Mathias Corvinus Collegium
Due to its close ties to Viktor Orbán's government, its critics describe MCC as a "breeding ground for future Fidesz-friendly elites.
The aim of their initiative was to support highly talented young people committed to the prosperity of our country and provide them with complementary training which is not possible within the traditional school system due to a lack of time and resources.
In these years, new education programs for young women leaders and the Roma youth were also launched while psychology was added to the curriculum for university students.
[17] The initial location, the former Workers' Militia headquarters on Budapest's Gellért Hill, was gradually expanded to include Balassi Institute's premises.
[18] In 2023, Mathias Corvinus Collegium had 15 locations in Hungary: Budapest, Győr, Szombathely, Zalaegerszeg, Veszprém, Székesfehérvár, Szekszárd, Pécs, Kecskemét, Szeged, Békéscsaba, Szolnok, Miskolc, Nyíregyháza and Debrecen.
They aim to establish talent development activities in these emblematic buildings as soon as possible in order to revitalize these sites that once were centers of the local community life.
[21][22][23][24][25][26] MCC opened a center in Brussels in November 2022, dedicated to facilitating policy deliberation and in-depth exploration of contemporary issues.
The center offers a platform for intellectuals and experts to debate and assess the conceptual and normative status of European policy making.
The Budapest Lectures series offers a platform for intellectuals to delve into contemporary topics spanning international politics, economy, culture, and other pertinent issues that are currently preoccupying the minds of thought leaders.
The series features internationally acclaimed experts who are exceptional in their respective fields and are frequently involved in shaping public, social, and business relations across the globe.
In 2022 MCC organized two Budapest Summits, in February the event was focusing on the education in shaping young people's self-awareness, thinking, and identity, while in September the main question was the economic consequences of the war.
The program's objective is to provide students with an understanding of Hungary's day-to-day relationships with other nations, familiarize them with partner countries' characteristics, and introduce them to the daily work, challenges, and experiences of ambassadors and heads of mission.
[31] The bi-weekly Lunch Talks feature a presentation by a member of the academic staff or a visiting fellow from abroad on their latest research findings.
The program's primary objective is to establish a forum for MCC students and academic staff to share their research outcomes and engage in informal discussions.
[34] Director General Zoltán Szalai said in a 2020 interview that MCC is ideologically independent, but not value-neutral: it aims to equip the next generation of Hungarians with the necessary skills to represent the country confidently in a global competition.
The institution supports young people committed to their country, willing to contribute to their communities, and who feel responsible for their compatriots and environment, helping them to unlock their potential and thrive.
