The agreement was signed by Pierre Gramegna, Managing Director of the ESM, and Armando Barucco, Secretary General of the EUI. It establishes a structured framework to deepen collaboration in academic research, policy development, executive education, and professional exchange.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to reinforce the link between economic policy practice and academic research. By combining the ESM’s experience in safeguarding financial stability in the euro area with the EUI’s expertise in policy-relevant social sciences and humanities, the two institutions aim to foster knowledge that informs and strengthens European policymaking.
The cooperation will promote joint policy-oriented laboratories and applied research initiatives, specialised training programmes, participation of ESM staff and sponsored candidates in the EUI Global Executive Master, and structured exchanges for students, researchers, and staff. It will also facilitate ongoing dialogue and reciprocal sharing of analytical tools, expertise, and best practices. Within this framework, the design and coordination of the joint policy laboratories will be led by the Florence School of Banking and Finance and the Florence School of Transnational Governance, which will steer dedicated initiatives focused on the Savings and Investments Union and on geofinance.
“This partnership with the EUI allows us to create genuine synergies by combining the ESM’s policy experience with the Institute’s academic excellence,” said Pierre Gramegna. “By working more closely together, we can strengthen our analytical foundations, foster new ideas, and offer our staff enhanced opportunities for learning and development. This cooperation will benefit both institutions and support better policy outcomes for Europe.”
EUI Secretary General Armando Barucco underlined the strategic relevance of the agreement for the Institute’s next phase of development:
“This partnership marks an important step in reinforcing the link between academic research and European policymaking. Over the 2026–2031 strategic period, the EUI aims to consolidate its role as a leading hub for policy-relevant research in Europe. Working with the ESM will enable us to translate cutting-edge scholarship into practical insights, while offering new opportunities for learning, exchange, and impact across our academic community.”
Managing Director Gramegna was in Florence for a series of engagements, including a conference and the inauguration of an exhibition dedicated to Pierre Werner, one of the architects of European monetary integration. The signing of the cooperation agreement with the EUI formed part of this broader visit, during which the Managing Director also referred to the ESM’s relationship with Italy, noting that he is in regular contact with Italy’s Minister for the Economy and Finance, Giancarlo Giorgetti, and that the ESM maintains a “continuous and constructive dialogue” with Italy. He added that discussions underway on defence and on the modernisation of the ESM are conducted with respect for the will of Italy’s Government and Parliament.
About the European Stability Mechanism (ESM)
The European Stability Mechanism is the intergovernmental financial institution of the euro area. Established in 2012, it provides financial assistance to euro area countries experiencing or threatened by severe financing problems, safeguarding financial stability across the euro area.
The ESM raises funds on international capital markets and works closely with European and international partners to design and monitor financial assistance programmes. Beyond its financial mandate, it contributes to policy analysis and dialogue on economic governance and stability in Europe.