Second session of the Postgraduate Programme “Diplomacy and Foreign Service” at KUL

From 29 to 31 May 2026, the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin hosted the Second Meeting of the Postgraduate Programme “Diplomacy and Foreign Service”, organized by the KUL Center for the Study of Diplomacy.

Participants attended lectures and workshops led by experienced diplomats and experts in international relations.

Among the guest speakers were:

Dominik Borek, Director of the Tourism Department at the Ministry of Sport and Tourism,

ambassador Piotr Wilczek, former ambassador of Poland to the United States and the United Kingdom,

Michał Banasiak from the Polish Institute of Sports Diplomacy, and

ambassador Arkady Rzegocki, former ambassador of Poland to the United Kingdom.

The programme focused on

tourism and sports diplomacy,

digital diplomacy, historical and cultural diplomacy, as well as

public and open diplomacy.

The event provided participants with practical insights into contemporary foreign policy tools, the impact of new technologies on diplomacy, and the role of history, culture and sport in shaping a country’s international position.

Prof. Keith Lee, an American Expert, gives an Open Lecture at KUL

Wykład prof. Keitha E. Lee Jr na KUL

Prof. Keith E. Lee Jr, specialised at research on American political institutions and relations between the United States Congress and the President of the United States, gave an open lecture at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin on the 13th of May. He visited Lublin, as he had been invited by the KUL Center for the Study of Diplomacy.

During the lecture, prof. Lee discussed a current issue, which is the role of the United States Congress in shaping the foreign policy and security of the country. The lecture concerned the crisis of the Congress’ competences in the area of making decisions about the usage of military strength and gradual extending of the President’s power in the foreign policy.

– American democratic institutions are currently at the crossroads. Comprehending why the Congress has failed and what would be necessary to bring the democratic debate back are significant not only for the sake of understanding the American politics but also the future of democracy – said prof. Lee.

Prof. Keith E. Lee Jr na KUL
Prof. Keith E. Lee Jr na KUL

Prof. Keith E. Lee Jr. gave a talk about the following issues: “From the Constitution to Truth Social: How America Lost Control of Its War Powers” and “Congress at the Crossroads: War Powers and the Crisis of Congressional Authority”.

The visit of prof. Lee received positive feedback from the academic community of KUL.

Keith E. Lee Jr. is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the Valdosta State University where he gives lectures on the United States Congress, Southern Politics, and Public Management. Putting emphasis on analytical rigor and practical relevance, he guides current and future public managers through applied research and quantitative methods, as a part of the Master of Public Administration programme (MPA).

His research concentrates on American political institutions, Southern politics, and public management with a strong focus on public impact. Prof. Lee is an author of research papers, which have been published in peer-reviewed journals as well as they have been presented at professional conferences. Not only is he a co-author of a textbook on public policy but also he held a management position in the Georgia Political Science Association. Additionally, he consults with local governments and non-profit organisations, advocating for evidence-based decisions. His upcoming book “R for Public Managers” (Taylor & Francis) aims to make data analysis skills more accessible for students and practitioners in public service.

Currently, he serves on several dissertation committees, which is what reflects his academic development and constant involvement in education on the level of MA. Prof. Lee’s attitude towards teaching and mentorship bases on simplifying complex ideas and boosting intellectual confidence. Whether he gives lectures, conduct studies, or has casual conversations, he is always aware of his aim, i.e. helping people think more clearly, lead more confidently, and feel less lonely in the learning process.

Wykład prof. Keitha E. Lee Jr na KUL. Na zdjęciu prorektor KUL, prof. Beata Piskorska

Report from the meeting with the ambassadors of the Kingdom of Belgium in Poland and Ukraine

Belgium has been one of the most significant centres of the conference diplomacy for years. Decisions important for the entire region are made in European institutions and multiple international organisations. Even though the Kingdom of Belgium has its own business and attitude towards international events, the foreign policy of this country is based on virtues that bond the transatlantic community, i.e. solidarity, multilateralism, and respect for the international law.

On the 20th of April, at KUL, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, we hosted the ambassadors of the Kingdom of Belgium in Ukraine and Poland. JE Luca Jacobs and JE Rik Van Droogenbroeck started a discussion about “EU Unity in Times of Crisis. The Belgian Perspective on European Democracy”.

