The XI European Congress of Self-Governments in Mikołajki brings together global leaders to address local responses to global challenges.
Global Participation and Impact
The XI European Congress of Self-Governments (EKS) will be held in Mikołajki on March 2-3, 2026. The 2025 edition featured numerous central administration representatives, including Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers of Defense, Digitalization, Family, Labor and Social Policy, and Science and Higher Education. The event is the largest international conference on self-government, with over 450 participants from 40 countries in the previous year.
The 2025 conference attracted a record 160 partners across companies, institutions, associations, and media. This broad representation enabled exceptional exchange of experiences between local government leaders, central administration, and business sectors, demonstrating self-governments as both foundational and key drivers of development amid global challenges.
Thematic Focus
This year’s Congress will address “Self-Government in Times of Uncertainty – Local Responses to Global Challenges.” Local authorities serve as the first line of response to global crises including climate change, migration, and economic instability, leveraging their proximity to communities to quickly identify needs and respond to emerging challenges.
Program Structure
The EKS program features over 250 events across eight thematic areas: Politics and Security, Sustainable Development, Regional Investments, Economy and Finance, Society, Health, Digital Self-Government, Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. Special events include more than 20 author meetings, providing comprehensive coverage of self-government issues.
Organization
The XI European Congress of Self-Governments is organized by the Foundation of the Institute for Eastern Studies, the same entity that runs the Economic Forum in Karpacz. The main partner is the Self-Government of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, with “Dziennik Gazeta Prawna” serving as a media partner.