The Festival d’Europa first edition in Florence

The great of the United Europe meet in Tuscany’s capital city

Florence, 11 February 2011 – President of the Commission José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek, Antonio Tajani, Vice President of the European Commission, Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs Franco Frattini and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton are just some of the personalities who will participate in the Festival d’Europa first edition, planned for next May in Florence. The presentation of the initiative promoted by the European University Institute (EUI) takes place this morning in Palazzo Vecchio in the presence of Major Matteo Renzi. The highlight of the Festival d’Europa calendar will be the Conference “The State of the Union”, an international meeting that will have among its participants the great of the EU, several political authorities and experts in international politics. The conference purpose is to examine the European Community current events and the Union main policies. Appointment on the 9th and 10th of May in Palazzo Vecchio promoting Florence as the ideal place for international debates, bringing Europe and the Union values to Florence, converting the city into a workshop on European issues and opportunities. These are some of the purposes of the Festival d’Europa, an international event planned and promoted by the European University Institute (EUI). For the whole duration of the event, Florence will turn blue, the official colour of the EU. The confrontation on Europe will be on stage also in Florence places and historic buildings, with cultural events, educational and academic initiatives and socio-economic meetings. Piazza Europa, Notte Blu, Europe through cinema and the Competition on the future of Europe with the involvement of Florence schools will be among the most captivating appointments in the Festival calendar and will liven up the city streets, places, cultural centres, theatres and museums. The initiatives will give also the opportunity to celebrate the “Day of Europe” on the 9th of May. Florence is known for its art, culture and history. However, very few people know that a piece of Europe has been working in Florence for years. After an activity of 40 years, with this initiative, , the EUI places itself at the territory’s disposal. The Festival d’Europa wishes to promote the international profile of Florence. Moreover, with this first edition, Florence proposes itself to become a global communication laboratory for the transmission of European values. The event involves in the front line the main local institutions, such as the Region, the Province, the Municipality, the Regional Educational Board, the University of Florence and the Chamber of Commerce. The event is organized under the Distinguished Patronage of the President of the Republic of Italy and the aegis of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Organizing Committee: European University Institute, European Commission, European Parliament, Italian Government, Municipality of Florence, Province of Florence, Florence Chamber of Commerce, University of Florence, Agenzia LLP and YOUTH in ACTION.