From 13 to 17 April 2026, the sixth edition of EU Talks—Dialogues on the Future of Europe took place in Florence.
Led by the University of Florence, the conference brought together students from universities across Europe and beyond, including Italy, Croatia, Colombia, France, Germany, Turkey, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Netherlands, to discuss key issues concerning the European Union and its global role.
The programme was organised in two phases. Between January and March 2026, participants took part in a series of online roundtables coordinated by researchers and experts, working in thematic groups and exchanging perspectives across institutions.
The second phase in April 2026 was held in Florence as part of the International Week hosted by the School of Political Sciences of the University of Florence, enabling students to continue their discussions in person around three thematic areas:
• The Enlargement Process: Challenges and Prospects
• Ongoing Conflicts and the Role of the EU
• The Transformation of Transatlantic Relations
EU Talks was organised in cooperation with the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence at the University of Florence, EUROPE DIRECT Firenze, the European Documentation Centre of the European University Institute, Ponte Europa, and the Municipality of Florence.
We thank all participants, organisers and partner institutions for contributing to this year’s edition.
Final Debate at Palazzo Vecchio
EU Talks concluded with a final public event on 16 April 2026 at Palazzo Vecchio.
EU Commission Representative to Italy, Vito Borrelli, outlined the Commission’s current policy priorities and stressed the importance of young people’s input in today’s most pressing debates.
Borrelli’s insights set the stage for participants to present their own findings.
Student Presentations and Position Papers
During the final event at Palazzo Vecchio, the student groups presented reflections and proposals developed throughout the programme. Explore their presentations and position papers below to learn more their exchange of ideas and global perspectives during EU Talks!
The Enlargement Process: Challenges and Prospects
Ongoing Conflicts and the Role of the EU
Transformation of Transatlantic Relations
Highlights and Impressions from Florence
Beyond the formal sessions, participants had the opportunity to exchange perspectives during student and scholar roundtables, visits across Florence and informal networking opportunities. These activities created space for dialogue across institutions, disciplines and national contexts. Below you can find image and video impressions of the EU Talks experience in Florence.