During the meeting, the diplomats focused on the role of Belgium in the face of contemporary crises affecting the European Union; in particular, the war in the Ukraine, geopolitical tension, and challenges concerning the energy and economic security. They highlighted that it is crucial to strengthen the international cooperation and defend democratic values, which are fundamental for the European community.

Over 100 applications for postgraduate studies

Over 100 applications for postgraduate studies “Diplomacy and Foreign Service” by The Center for the Study of Diplomacy KUL.

We thank you for all submitted applications! This year, your interest has exceeded our expectations – we have received almost 120 applications, which means that there were 3 times more candidates than we could admit.

We wish you good luck with the next stages of the recruitment process.

A new legal and diplomatic profile in III LO in Lublin

A new legal and diplomatic profile in III Liceum Ogólnokształcące im. Unii Lubelskiej w Lublinie

Today, in collaboration with the representatives of KUL Faculty of Law, Canon Law and Administration, we were promoting a new legal and diplomatic profile in III Liceum Ogólnokształcące im. Unii Lubelskiej w Lublinie.

With the agreement of March 16, 2026, the profile has been given the official patronage of the Center and KUL Faculty of Law, Canon Law and Administration. This will provide students with unique and professional preparation for studying at the university.

The meeting with the ambassadors of the Kingdom of Belgium in Poland and in the Ukraine

The meeting with the ambassadors of the Kingdom of Belgium in Poland and in the Ukraine, the 20th of April, 11:30, room C-102

The European Union’s unity in the face of contemporary challenges – how does Belgium perceive the role and meaning of the community in the complex, international reality?

We warmly invite you to take part in the meeting with the ambassadors of the Kingdom of Belgium in Poland and the Ukraine, i.e. Rik Van Droogenbroeck and Luc Jacobs. The meeting is taking place at KUL, on Monday, the 20th of April, at 11:30 in the room C-102.

What challenges does the European Union have to face currently? What do the perspectives of collaboration between the Ukraine, Poland, and Belgium look like? We are going to seek answers to these questions during the meeting, organised as a part of the University Diplomacy Forum.

The 2nd edition of the Diplomacy and Foreign Service postgraduate studies!

The Diplomacy and Foreign Service postgraduate studies

The recruitment process will last until the 19th of April!

Take part in the 2nd edition of the postgraduate studies organised by the Catholic University of Lublin, the Center for the Study of Diplomacy! Bet on the development under the supervision of professionals – experienced diplomats and experts in international relations.

The study programme involves lectures in the field of:
• diplomatic protocol and business etiquette
• diplomatic and consular law
• negotiation technique
• the evolution of contemporary diplomacy
• the priorities of Polish foreign policy

You will find the details of the recruitment process, deadlines, and organisation of lectures in the link.

Easter Wishes

This Easter, I wish you peace, joy, and mutual kindness. May the resurrection of Jesus Christ fulfil us with faith, calm, and delight over the beauty of revived life. May it give us strength to overcome difficulties and let us look ahead with hope!
Lublin, Easter, 2026

Beata Piskorska
Dr. Habil. Beata Piskorska, Prof. KUL
Vice-Rector for Students and Internationalisation

The international academic conference “Parliamentary Diplomacy in Theory and Practise”

On the 24th of March 2026, at the Catholic University of Croatia, the international academic conference “Parliamentary Diplomacy in Theory and Practise” was held. It was co-organised with the KUL Center for the Study of Diplomacy, as the Three Seas Initiative took place in Zagreb simultaneously.

The representatives of the KUL Center for the Study of Diplomacy took part in the conference, and they introduced the role of the Central European Parliaments from two miscellaneous perspectives:

• Prof. Beata Piskorska pointed at the contemporary significance of the Parliamentary Diplomacy. She highlighted its functioning as a necessary complement to the actions of the government in the globalised world, as it facilitates building mutual trust. However, she claimed that it demands taking a realistic approach because parliaments, as opposed to governments, do not have direct executive power.

• Dr. Michał Dworski shed light on the actions of parliamentarians, who had acted in favour of the Central European nations during the Cold War. He proved the significant role of parliamentary structures during emigration, which aimed to maintain the international visibility of the Central and Eastern European countries and their striving for full sovereignty.

We thank the co-organisers for their collaboration!
Faculty of Law, Catholic University of Croatia
Institute of Political Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences