The 2025-2026 Academic Year has begun

On Thursday, December 11, 2025, the opening ceremony for the 2025–2026 academic year took place in the Mario Arcelli Aula Magna on the Viale Pola campus. The event was attended by Giovanni Amoroso, President of the Constitutional Court, and Carlo Messina, Managing Director and CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo. 

The ceremony focused on the theme of Europe and the challenges Italy faces in a rapidly changing global context. A dialogue that intertwined legal and economic perspectives, underscoring the university’s international vocation.

In his opening address, Rector Paolo Boccardelli underscored the responsibility universities bear in shaping the Europe of the future. He emphasized that the industrial and technological transition, demographic shifts, and geopolitical tensions call for new visions and new skills. In this context, Luiss “is called upon to take action with vision, responsibility, and a spirit of service to the country and to Europe.” His report also outlined the key areas that will strengthen the University’s strategy: from creating a new knowledge architecture—with updated educational models, new skills, and a central role for artificial intelligence—to fostering a new Italian and European industrial Renaissance in partnership with the manufacturing sector. 
Luiss will also strengthen its international reach through new, structured academic alliances and a more impactful presence in key European issues, establishing itself as a permanent think tank capable of interpreting change and offering tangible contributions to decision-makers, companies, institutions, and society.

On the legal and institutional front, the President of the Constitutional Court, Giovanni Amoroso, highlighted the evolution of the relationship between the Constitution and the European Union, as well as the Court’s role within the current EU legal framework: “The new direction of constitutional jurisprudence allows for the admissibility of questions of constitutional legitimacy raised by citing violations of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union or of European law, whether primary or secondary, as interposed parameters, potentially in conjunction with domestic parameters. This allows the Constitutional Court to be the “first port of call” for a common court when it raises a question of constitutionality. The complementary nature of the various judicial remedies allows for the creation of different alternative and possible procedural paths. These enhance the dialogue with the Court of Justice of the European Union and foster the development of an integrated constitutional nomophilia through the osmosis of both national (direct) and European (indirect) parameters.”

Carlo Messina, Managing Director and CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo, outlined an international economic framework, highlighting the opportunities presented by the new European structure: “Italy and Europe are facing crucial challenges. We may be experiencing a turning point that brings a more solid growth perspective back to the forefront, one based on shared debt and market integration. Our country can rely on political stability, careful management of public finances—recognized internationally—and a diversified, dynamic manufacturing sector. Savings and investment capacity remain significant strengths, bolstered by a robust banking system. But it's our human capital that truly makes the difference: talent, creativity, and the ability to adapt. Young people must be heard and supported in their aspirations: their energy and intelligence are the key to our country's long-term growth.”
An invitation to support talent, creativity, and adaptability as drivers for Italy’s long-term growth.
 

Luiss President Giorgio Fossa brought the ceremony to a close, emphasizing: “From the world of institutions, businesses, and higher education represented here today, a clear message emerges: one of commitment and confidence in Europe’s future. I am certain that this message will also resonate with the 12,000 students who fill our classrooms every day and who will lead the way in driving change. As a university, our task is to provide them with the tools and values to make this happen, so that education isn't just about transferring skills, but about preparing them for the world. And it is precisely through collaboration among the productive, institutional, and university sectors that a solid alliance can emerge, capable of transforming knowledge into vision and vision into progress.” 

The Rector's Report and Speech are available for download below: