Join the Notes from Poland team in Kraków for an open discussion of Poland’s place in Europe in the lead-up to May’s vital EU elections.

Panellists:
– Stanley Bill, Director of the Polish Studies Programme at the University of Cambridge and co-editor of Notes from Poland
– Adam Reichardt, Editor-in-Chief of New Eastern Europe magazine
– Daniel Tilles, Editor-in-Chief of Notes from Poland and Assistant Professor of History at the Pedagogical University of Kraków
– Katarzyna Zielińska, Associate Professor at the Institute of Sociology of the Jagiellonian University

Poland has become an increasingly important European player, while also entering a series of conflicts with the EU authorities over the rule of law, refugee quotas and environmental protection.

It is also central to many of the questions defining current debates over the future of Europe: pursuing deeper integration or reemphasising national sovereignty; returning to ‘traditional values’ and Christian heritage or promoting a more liberal and secular vision; how to conduct and balance relations with Russia and the United States; dealing with the challenges of migrants attempting to reach Europe and those who have already arrived.

Yet despite Poland’s growing prominence, it remains poorly understood among western media and policy-makers, who often take a limited interest in the country’s domestic affairs and rely on stereotypes of an East-West divide. This hinders dialogue and reinforces a sense among some Poles that their concerns are not taken seriously enough.

These issues and challenges are ones that Notes from Poland – an independent, grassroots social-media venture – has sought to address by providing regular, reliable and informed reporting and analysis. As we prepare to expand our service, we invite you to join the NfP team to discuss some of the questions facing Poland and Europe.

The event will be conducted in English and a large proportion of the time will be devoted to audience-led discussion, with an opportunity to continue the conversation informally at the venue afterwards.