At the end of last year, Palacký University was successful with a European Commission project. It will be the host organisation for the Europe Direct regional centre for the next five years. One of the twelve Czech branches of the European information network will be located in the university shop and information centre UPoint on Horní náměstí from January. The main objective of the project is to promote systematic communication and the popularisation of topics related to the EU and European values.
"Simply put, the university will use the Europe Direct branch to bring the functioning of the European Union closer to the public, provide understandable information, and create space for dialogue on current European topics. Part of the centre's activities is regular communication on social networks, where we clearly explain European topics and respond to current events," explains Adéla Gajdošíková, coordinator of the Olomouc branch.
Another essential task of Europe Direct is to organise educational and discussion events in cooperation with several partner organisations, as well as lectures by students and teachers from UP at primary and secondary schools. "In 2026, we want to focus primarily on the topics of information literacy and the fight against disinformation, as well as debunking myths related to sustainable development. After all, the topics of resilience and sustainability are also an integral part of the university's strategic plan," adds Matěj Dostálek, Vice-Rector for Communication and Social Responsibility, under whose division the project is being implemented.
Palacký University is currently the only university with a local Europe Direct branch. In other cities, centres operate in municipal libraries, Eurocentres or city halls, for example. "We would like to make the most of the university's personnel and know-how, which has been focusing on European issues for a long time. For students of political science, journalism, or European studies, this will be a great opportunity to gain practical experience. For our teachers, it will expand the possibilities for promoting their research," says Ondřej Martínek from the UP Marketing Office, one of the project's coordinators.