How did the EUI shape your academic voice and public engagement?
When I was at the EUI, we created a group called Engaged Academics, focused on civic engagement. We started in autumn 2017 and our idea was to try to bridge the expertise of the EUI researchers with the local civil society of Florence and surroundings. As Italians and Italian-speaking researchers at the Institute, we felt a desire to give something back to the communities of Florence, Fiesole and neighbour towns. We organised numerous public lectures and events around town—hosting sessions in cafés, bars, and local schools—to make our research more accessible to a broader public without specialist backgrounds.
What is one question your research was trying to answer?
One of the key questions I explored in my research was: Why are environmental organisations so determined to gain access to justice before the European Court of Justice and challenge the legality of EU environmental law?
This question emerged from my practical experience working with environmental NGOs and within the European Commission, where I saw how central this issue was to civil society—particularly in the field of environmental policy. It became clear to me that this was not just a technical legal matter, but a deeply political and societal one.
Today, this research feels even more relevant. Environmental organisations are more proactive and better equipped than ever to engage in litigation. As climate and environmental laws rapidly evolve, their legitimacy as well as the accessibility of the judicial protection system for the environment - with specific regard to the role played by NGOs - have become increasingly important.
What are some unique aspects of the EUI?
One truly unique aspect of the EUI, compared to other universities where I have studied or worked, is the opportunity to connect with people from completely different academic fields. I spent much of my time engaging with historians, economists, and political scientists—not just with fellow lawyers. That kind of interdisciplinary interaction was incredibly enriching for me.
What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before starting your PhD?
I remember struggling at the beginning, because I saw the PhD as a massive mountain to climb over four years. Looking back, one piece of advice I wish I had heard is: take it slowly. Focus on small, daily steps rather than the long and daunting journey ahead. That perspective would have helped me manage the experience more calmly and mindfully.
How would you describe your experience at the EUI in three words?
First of all, it was intellectually stimulating. The EUI is a true European intellectual hub, bringing together scholars and researchers from across Europe and beyond. Living in Florence and attending so many conferences and lectures allowed me to absorb a wealth of knowledge—some of which, I hope, has stayed with me.
It was also transformative. The person I was at the end of the PhD was not the same as the one who began it. That transformation was shaped by challenges, friendships, and the human experience of being part of such a diverse community.
And finally, it was fun. I met incredible, funny, and inspiring people. We made the most of our time together—playing music, doing sport, enjoying life in Florence, and connecting with the local community. It was a joyful and memorable chapter of my life, and I would highly recommend it to any future EUI researcher.
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The EUI Alumni Testimonials series offer a glimpse into the diverse paths and experiences of our alumni. Through their stories, we revisit meaningful moments from their time at the EUI and discover how these experiences continue to shape their personal and professional journeys.
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Disclaimer: All information reported in this article reflects solely the perspective of EUI alumni and former EUI members. In no case does this article represent the view of the organisations the interviewees are affiliated with.