On 24 October, the Jagiellonian University was visited by the Ambassador of the French Republic to Poland Étienne de Montaigne de Poncins. He was received in Collegium Novum by JU Rector Prof. Jacek Popiel and JU Vice-Rector for International Relations Prof. Dorota Malec.
The meeting was also attended by the French Consul-General in Kraków Cédric Peltier, Councillor for Cultural Cooperation Audelin Chappuis and Pauline Rouchouze from the French Consulate General as well as Director of the JU Institute of French Studies Prof. Wacław Rapak.
Prof. Dorota Malec stressed that the Jagiellonian University has for many years cultivated strong relationships with French research and teaching institutions, collaborating within the framework of several dozen agreements on both university and faculty level as well as numerous international organisations such as the Coimbra Group, Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities, Utrecht Network and Una Europa (the last of which numbers Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne amongst its members). These close relationships have flourished mostly due to the efforts of three JU institutions: Institute of French Studies, School of French Law as well as Faculty of Chemistry, whose researchers have been actively working with their colleagues from France. This often resulted in joint publications.
Speaking of the upcoming announcement of the Goncourt Prize nominees, to be hosted at the Jagiellonian University on 25 October 2023 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Polish Choice award, Prof. Jacek Popiel stated that the event is a source of great pride for the JU academic community. Additionally, in a broader context, it serves as an important tool for promoting reading and promoting French literature and culture in Poland and around the world.
Étienne de Montaigne de Poncins spoke briefly about his experiences in Ukraine in the years 2019–2023, focusing mostly on the events that followed the Russian aggression of 24 February 2022. He expressed his admiration for Poles who have helped Ukrainian refugees since the first days of war. He also said that he greatly appreciates the long standing tradition of Polish-French research and academic cooperation, and in the coming years he will engage in efforts that aim to intensify it.
