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The schools of political studies, supported by the Council of Europe, aim to train the next generation of political, economic, social and cultural leaders in the countries in transition. The schools organise seminars and conferences on such themes as European integration, democracy, human rights, the rule of law and globalisation in which national and international experts take part.

The first school of political studies was founded in Moscow in 1992. There are currently schools in Russia, Georgia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Kosovo/UNMIK, ''the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,'' Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Albania, Romania, Armenia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Montenegro. A school for Belarus has also been created.

6-10 July 2009, 4th Summer University focuses on global challenges to democracy 600 participants from schools of political studies in 16 European countries attended the Fourth Summer University for Democracy. In his opening speech Secretary General Terry Davis said that ''the only way to become a real political leader is by winning the support, the trust and the confidence and therefore the votes of the people you want to lead.'' (more ...) Programme Poster Presentation leaflet Speech by Terry Davis Speech by Danilo Türk Speech by Stjepan Mesic Photo gallery Video: Opening session Video: Closing session Final declaration

30 June-4 July 2008, Strasbourg, Summer University for Democracy ''Governance, power and democracy'' was a key topic of the Third Summer University for Democracy, organised by the Council of Europe. The event brought together more than 600 participants from schools of political studies in 16 European countries. (more ...) Synthesis of plenary sessions and conferences (Pdf) Evaluation report (Pdf)