On 8 June 2012 a symposium was held with the title “Why Central Europe Matters” organised by Monash European and EU Centre and the Australian Institute of International Affairs Victoria at the Monash Conference Centre in Melbourne.

Dr Gosia Klatt, Melbourne University, Dr Patrick Kimunguyi, Monash University, Dr Stefan Auer, La Trobe University, and Prof. Leslie Holmes, Melbourne University were offering a perspective on Central Europe after transition. Relations between Central Europe and Australia were discussed by Mr Paul Myler, Europe Division – Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Mr Charles Kovess, Australia-Hungary Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Mr Steve Rank, Australian Trade Commission. H.E. Hynek Kmonicek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic, H.E. Anna Sikó, Ambassador of the Republic of Hungary, H.E. Andrzej Jaroszyński, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, and H.E. Eva Ponomarenkova, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic joined the symposium in explaining why Central Europe matters.