People, ideas, spaces - 50 years shaping Europe

Join us 7-9 May 2026 in celebrating the EUI’s journey and shaping the next chapter together.

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Save the date 7-9 May 2026

7 May (morning): 50th anniversary opening ceremony in the presence of the local, national and international authorities | Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
7 May (afternoon): 'Universities for the future. Higher education and research in re-imagining Europe' - A closed-door Ministerial Summit on the future of higher education, with ministers of the 24 EUI Member States | Badia Fiesolana (EUI)
7 May (evening): 'OPEN' - Research meets art – Inaugural exhibition space | Palazzo Buontalenti (EUI)
8 May: 'EUIdeas: The Power of Knowledge' - New research and engagement event | Badia Fiesolana (EUI)
9 May: Open day at the Historical Archives of the European Union | Villa Salviati (EUI)

Discover the full programme

Celebration of the RSC Joint Sessions of Workshops

The EUI in time

The European University Institute (EUI) welcomed its first 70 researchers in 1976. From its beginnings to today, the EUI’s story is one of ideas, people, and spaces. Discover the the key moments, milestones, and transformations that have shaped the Institute over the decades. Scroll through the years to see how the institution has evolved, responded to change, and helped shape the world around it—right up to 2026.

Looking back and forward

This anniversary is a chance to celebrate the people, ideas and spaces that have made the EUI a pillar of European scholarship and dialogue. Looking back at our history and achievements, we will also look ahead, to continue creating public value and inspiring research and education, laying new foundations for the future of the social sciences and humanities, and our society. In the process, we will present the EUI’s new vision and strategy.

Associated events

10 March 2026

Special Event

Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies

Voices — The European Festival of Journalism and Media Freedom

10 March 2026

Workshop

Joint event

Universities for the future

14 April 2026

Course

Development and External Relations Service

The 2026 Florence Security Forum

Three researchers sit around a table covered with books in a library, in conversation, marking the History Department’s anniversary video.

History without borders: 50 years of studying the past in new ways at the EUI

As the EUI marks 50 years, the #uniquelyEUI series opens with the Department of History, where three scholars reflect together on research legacies, dialogue across generations, and what it means to study history without borders at the EUI.

Inauguration of the Václav Havel Room at the Florence STG

Honouring the legacy of democratic leadership and fostering a space for student engagement.

Viviane Reding at the EUI: How law and collective action drive gender equality

Viviane Reding, a leading figure in European politics, recently delivered the EUI's 2025 Ursula Hirschmann lecture on ‘Women in the EU: breaking barriers, building futures’.

The EUI launches first Alumni Chapter in Brussels

Coinciding with the announcement of the Institute's 50th anniversary celebrations, the EUI has officially launched its first Alumni Chapter, reinforcing its ties and exchange with alumni based in Brussels.

EUI 50th anniversary

Join us in celebrating the EUI’s journey and shaping the next chapter together.

Badia Fiesolana

Via dei Roccettini 9, 50014
San Domenico di Fiesole (FI)

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