The European University Institute welcomes French diplomat and statesman Dominique de Villepin.
Marking the fourth instalment of EUI Conversations, de Villepin will discuss his most recent book 'Le Pouvoir de dire non'. This essay, calling for a political and cultural awakening in France and beyond, urges citizens to reject illusions and partisan reflexes, and to reclaim dignity and purpose in domestic and global affairs. The work echoes his famous stance of principled refusal on the world stage and extends that idea to contemporary challenges facing democracy and society.
Speaker:
Dominique de Villepin played a prominent role in shaping France's European policy in the late 1990s and 2000s. As Minister of European Affairs, then Foreign Minister and Prime Minister, he was a strong advocate for a politically integrated and independent Europe, supporting EU enlargement, deeper institutional integration, and a common European voice in foreign and security policy.
Dominique de Villepin is known for his elegant oratory and independence from party structures. Internationally, his most enduring moment was his 2003 speech at the United Nations, where he opposed the Iraq War, symbolising a French commitment to multilateralism and international law. In recent years he has re-entered public debate from outside office, launching a new political movement and advocating for sovereignty, republican values, and renewed European leadership in a turbulent global context.
The Conversation will be guided by Nicolas Guilhot, Professor of Intellectual History at the EUI’s Department of History.
The EUI community and members of the public are warmly invited to join this EUI Conversation.
The event will be followed by a refreshment.
Please register at the below link if you wish to attend in presence.
In case you are unable to attend the event in presence, you will be able to follow the livestream on YouTube.
For any additional information please contact EUI.events@eui.eu.