Institutional Area

About a year after the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, Europe questions itself about its ongoing operations and future prospects. The new treaty was to improve the functioning of EU institutions by providing the tools to operate effectively at 27 or more Member States. With these tools, the EU should have encountered the challenges of globalization, with particular reference to the recent financial crisis.

In this regard, it is worth quoting a statement (dated 1954 but still valid!) by Jean Monnet, one of the founding fathers of a united Europe: "Our countries have become too small for today's world, when compared to the potential of modern technical means and in relation to the greatness of America and Russia today, China and India tomorrow. ".

The Festival of Europe will comprehend two days of meetings at the highest level to analyze the state of progress of these goals. The initiative was welcomed by the Community institutions; Commission President Barroso, President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek, Vice President of Commisisone Tajani and others will participate. Each working day will have a focus on a subject and will consist of two panel discussions and a "smart" formula, which provides rapid intervention and the use of multimedia. The meetings will be held at the Palazzo Vecchio.