Rector Paolo Boccardelli and the Director of the European School of Technology and Management in Berlin (ESMT), Jörg Rocholl, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that marks the start of a new phase of academic and institutional collaboration. The agreement marks the beginning of the “Italian-German Dialogues for Europe,” an initiative aimed at strengthening relations between Italy and Germany through dialogue among universities, business, culture, and civil society.

An alliance for the Europe of the future

The event, supported by the Italian and German Embassies, Confindustria, and the Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie (BDI), aims to build a cultural and academic bridge between the two countries. The project will particularly engage the younger generation, preparing young people to shape Europe’s future with a focus on cohesion and innovation.
 

Panel discussion on European challenges

Following the signing of the Memorandum, the panel “Italy, Germany and the E.U. facing the challenges ahead” was held, moderated by Politico journalist Gordon Repinski. Speakers included Paola Severino, President of the Luiss School of Law; Lars-Hendrik Röller, founder of ESMT’s Berlin Global Dialogues; Stefan Pan, Confindustria’s Vice President for the EU; and Tanja Gönner, Director General of the BDI.

Ambassador Armando Varricchio underscored the initiative’s importance within the framework of the Italian-German Action Plan, signed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Chancellor Olaf Scholz. He also emphasized how this collaboration strengthens the ties between Italy and Germany at a crucial time for Europe.
 

Institutional statements

Rector Paolo Boccardelli commented: “By signing the Memorandum of Understanding with a leading academic institution like ESMT Berlin and launching the ‘Italian-German Dialogues for Europe,’ Luiss University is reinforcing its commitment to fostering cooperation among the founding countries of the EU, which are called upon to lead a phase of profound geopolitical, socio-economic, and technological transformation.”

Professor Paola Severino, President of the Luiss School of Law, added: “Building on a path our university has long been following, this initiative places education and culture at the heart of a shared project to build a united and cohesive European future. A project that places a special focus on young people, who will be the key drivers of this change.”

Through this initiative, Luiss and ESMT reaffirm their roles as key players in building a more cohesive Europe, one capable of resolutely addressing geopolitical, economic, and technological transformations.