Rector Paolo Boccardelli and Jörg Rocholl, Director of the European School of Technology and Management in Berlin (ESMT), signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking the beginning of a new phase of academic and institutional collaboration. This agreement serves as the foundation for the “Italian-German Dialogues for Europe”, an initiative designed to strengthen ties between Italy and Germany by fostering dialogue among academia, business, culture, and civil society.
An Alliance for the Future of Europe
The event, supported by the Italian and German Embassies, Confindustria, and the Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie (BDI), aims to build a cultural and academic bridge between the two countries. The initiative will particularly engage youth, equipping them to envision and shape Europe’s future with a focus on cohesion and innovation.
Panel on European Challenges
Following the signing of the Memorandum, the panel discussion “Italy, Germany, and the EU: Facing the Challenges Ahead” took place, moderated by Gordon Repinski, Politico journalist. The panel featured Paola Severino, President of the Luiss School of Law; Lars-Hendrik Röller, founder of ESMT’s Berlin Global Dialogues; Stefan Pan, Confindustria Vice President for the EU; and Tanja Gönner, Director General of BDI.
Ambassador Armando Varricchio highlighted the significance of the initiative within the framework of the German-Italian Action Plan, signed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Chancellor Olaf Scholz. He also highlighted how this collaboration reinforces ties between Italy and Germany at a pivotal moment for Europe.
Institutional Statements
Rector Paolo Boccardelli stated, “With the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding alongside an academic institution of excellence like ESMT Berlin and the launch of the ‘Italian-German Dialogues for Europe,’ Luiss University reaffirms its commitment to fostering cooperation between the founding nations of the EU. These countries are called to lead during a time of profound geopolitical, socio-economic, and technological transformation.”
Professor Paola Severino, President of the Luiss School of Law, added: “Building on a journey our University embarked on some time ago, this initiative places education and culture at the heart of a shared project to shape a united and cohesive European future. A project that focuses particularly on youth, who will be the main drivers of this change.”
Through this initiative, Luiss and ESMT reaffirm their roles as key players in shaping a more cohesive Europe, poised to tackle geopolitical, economic, and technological challenges.