Europe Between Memory and Disillusionment: A Conference at the University of Insubria on 2 November to Explore the Crisis of Confidence in the European Project

The European project is experiencing a period of growing distrust and disillusionment. Economic crises, geopolitical tensions, and social and cultural transformations in recent years have contributed to a growing sense of distance between citizens and the institutions of the European Union. What are the reasons behind this disillusionment? And what role can historical memory play in revitalising the European integration process?

These questions will be at the heart of the conference “Europe Between Memory and Disillusionment: Crisis of Confidence and Prospects for Revitalising the European Project”, scheduled for Monday, 2 November, at 2 PM in the Aula Magna of the Sant’Abbondio Cloister in Como. The event is organised as part of the activities of the Department of Law, Economics and Cultures and the PhD Programme in Law and Human Sciences at the University of Insubria, under the patronage of Villa Vigoni, the Italian-German Centre for European Dialogue.

The conference will offer a historical and legal perspective on the future of the European Union, based on the recognition that the integration process, launched in the aftermath of the tragedies of the Second World War, has served for more than seventy years as a fundamental instrument for ensuring peace, stability, cooperation and the protection of rights. This legacy now faces new challenges and growing public disaffection.

At the centre of the discussion will be the relationship between historical memory and Europe's future, reflecting the belief that understanding the events of the twentieth century is essential to appreciating the reasons behind the creation of a common European space. The conference will bring together scholars from different disciplines and countries to examine the causes of the crisis of confidence and explore possible ways to revitalise the European project.

The proceedings will open with institutional greetings from Giuseppe Colangelo, Director of the Department of Law, Economics and Cultures at the University of Insubria.

Speakers will include Julian Stefenelli from Villa Vigoni, the Italian-German Centre for European Dialogue; Martin Löhnig and Cordula Löhnig Scholz from the University of Regensburg, Germany; Martyna Laszewska-Hellriegel from the University of Zielona Góra, Poland; and Francesco Comina, journalist and writer. Representing the University of Insubria will be professors Corinna Pick, Andrea Spiriti and Gabriella Mangione.

Particular attention will be paid to younger generations and the role of education in fostering informed and engaged European citizenship. The conference will actively involve upper secondary school students, encouraging them to reflect on the importance of dialogue, cooperation and democratic coexistence.

The initiative forms part of the ongoing activities of Villa Vigoni, an institution committed to promoting dialogue between Italy and Germany and fostering a shared European memory. The conference will provide an opportunity to reconsider the meaning of European integration and the conditions needed to strengthen its future, drawing on knowledge of the past and dialogue between generations, cultures and different perspectives.