Rome, November 27, 2024 - Today, Luiss Guido Carli University and Sciences Po, in collaboration with The European House – Ambrosetti and the BNL - BNP Paribas Chair “Franco-Italian Relations for Europe,” celebrated the third anniversary of the Quirinal Treaty at the French Embassy in Italy, located in Palazzo Farnese.

Signed in Rome on November 26, 2021, the “Treaty on Enhanced Cooperation between the French Republic and the Italian Republic” aims to establish a stable framework for cooperation between the two countries across various sectors: from foreign and European affairs to security and defense, from migration policies to economic, industrial, and digital cooperation, and from space governance to education, research, and innovation. The Treaty mentions the Franco-Italian Dialogues for Europe, an academic initiative launched in 2018 by Luiss and Sciences Po in collaboration with The European House – Ambrosetti, as a positive example and model for promoting European citizenship. 

“At a time of rising geopolitical tensions, celebrating the anniversary of the Quirinal Treaty—an agreement that strengthens cooperation between Italy and France in promoting shared values of peace, freedom, respect for rights, and socio-economic development—takes on particular significance,” said Professor Paola Severino, President of the Luiss School of Law. “Luiss is at the forefront of shaping a new generation of informed and responsible European leaders, as evidenced by its promotion of the Franco-Italian Dialogues for Europe with Sciences Po. Initiatives like this underscore the vitality and importance of this shared journey.”

“The Quirinal Treaty is much more than a symbol. It’s a tool for real collaboration, not just for our two countries but for Europe, which remains our guiding star and where our interests align. In this regard, today’s event is highly significant: it aims precisely to bring together the vibrant forces of our countries to discuss a topic that is crucial for our shared future,” emphasized French Ambassador Martin Briens.

“Faced with the ecological, digital, and geopolitical ‘fractures’ of the contemporary world, university cooperation between France and Italy is an indispensable asset in Europe,” said Luis Vassy, Director of Sciences Po. “The Quirinal Treaty Dialogues are a testament to this ambition. I would like to thank our partners, Luiss and The European House - Ambrosetti, who are committed to this project alongside us. We share their values of excellence and their goal of educating informed citizens who will be the leaders of tomorrow’s world.”

During the event titled “The Quirinal Treaty and Business Competitiveness in the Age of Ecological Transition,” two working sessions were held, focusing on highly relevant topics: the energy transition and its impact on markets, and the skills and central role of the education system in vocational training. 

The meeting began with messages from the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, and the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron. This was followed by greetings from the French Ambassador to Italy, Martin Briens; the Italian Ambassador to France, Emanuela d'Alessandro; the President of Luiss, Luigi Gubitosi; and the Director of Sciences Po, Luis Vassy. The two roundtable discussions featured participants from academia and business, all deeply engaged in the fruitful dialogue between Italy and France in their respective fields: Stefano Buono, CEO of Newcleo; Marc Lazar, Professor Emeritus at Sciences Po and holder of the BNL-BNP Paribas Chair “Franco-Italian Relations in Europe” at Luiss; Stefano Manzocchi, Professor of International Economics and Vice-Rector for Research at Luiss; Lorenzo Mottura, Executive Vice President of Strategy, Corporate Development & Innovation at Edison; and Paola Severino, President of the Luiss School of Law. The event, which concluded with a speech by Luiss Rector Paolo Boccardelli, also featured representatives from the student bodies and alumni associations of both universities.