Students of the University of Public Service (NKE) were awarded certificates of recognition on June 18 for their contributions as liaison officers during Hungary’s rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union last year.
At a ceremony held in the university’s St. Ladislaus Chapel, Dean Dr. Réka Varga (Faculty of Political Science and International Studies) highlighted the significance of the students’ roles in shaping international perceptions of Hungary. Over 100 Hungarian university students — many from NKE — served as liaisons for incoming EU delegations.
“These young professionals represented the country with competence, adaptability, and integrity,” said Dr. Varga. “Their involvement improved their cross-cultural communication skills and gave them experience that will shape their professional lives.”
The students received intensive preparatory training on diplomatic protocol and international communication. Deputy Dean Dr. Tamás Méhes and trainer Viktória Pató were also acknowledged for coordinating the program.
Boglárka Bólya, ministerial commissioner, described the initiative as a “collective success story” involving over a thousand officials in both Budapest and Brussels. She urged students to see themselves as ambassadors and commended their performance as “exemplary.” Bólya emphasized the program’s hands-on training goals and its expansion beyond the capital to universities nationwide.
Ambassador Iván Medveczky closed the event with a literary reflection from Hungarian author Sándor Márai, likening the role of diplomats and young professionals to guardians of values. He encouraged NKE to continue educating the next generation of “guardians,” and students to pursue their careers with the same sense of purpose and responsibility.
The university’s leadership expressed hope that these students — equipped with international experience and a commitment to service — will play key roles in Hungary’s future diplomatic efforts, including the next EU presidency.
Source: University of Public Service
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