Italy and France: rebuilding a future for the next generation in the context of COVID-19

“Tools to revitalize the Italian and French economies”

Youth, employment, sustainability, and the digital sector: these are the key drivers that Italy, France, and the European Union as a whole must focus on when shaping development policies to support the recovery. Four trajectories represent the “Tools to revitalize the Italian and French economies in the context of COVID-19,” as stated in the title of the webinar concluding the third digital edition of the Italo-French Dialogues for Europe. This initiative is strongly supported by Luiss Vice President Paola Severino and promoted by Luiss Guido Carli University and Sciences Po, in collaboration with The European House Ambrosetti.

This is a unique opportunity for high-level discussions among diplomats, economists, and business leaders from both countries. They will gather for the final event, which will be attended by, among others: European Commissioner for the Economy Paolo Gentiloni, Italian Minister of Economy and Finance Roberto Gualtieri, and French Minister of the Economy, Finance, and Economic Recovery Bruno Le Maire, Teresa Castaldo, Ambassador of the Italian Republic to France, and Christian Masset, Ambassador of the French Republic to Italy, Vincenzo Boccia, President of Luiss, Enrico Letta, Director of the Paris School of International Affairs at Sciences Po, Carlo Bonomi, President of Confindustria, and Viviane Chaine Ribeiro, President of the European and International Commission of MEDEF.

“The Italo-French Dialogues are a crucial initiative in building a European narrative to share with our students and with all Italian and French citizens,” states Luiss President Vincenzo Boccia, adding, “Today, more than ever, our countries need to speak a common language. It’s crucial to nurture this dialogue through our universities as well, serving as a cultural bridge and the embodiment of a new Europe. In this new era, education must be central to dispelling widespread anxiety and fostering a strong sense of community, thereby reactivating the social elevator that has been stalled for far too long.”

The meeting will discuss the tools needed to revitalize the Italian and French economies within a European context. Specifically, how the partnership between the two countries can foster a more sustainable, digital, and inclusive recovery in line with the European Commission's goals. In this context, the speeches by Minister Bruno Le Maire and the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to France, Teresa Castaldo, will be significant, as they will emphasize the joint actions of the two governments to support this journey.

“We must give young people the chance to contribute to the recovery of our economies by strengthening the partnership, within the European context, between two countries like Italy and France,” says Luiss Vice President Paola Severino , adding: “The pandemic represents a huge challenge, but it can also become a great opportunity.

For the first time, we have taken on a shared debt to achieve a common goal: to revitalize our economies and offer future generations a future of growth and sustainable development. Europe must become a source of inspiration for everyone, both politically and economically. Only then can we give shape and substance to a new European dream and face the challenges ahead with confidence and optimism, starting with the social and environmental issues.”

All participants in the Dialogues meeting series highlighted the economic and social strategies of the two countries, while also reiterating the need to innovate education systems to provide young people with new professional opportunities for their future. These are fundamental issues that also need support from the Italian presidency of the G20, which has just begun.

The Italo-French Dialogues for Europe also revealed how COVID-19 has impacted the expectations, dreams, ambitions, and future outlook of the next generation in both countries. In fact, the Ipsos research presented during one of the meetings highlighted the concerns of young Italians and French people regarding the health emergency, especially when it comes to their life plans, work, and income prospects. 

Finally, there was also time to consider the business perspective, shining a spotlight on the tools of the Next Generation EU and the New Green Deal, with a focus on building a more equitable and sustainable future.

See you next year for the fourth edition.