Navigating Cultural Diversity: Communication on cultural awareness in the EU 2050

In an increasingly interconnected Europe, communication plays a decisive role in shaping how we understand one another. As cultural diversity grows and digital influences accelerate, the ability to communicate across cultures has become a key skill for the future of the European Union. This Blended Intensive Programme offers a unique opportunity to reflect, learn, and engage with these challenges while imagining what the EU could look like in 2050.

This Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) is jointly coordinated by Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave (IPCA), Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Technical University of Liberec (TUL) and takes place from April 29 to June 12, 2026, and includes an in-person week at IPCA in Barcelos, Portugal, from May 25 to 29, 2026. 

This programme explores how communication can shape social and cultural awareness in the European Union of the future, combining online collaboration with face-to-face intercultural engagement.

Focusing on the role of communication in fostering understanding, inclusion, and cooperation across Europe, the programme examines how communication can both bridge and challenge cultural differences in an increasingly diverse and globalised EU. Through interactive sessions, collaborative activities, and intercultural exchanges, participants develop essential skills to communicate effectively in multicultural environments, strengthen teamwork and community building, and deepen their understanding of European values and shared identities. The programme also addresses the impact of globalization on culture and highlights the importance of information literacy in the digital age, including the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and disinformation. By combining theoretical perspectives with practical experience, this Blended Intensive Programme equips participants with the tools to engage critically, communicate responsibly, and contribute positively to Europe’s social and cultural future.

This programme offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen intercultural communication skills, deepen cultural awareness, and engage with key societal challenges facing the European Union.