The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), in collaboration with the University Francisco de Vitoria (UFV) and the Institute for the Global Common Good (IBCG), successfully concluded the third edition of the European Summer School, held from 29 June to 3 July 2026 at the historic Oude Abdij Drongen, near Ghent, Belgium. Photo Gallery
Students of the 3rd edition of the European Summer School, Ghent, Belgium. (Photo: Francisco de Vitoria University)
Under the theme ‘Rebirth or Irrelevance: Europe’s Urgent Choice’, this year’s programme explored some of the most pressing challenges facing the European Union, including geopolitical developments, democratic resilience, demographic change and Europe’s role in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Throughout the week, participants from across Europe engaged with distinguished speakers from political, diplomatic, academic and ecclesial backgrounds. Among the keynote contributors were Herman Van Rompuy (former President of the European Council), Archbishop Bernardito Auza (Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union), Rocco Buttiglione (former Italian Minister and professor of political science), Frans van Daele (former diplomat).
COMECE advider José Luis Bazán at the 3rd edition of the European Summer School, Ghent, Belgium. (Photo: Francisco de Vitoria University)
COMECE also played a central role in the academic programme through the contribution of its adviser on migration and asylum, and freedom of religion outside the European Union, José Luis Bazán. He delivered a session entitled ‘Catholic Social Teaching, Hope and Integral Formation: A Call to Action for Change’, highlighting how Catholic Social Teaching can inspire and equip young people to become agents of positive change. The following day, he joined Peter Hefele and Matteo Rizzoli for the roundtable ‘Who will Europeans be tomorrow? Family, Demography and the Future of Europe’, examining the demographic and cultural trends that will shape the future of the continent.
The Summer School reflected COMECE’s conviction that the future of the European project depends not only on policies and effective institutions but also on the formation of a new generation of leaders guided by a commitment to human dignity, solidarity and the common good.
By bringing together participants from different countries, cultures and professional backgrounds, the Summer School aimed to empower young people with the knowledge, critical thinking skills and networks needed to respond confidently to today’s European and global challenges.
Preparations for the 2027 edition of the European Summer School are already under way. The dates will be announced in the coming months on the COMECE website and its social media platforms.