“The Soft Power of the Three Seas: Science and Diplomacy in Shaping the Future of the Region” was the theme of a panel organized by the Center for the Study of Diplomacy KUL during the Scientific Forum of the 6th Local Government Three Seas Congress. The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL) served as a strategic academic partner of the Congress, contributing to four expert panel discussions. An equally significant highlight of the event was the expansion of the Three Seas Universities Network, an initiative founded and coordinated by KUL.
Held in Lublin on 27-28 May 2026, the Three Seas Congress brought together representatives of regional and local governments, business leaders, academic institutions, strategic partners, and associated partners from Central and Eastern Europe to strengthen international cooperation across the region.
The Scientific Forum – A Key Element of the Three Seas Congress
As a strategic academic partner of the Congress, KUL was responsible for organizing the first day of the Scientific Forum – a platform for dialogue among scholars, experts, and practitioners on scientific diplomacy, healthcare, innovation, and international cooperation. The Forum provided an opportunity to discuss academic collaboration and the development of long-term partnerships among universities across the Three Seas region.
The Scientific Forum featured four panel discussions.
A panel bringing together university rectors and Poland’s Minister of Science and Higher Education explored the role of Three Seas universities in building a shared research community. The discussion was moderated by Professor Beata Piskorska, Vice-Rector for Students and Internationalization at KUL. Healthcare issues were addressed during the panel “Shared Responsibility for Health in the Three Seas Region,” moderated by Professor Łukasz Szarpak of the KUL Medical College. Another international panel focused on cooperation among Three Seas universities in advancing the quality of education and research and was chaired by Professor Ewa Domagała-Zyśk, Vice-Rector for Education at KUL.
The Center for the Study of Diplomacy KUL also organized the diplomatic panel.
“We invited ambassadors from the Three Seas Initiative countries to discuss how diplomacy and diplomatic institutions can contribute to strengthening the scientific and research potential of our countries and universities,” explained Professor Beata Piskorska, Vice-Rector at KUL and founder and head of the Center for the Study of Diplomacy KUL.
The panel “The Soft Power of the Three Seas: Science and Diplomacy in Shaping the Future of the Region” was moderated by Dr Monika Michaliszyn, former Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Latvia. The discussion featured Tomislav Vidošević, Ambassador of Croatia to Poland, Raimonds Jansons, Ambassador of Latvia to Poland, and Veljko Milonjić, Ambassador of Montenegro to Poland.
“Soft power is one of the essential instruments for building strength and resilience in our region,” said Dr Monika Michaliszyn. Referring to the words of Pope John Paul II, she recalled his vision of Europe “breathing with both lungs” – East and West – and emphasized his belief that Central and Eastern Europe could contribute its unique experience of solidarity, freedom, and resilience to the wider European community.
The panelists reflected on whether the Three Seas region possesses a distinct identity and cultural vision that it can offer the world.
“This region is incredibly attractive. It is home to more than 120 million people,” noted Ambassador Tomislav Vidošević, emphasizing the shared history and cultural heritage that unite the countries of the region. “We understand one another remarkably well,” he added.
Ambassador Raimonds Jansons highlighted the importance of the region’s soft power.
“Soft power is based on attraction, reputation, and the instruments we possess – culture, education, science, and language. But in our region, what makes it truly unique is that these elements are not only tools of attraction or branding; they are also instruments of strategic resilience.”
Ambassador Veljko Milonjić stressed the importance of common values and shared objectives. “Our goals are a stronger Europe and a stronger Three Seas Initiative.”
The Three Seas Universities Network Continues to Grow
Universities from Albania, Türkiye, and Spain officially joined the Three Seas Universities Network, an initiative conceived, established, and coordinated by The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin. The Network now brings together 22 universities, united by a commitment to academic cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the development of joint research and educational projects.
“Europe’s strength and security depend not only on strong armed forces and a dynamic economy, but above all on science,” emphasized Rev. Prof. Mirosław Kalinowski, Rector of KUL. “Research and higher education influence every other sector of society. For Europe’s security, cooperation among universities, the exchange of experience, and joint research are essential. I am delighted that we are expanding the community of universities engaged in the Three Seas Universities Network.”
The Three Seas Universities Network, developed by KUL since 2023, brings together universities from countries surrounding the Baltic, Black, and Adriatic Seas. Prior to the latest expansion, the Network included 19 universities from Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Hungary, Georgia, the Czech Republic, and Greece.
On 27 May, three additional institutions joined the Network: Mardin Artuklu University (Türkiye), Aleksandër Xhuvani University in Elbasan (Albania), Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera (Spain).
A recording of the Scientific Forum held during the 6th Local Government Three Seas Congress is available on the KUL YouTube channel.
