The Second Session of the 2026 Academy of Young Diplomats took place on January 23–24. It was held under the overarching theme of "Understanding the EU: Institutions, Decision-Making & External Action", bringing participants closer to the structures and mechanisms that shape European and international affairs.

The session started with an online study visit to Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. The day concluded with a Global Talks with by Arseniy Yatsenyuk – Ukrainian politician, economist, lawyer, and former Prime Minister of Ukraine (2014–2016) – moderated by Prof. Katarzyna Pisarska. Drawing on his experience as one of the leaders of the Revolution of Dignity, Mr. Yatsenyuk offered a compelling perspective on Ukraine's political trajectory and the broader challenges facing the region.

The second day, January 24, began with an Introduction to Leadership Development Groups, led by Prof. Katarzyna Pisarska, Founder and Chairwoman of the European Academy of Diplomacy. This was followed by two rounds of Specialisation Classes delivered by experienced academics and practitioners across three tracks:

International Organizations

• Peacekeeping Missions: The UN’s role in conflict resolution and International law - Dr. Vanessa Tinker
• European Union Introduction: Its structure, decision making and influence on global policy - Dr. Bartłomiej Nowak

International Security

• European Union Introduction: Its structure, decision making and influence on global policy - Dr. Bartłomiej Nowak
• Forecasting and political analysis: EU security and defence capabilities - Błazej Sajduk

Foreign Service

• Strategic Communication in Times of Crises pt. 1&2 - Dr. Miłosz Jeromin Cordes

The II AYD Session provided participants with a deeper understanding of the European Union's institutional framework, the role of international organisations in conflict resolution, and the strategic dimensions of communication in times of crisis – equipping them with essential knowledge and tools for their future careers in diplomacy and international affairs.

Following the II Session, the Academy of Young Diplomats hosted a Leadership Lecture on the topic of "Defence, and Human Rights in Times of Crisis: Lessons from Practice", featuring Kajsa Ollongren – a Dutch politician with an exceptional record of public service. She served in the Netherlands as Minister of Defence (2022–2024) and Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (2017–2022) in two consecutive cabinets, also holding the role of Deputy Prime Minister (2017–2022). Since August 2025, she has been serving as EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights. The lecture took place on Monday, February 2, 2026.