Italy and Germany Unite for European Dialogue with Historic Agreement
Luiss and ESMT Berlin foster academic and cultural cooperation
December 18th, 2024
On December 9, 2024, a landmark step in cultural and academic diplomacy was taken with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Italy’s Università Luiss Guido Carli and Germany’s European School of Technology and Management (ESMT Berlin). Held at the Italian Embassy in Berlin, the agreement establishes the foundation for the “Italian-German Dialogues for Europe,” a collaborative initiative to strengthen ties between the two founding nations of the European Union.
The MoU was signed by Paolo Boccardelli, Rector of Luiss, and Jörg Rocholl, President of ESMT Berlin, in the presence of high-level dignitaries, including Ambassador Catalina Cullas of the German Foreign Office and Minister Plenipotentiary Alessandro Gaudiano of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The initiative, supported by both embassies, Confindustria, and the German Industrial Federation (BDI), aims to promote cross-sector dialogue, encompassing academia, business, and civil society, with a particular focus on empowering younger generations to navigate and shape Europe’s future.
Following the signing, a panel discussion titled “Italy, Germany, and the EU Facing the Challenges Ahead” featured insights from prominent figures such as Professor Paola Severino, President of Luiss School of Law, and Professor Lars-Hendrik Röller, Director of Berlin Global Dialogues. Moderated by Gordon Repinski of Politico, the discussion addressed key issues in European cooperation, from geopolitical shifts to technological transformations. Ambassador Armando Varricchio emphasized that this partnership aligns with the goals of the Italian-German Action Plan, signed by President Giorgia Meloni and Chancellor Olaf Scholz, further strengthening bilateral relations, and fostering unity within the EU.
This partnership highlights the role of education and culture in bridging national differences and fostering a cohesive European identity. With alternating annual forums in Rome and Berlin, the Italian-German Dialogues for Europe promise to be a platform for innovative ideas, collaborative solutions, and a unified vision for Europe’s next generation.
