3rd Thematic Programme: The Great Themes of the Union

The thematic programme on “The Great Themes of the Union” hosted researchers, academics, experts and political and cultural personalities of national and international reputation who had, or are still having, a significant role in fundamental sectors of the European construction. Seen the important political and economic challenges that the European integration process has to face at present, in each programme some of the most interesting issues related the activities of the Union that are the most problematic ones and have to be solved in next year were analysed. In particular:

Franco Frattini, former Italian Foreign Minister and at present Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the European Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, dealt with the issue of the difficult construction of European area of freedom, security and justice in the light of the international threats launched by phenomena such as terrorism and organised crime.

Beniamino Caravita, Professor of Public Law, who dealt with European citizenship and the protection of the fundamental rights, whereas Filippo Maria Pandolfi, former Vice-President fo the European Commission analysed questions regarding foreign, security and defence policy and the transatlantic relations and the role of the EU.

Mario Monti, President of “Bocconi” University of Milan (Italy), former European Commissioner for the Internal Market from 1995 al 1999, and then for Competition policy from 1999 to 2004, illustrated the Economic and Monetary Union and the Coordination of the Economic Policies, and also the single currency, the role of the Central Bank and the competition policy.