The celebrations may be over, but the story continues. From 7–9 May 2026, the EUI marked its 50th anniversary with a vibrant programme, bringing together members of the EUI community and beyond. Catch up on the highlights and key moments, and reflections from the anniversary events.
At the centre of the EUI’s three-day anniversary celebrations was ‘EUIdeas – The Power of Knowledge.’ The new flagship festival held on 8 May 2026 at the Badia Fiesolana explored how universities can strengthen democracy, public dialogue, and social cohesion in times of uncertainty. Bringing together academics, policymakers, civic leaders, students, alumni, and the public, the event presented knowledge not as something confined to academia, but as a shared European resource capable of addressing challenges such as geopolitical instability, technological change, migration, climate governance, and threats to academic freedom.[CA1] Through keynote speeches, debates, workshops, and interactive public events, speakers including Síofra O’Leary and Joseph H. H. Weiler highlighted the importance of universities as spaces for reasoned democratic debate and civic responsibility. The festival concluded with reflections from EUI researchers and a symbolic time capsule, reinforcing the role of younger generations in shaping Europe’s future through education, research, and imagination.
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The anniversary celebrations began on 7 May 2026 with an opening ceremony bringing together distinguished guests, National and European authorities, past and current members of the EUI community, and the Florentine public.
During the event, held at Teatro del Maggio Fiorentino, leading European voices reflected on the challenges and opportunities shaping Europe today.
The ceremony also saw the launch of the new EUI ‘Reimagining Europe Award’, recognising members of the EUI community making a lasting impact across Europe. The inaugural 2026 laureate is Sabino Cassese, former Judge of the Italian Constitutional Court.
The Institute was additionally awarded the Romanian Order of Cultural Merit in recognition of its contribution to European research and education.
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OPEN transformed Palazzo Buontalenti into a dynamic public space where art and science meet. Inaugurated on the evening of 7 May with artistic performances that illuminated the courtyard, the interdisciplinary exhibition brought together installations, films, sound works, and participatory experiences by internationally renowned artists including Berlinde De Bruyckere, Agnieszka Polska, Eglė Budvytytė, Elena Mazzi, and Leone Contini. Curated by Sergio Risaliti and Stefania Rispoli, in collaboration with historian Johanna Gautier-Morin, OPEN invited visitors to reflect on the invisible systems that influence society . The exhibition will remain open until 12 October 2026 on Monday and Saturday afternoons.
On 8 May 2026, the EUI welcomed President Mattarella at Palazzo Buontalenti, home to the Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG), where the Institute trains future leaders. The visit marked a significant moment in the EUI’s anniversary year, celebrating five decades of academic excellence and research for Europe.
During his time at the Institute, President Mattarella toured Palazzo Buontalenti and the newly inaugurated spaces hosting OPEN, the anniversary exhibition exploring the relationship between art, science, and society.
A defining element of the celebrations was the participation of the EUI’s alumni community.
More than 200 former researchers, graduates, faculty, and staff members from over 40 countries returned to Florence to reconnect with the Institute and participate in discussions about Europe’s future.
The dedicated alumni engagement event on 7 May event was held at Palazzo Buontalenti.
The programme featured the EUI Alumni Association annual conference, titled ‘Geopolitics of knowledge in an increasingly polarised world’, where participants examined contemporary challenges in knowledge production amid geopolitical tension, democratic backsliding, and rising cultural polarisation.
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European ministers, institutional and academic leaders gathered in Florence to mark the EUI's 50th anniversary, launching the Florence Declaration and a Europe-wide debate on the role of universities in shaping Europe’s future.
Summit participants approved the 'Florence Declaration on Universities and Europe’s Future'.
In the afternoon of 9 May, the event Circolazione dei saperi – tra storia, scienza ed economia took place at the Museo Galileo in downtown Florence. Jointly organised by the EUI’s Economics Department, History Department, and Museo Galileo, it offered an engaging and thought-provoking discussion on the circulation of knowledge across disciplines and societies.
Moderated by the Head of the Economics Department Fabrizia Mealli and Museo Galileo Director Roberto Ferrari, the discussion explored knowledge as a dynamic force shaping historical, scientific, and economic processes.
Livestream event at Galileo museum
To mark the EUI's 50th anniversary, students from Liceo Artistico di Firenze created four mural proposals celebrating European values. One of these designs was selected and unveiled during the anniversary celebrations in Palazzo Buontalenti. The mural will later ve moved to a final public space in the city of Florence.
A video series celebrating 50 years of research excellence at the EUI. Each episode highlights what defines the EUI academic units and how their legacies are carried forward today.
Follow the series under #uniquelyEUI.
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Set in the Badia Fiesolana during the EUIdeas research festival, the Radio Cavolo Corner created a space for speakers, alumni, and researchers to exchange ideas, and explore the day’s themes through informal, unscripted conversations.