Mattarella to Europe: “It is increasingly necessary to courageously continue the process of integration”

ROME. The European Union, as in the post-war period, “is today once again facing global emergencies of epochal significance, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the dramatic consequences of climate change, uncontrolled migratory flows, the unjustifiable aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and its devastating humanitarian, geo-political and economic consequences. This was written by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, in a message sent to the Conference of the state of the Union organized in Fiesole by the European University Institute. Trials, he says, “which have offered and still require unity, solidarity and a joint effort to defend those values ​​that unite us and without which the Union would have no reason to exist: the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, democracy . Today, more than ever, it is necessary to continue the construction of Europe, with courage”.

In moments of greatest difficulty – recalls the Head of State – «renewal is essential and decisive. “Building Europe in times of uncertainty”, reads the theme chosen for today’s event, capturing the sense of the challenge. We can draw a lesson from history: Europe has shown that it knows how to face the most difficult challenges and crises, emerging stronger and more cohesive. The reasons for the European founding pact are more relevant than ever”.

The themes of the meeting in Florence
Among the issues addressed at the conference – discussed by representatives of the European Commission and of the governments of the member states, by members of the European Parliament, diplomats and academics of international renown – there are the war in Ukraine and its impact on the daily life of citizens, the fight against climate change, the transition to a green economy and social inclusion, the rule of law and the digital transition. Among the more than 150 speakers, the event sees the participation of Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Paolo Gentiloni, EU Commissioner for the Economy.

On the opening day at the Badia Fiesolana, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the European Commissioner for Financial Affairs, Mairead McGuinness, and the European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski will speak. Tomorrow, May 5, at Palazzo Vecchio, the debates will be opened together with the president of the European University Institute Renaud Dehousse by Eugenio Giani, president of the Tuscany Region, and Dario Nardella, mayor of Florence. This will be followed by the foreign ministers of Austria, Slovakia and Sweden, and the vice president of the ECB, Frank Elderson.