“The Festival is a contribution to the Europe of tomorrow”. says Josep Borrell, President of the EUI and Former President of the EU Parliament

The Festival d’Europa represents an occasion for both Florence and Europe. The participation of many relevant representatives of the European scene confirms this. Their involvement transforms the event devised and coordinated by the EUI into an important appointment to approach Europe to citizens and to enhance the contribution of ideas that the European University Institute (EUI) can provide for the construction of the Europe of tomorrow.

This Festival is a partnership among various stakeholders. The EUI involved in the project the European Commission, the European Parliament and the main institutions of the territory: Municipality, Province, Tuscany Region, Chamber of Commerce and University of Florence. Each of them has played a specific role by organizing and financing relevant activities. Dozens of other cultural partners enrich the programme. Finally, our sponsors support made the event possible.

All the events will embody the European spirit, with no exceptions: from the most cultural to the most institutional ones. The objective is to lead to a discussion and to open to the exchange of ideas. In this sense, the EUI organizes a Conference on “The State of the Union” (Palazzo Vecchio, 9th-10th May) where politicians, scholars, journalists and representatives of the society will be allowed to meet in order to talk about the future of Europe. Palaces and squares in Florence will breathe the great European themes with attractive events that make up a programme full of original initiatives with a view on the European values. A great joint effort to bring relief to Europe just this moment when, more than ever, it is necessary to look to the future.

This event will turn Florence into one of the European Capitals for five days, a capital where also the future of Europe is analysed thanks to the presence and to the renewed cooperation between the EUI and the University of Florence.
Among the objectives of the Festival d’Europa, there is the increase in citizens’ awareness of the functioning of the European institutions. Since I have been President of the European Parliament, I know the importance of a better knowledge of Europe in order to ensure a stronger involvement of citizens in the EU decision-making processes.

Josep Borrell,
President of the European University Institute