Core Course

Warsaw

About this tour

In Warsaw you’ll gain a more nuanced understanding of the domestic and external challenges the European Union (EU) faces, and experience first-hand the inner working of political institutions you learn about in class. Warsaw, the capital city of Poland, is the largest metropolis in the eastern part of the European Union. It hosts international bodies like the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), the Representation of the European Commission and the European Parliament, and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

The uniqueness of Warsaw lies in its history, geographical location, and importance for current political developments within the EU and beyond. Completely destroyed during the Second World War and rebuilt during the communist times, the city is a living proof of the success of the post-Cold War democratic transition of Central Europe and the European integration. Since Poland borders Ukraine, one can see the practical dimension of the political machinery beyond EU’s support for this war-torn country.

By visiting various institutions, you’ll gain comprehensive knowledge of the ‘Unidentified Political Object’ known as the EU. Meeting with diplomats and politicians who work at the intersection of national, European, and global politics, you’ll have numerous opportunities to ask questions and discuss current issues with inside players.

Learning outcomes

  • Experience key challenges the European Union is facing on its eastern frontiers: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, hybrid threats coming from Belarus & Russia, strengthening EU’s autonomous defense capabilities
  • Learn about the difficulties behind achieving coherence across 27 EU Member States
  • Understand the civilizational progress Central and Eastern European states have achieved thanks to their EU membership, as opposed to their Eastern European and Balkan neighbors
  • See different perspectives on security across the Baltic Sea
  • Meet with international relations professionals both from EU institutions and Member States

Possible activities

  • Visit the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) headquarters
  • Tour the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland and the Embassy of Denmark in Warsaw
  • Meet with experts at the European Commission and European Parliament Representation Office
  • Visit Gaz-System, one of companies dealing with securing gas supplies to Poland and further west
  • Learn from the Casimir Pulaski Foundation