Festival d'Europa - Florence, 6-9 May 2011
Everyone knows Florence for its art and culture. It is less well known for a minor but nevertheless significant aspect: Florence continuously reflects on the future of Europe.
The Tuscan capital is host to the European University Institute, the only academic institution founded by the members of the European Union, which provides an intellectual contribution to the process of European integration.
The EUI wishes to enhance this aspect by organising the “Festival of the Europe”, a biennial event which is structured along various lines:
1. A Conference on the State of the Union to discuss the main areas of competence of the European Union. For the 2011 edition it was decided to organise a conference of 2 days, the first of which will focus on institutional matters: Europe after Lisbon and its role in a globalised world. The second day will deal with economical issues; the Euro and Economic Global Governance in the morning session, and Growth, Employment and International Financial Stability in the afternoon.
The international conference will see the participation of the foremost European decision makers (commissioners, ministers of various European countries, journalists, academics). At this moment, the presence of José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, Jerzy Buzel, President of the European Parliament, Franco Frattini, Italian minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, Vice President of the European Commission, Catherine Ashton, High Commissioner for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Lorenzo Bini Smaghi of the European Central Bank has been confirmed.
2. Collateral events to promote the EU: exhibitions, stands and seminars on European matters Cultural and educational activities in the main squares of the city of Florence (Awards for students who excel in their commitment to European themes) The presence of students from both the University of Florence and EUI in debates on the European Union Exhibitions, shows, concerts and theatre plays which are inspired by the Festival dell’Europa Film exhibitions as “Notte Blu”, dedicated to the European Union, the launch in Italy of the EU programme “Youth on the move”.
...And guess who was invited as well? me with the Twins :)
they actually spoke after the EU commissioner (then talk about being VIPs....)
I congratulate you and your pupils for your enthusiasm about the idea of a United Europe. It's a pity that this is the only good piece of news worth celebrating I could find today, Europe's day. Thanks for keeping the fire alive with your contribution.
ReplyDeleteDear Laura,
ReplyDeleteHave you been at the Europe days in Florence? I was invited there by the Etwinning Unit(without refunding this time), but I could not go.
If you did, please tell us how it was.
Hugs
Mariella
Hi ladies,
ReplyDeletesorry, being late in my answer as I've had problems with posting comments on blogger... must say sometimes I just HATE technology, but I'm supposed to keep it a secret, of course :)
As for Elena's post, I must say I agree with it. Unfortunately, there are no good news for the EU lately. While celebrating with my pupils, I looked at them in their bright yellow T-Shirts "Made in Europe" and at their bright smiles... and I could just hope they will have (or make?) a better Europe to live in.
I'm so sorry you weren't there Mariella. I wrote an e-mail to you as well. Anyway, it was a series of great events and brilliant speakers. Too bad they were all at the same time !!!!! such a pity we had to choose! and by the way, I spent the whole day running after my pupils, so I didn't actually see that much :(
Hugs to you both
Laura