountains that Connect Friends”, the event provided a platform for dialogue on political, economic, and cultural cooperation, as well as the future development of Central and Eastern Europe.
Ludovika University of Public Service was represented by Director General for International Affairs Liliana Śmiech, along with PhD students Ákos Holányi and Anna Taraczközi. Liliana Śmiech contributed as a panelist to the discussion on the “Visegrad Group as a format of cooperation within the European Union”, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities of regional collaboration. Meanwhile, the university’s doctoral students actively participated in the panel titled “Youth Debate on Central Europe”, where they shared perspectives on Hungary’s role in the region and engaged in forward-looking discussions on the challenges facing the next generation.
The conference agenda covered a wide range of pressing topics, including European sovereignty, economic cooperation, infrastructure development, environmental protection in the Carpathians, and emerging technological and security challenges. A particularly memorable highlight was the celebration of Polish–Hungarian Friendship Day on 23 of March, marked by the ceremonial welcome of the Presidents of Poland and Hungary and a gala event emphasizing the enduring historical ties and shared future of the two nations.
Beyond the formal sessions, the event offered valuable opportunities for networking and professional exchange.