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.

A brief history of the EUI

The European University Institute (EUI) welcomed its first 70 researchers in 1976. Over the past five decades, it has grown into a thriving community shaping Europe’s future through bold research, interdisciplinary teaching, and public engagement.

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.

Save the date 7-9 May 2026

7 May: 50th anniversary celebrations in the presence of the local, national and international authorities
7 May: Ministerial Summit on the future of higher education, with ministers of the 24 EUI Member States
8 May: New research and engagement event
9 May: Open day at the Historical Archives of the European Union

Associated events

11 December 2025

Alumni

Development and External Relations Service

EUI Alumni Chapter of Belgium

29 January 2026

Alumni

Development and External Relations Service

London Alumni Chapter Launch

10 March 2026

Special Event

Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies

Voices — The European Festival of Journalism and Media Freedom

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.

Over 50 years of the EUI's visual history now available online

The Historical Archives of the European Union has completed the selection, description and full digitization of the audiovisual collection of the European University Institute. The files may be accessed through the Archives’ online database and multimedia portal.

Do not miss the celebration

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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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