The Conservative Summit brought together thought leaders and activists to discuss pressing challenges facing society today. With sessions ranging from education to geopolitics, the conference highlighted the importance of shared values, resilience, and proactive leadership in addressing the pressing issues of today.

Opening Remarks: Defending Tradition in a Changing World

The summit began with a poignant address from the Ladislav Hanus Institute, emphasizing the need to counter society's rejection of conservative values. The Fides & Ratio Foundation echoed this sentiment, stressing the international nature of conservative ideals and urging action in governance and education. A Catholic priest set a reflective tone for the day with a prayer honoring St. Martin.

Freedom, Security & Prosperity Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Mission of Conservatives in Domestic and European Politics

Former Slovak Minister Vladimir Palko delivered a powerful keynote, reflecting on 35 years of democracy post-Velvet Revolution. He critiqued the utopian promises of NATO expansion, the Green Deal, and LGBTQ ideologies, calling for a distinction between loyalty to Western values and allegiance to elite-driven narratives. Palko lamented the Christian community's alignment with liberal media and called for European conservatives to unite. A spirited Q&A followed, addressing strategies to make conservatism appealing, comparing European and American conservatism, and discussing the moral responsibilities of Christian politicians.

How to Make Europe Great Again?

Panelists, including historian David Engels and Slovak politician Richard Skripek, explored strategies for revitalizing Europe. Topics ranged from economic prudence to the pitfalls of polarization. Engels suggested building "parallel societies" as a foundation for broader conservative success. The discussion also touched on the influence of nationalism and the need for balanced leadership; MEP Ondrej Dostal urged rejecting labels and embracing nuanced alliances, as well as strengthening the economies of Europe through hard work and manufacturing, not speculation.

Building a Conservative Ecosystem

The importance of grassroots activism and institutional resilience dominated discussions on building a "parallel polis." Speakers like Marton Veisz of Fidesz emphasized the role of consistent, long-term efforts in Hungary's conservative resurgence. Zoltan Koskovics highlighted Hungary’s success in policies like immigration control and education reform.

Education and Formation: The Root of Politics

Christiaan Alting von Geusau and Zoltan Szalai underscored the transformative power of classical and Catholic education. Von Geusau advocated for deregulating education to allow churches to reclaim curricula, emphasizing the importance of cultivating thinkers rooted in timeless principles. He also said a healthy curricula will necessarily include students spending extensive time outside, observing the natural world. Szalai argued that conservative values are common sense ideas and that more high-quality research and materials need to be put out there from the Conservative side, to counteract the academic bend to the Left. Juraj Sust called for theological and philosophical grounding to foster robust conservative values. A lively Q&A addressed homeschooling and the role of education in a polarized world, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and mutual respect.

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A few panel discussions were held on topics with both a European and conservative implication. A discussion on the state of the healthcare system featured MEP Ondrej Dostál, MP Anna Záborská, MP Marek Krajčí, and health care expert Jana Ježíková. The panel addressed the challenges healthcare systems face today and in the future at both national and European levels: a shortage of medical personnel and experts, the vulnerable financial situation of hospitals, and the need for reform and coordination. The speakers asserted that the future demographic challenges will further intensify the pressure on healthcare systems across Europe. The discussion concluded with reflections on the regulatory responsibilities of member states and the coordinating role of the EU, along with the role of private actors such as health insurers in the managing of patient journeys and reducing waiting lists.

In the next round table discussion, ECPM board member and former Slovak minister of Labour, Social Affairs and Family, Milan Krajniak, shared his experience reforming the pension system for the benefit of families during his time as minister. He argued that policies which support families, enabling them to take care of themselves and their communities, should serve as a model Europe-wide.

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How to Spiritually uplift Europe?

In a session focused on spirituality, speakers grappled with modern society's moral relativism. Panelists shared personal journeys of faith and discussed the philosophical underpinnings of truth, drawing from figures like Tertullian and St. Augustine. They stressed the need for a return to natural law and the humanization of ideological opponents.

MP Anna Záborská reflected on the need to spiritually uplift Europe by drawing on its rich Christian heritage, which has shaped values like human dignity, justice, and the common good. Highlighting the courage of Christian leaders and witnesses throughout history, especially during times of persecution, she urged for a renewed commitment to truth and unity. “Courage in the search for truth,” she noted, “has been a mainstay for many Christians in the darkest chapters of our history.” This courage, rooted in faith, is essential to overcoming moral relativism and preserving Europe’s spiritual legacy for future generations.

Valeriu Ghiletchi, ECPM President, spoke about the rise in discrimination and marginalization of Christians in Europe, as evidenced in the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe (OIDAC) report. He mentioned the PACE resolution based on his report, Tackling Intolerance in Europe with a Special Focus on Christians, from 2015. These two documents clearly show the fast erosion of Christian values on which Europe was founded, which begs the question of what will anchor its future. "Our Europe is more than a union of nations; it is a shared heritage, a community bound by principles that emerged from Judeo-Christian values. These values shaped not only our culture but are also the bedrock of our laws, human rights, and democracy itself. The dignity of every human being, the family as a pillar of society, and the sanctity of life—these are not merely abstract ideas. They are the living principles that give us identity, continuity, and purpose", said Ghiletchi.

U.S. Elections: A Global Impact

The potential impact of the 2025 U.S. elections on Europe was a hot topic. Rod Dreher, Gladden Pappin and other panelists highlighted the polarized nature of American politics, predicting significant shifts in foreign policy and domestic governance depending on the outcome. The panel was unified in its opposition to the war in Ukraine, urging a pragmatic and human-centered approach to international relations.

Throughout the summit, the recurring themes of courage, unity, and long-term strategy resonated. From education to geopolitics, participants were urged to act decisively, uphold their values, and prepare for the ideological battles ahead.