From 22 to 30 June 2026, another edition of the Summer School programme took place, organized through the cooperation of the Jesuit University Ignatianum in Kraków, the Faculty of History, Political Science and International Relations of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, and the Space of Hope initiative.

Twenty students of International Relations participated in the programme. The lectures were delivered by Ms. Krystyna Potapenko from Ignatianum and Fr. Norbert Frejek. Together, we discussed contemporary challenges in political science and international relations, examined the impact of both recent and more distant history on present-day Central and Eastern Europe, and explored how various manipulation techniques influence the way media messages are perceived. One of the lectures was also devoted to the presence of Christian Churches in Bukovina and their contribution to the cultural heritage of this part of Europe.

The programme also included an inspiring film series. Every afternoon we watched the television series Lead Children, which tells the story of a doctor in Upper Silesia struggling on two fronts: fighting childhood lead poisoning caused by emissions from a nearby smelter while confronting the state authorities attempting to conceal the true causes of the illnesses affecting many children.

On Saturday, we travelled to Bakota, where the Dniester River spreads across the surrounding landscape, creating breathtaking scenery. Afterwards, we visited the historic fortress in nearby Kamianets-Podilskyi.

On the final day, during the certificate ceremony, we were honoured by the presence of the Rector of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, Professor Ruslan Biloskurskyi, and the Dean of the Faculty of History, Political Science and International Relations, Professor Vasyl Karpo.

We sincerely thank everyone for their excellent cooperation and look forward with hope to its successful continuation.