The school is an intensive programme of lectures, workshops and discussions on the relevance of international law to the challenges of contemporary conflicts. It brings together legal, historical and political experts and participants from Central and Eastern Europe.
The school takes place on 24-29 August 2025 in the Masurian Lake District in Poland.
PhD students, young academics and those actively involved in public life - analysts, journalists, activists and NGO workers - from Poland, EU countries and Central and Eastern Europe.
A very good active and passive knowledge of English is required - this is the official language of the school.
The programme is designed to combine theory and practice. Every day there are:
- lectures by recognised experts in international law, history and politics,
- case studies on real-life violations of international law,
- practical workshops, e.g. on argumentation and expert communication,
- panel discussions on the challenges of the contemporary international order,
- team-building activities (bicycle tours, canoeing, evening talks) to build lasting networks.
We place special emphasis on:
- development of argumentation skills,
- practical application of international law in policy analysis,
- critical thinking and working in an international environment.
The school will be taught by eminent specialists with extensive international experience, including:
- Prof. Władysław Czapliński - one of the most eminent Polish international lawyers, former ad hoc judge at the International Court of Justice in The Hague,
- Prof. John Packer - human rights expert, former advisor to the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Dr. Sławomir Sławomirski - a member of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. National Minorities,
- Dr. Sławomir Dębski - former director of the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM), author of numerous analyses on foreign policy,
- Prof. Ireneusz Kamiński - specialist in international law and human rights, long-time attorney before the European Court of Human Rights.
Applications take place via the form available on the website. Recruitment runs from 7 to 30 May.
The recruitment process is simple and transparent:
- the call for applications lasts from 7 to 30 May
- a committee evaluates the candidates on the basis of the submitted applications, taking into account their commitment to international affairs as well as their motivation to participate in the school
- selected candidates will be invited to participate in the programme on 9 June.
Participation in the school, accommodation, meals, transport from Warsaw to Lekuk and back and teaching materials are provided free of charge. In addition, participants from outside Poland will be reimbursed their transport costs up to EUR 300.
If you feel that the world today needs not only strength, but wisdom and principles - this school is for you. Participation is more than lectures: it is an intensive experience that will arm you with the knowledge, tools and courage to act in a world where international law is sometimes challenged.
Thanks to your participation:
- you will understand how international law works in practice - from the self-determination of nations to the protection of minorities and countering faits accomplis,
- you will meet eminent experts who not only know the theory but have a real impact on international politics,
- you will learn how to write analyses for decision-makers, how to argue in the world of politics, how to effectively communicate ideas based on facts and law,
- you will meet people like you - committed, thinking critically and looking for a space to develop.
- you will gain motivation and new insights - Łękuk in Lake District is not only a place for lectures, but also a place to meet and talk, to be inspired and to build networks that stay for years.
Don't let the politics of accomplished facts become the new norm. Join the ranks of people who not only understand the world - but also want to change it.
Yes, the Mieroszewski Centre has successfully organised international summer schools since 2016 and the average rating of the programmes is 4.9/5.
Yes. Every participant who attends the school will receive an official certificate of completion of the summer school issued by the Mieroszewski Centre.