Europe between War and Peace

Paneuropa Italia organised a conference entitled “Europe between War and Peace” on 18 November 2025 at Villa Russiz, in Gorizia, the European Capital of Culture 2025.

The President of Paneuropa Italia and member of the Presidency of the International Pan-European Union, Gianna Di Danieli, opened the conference and spoke about the occasion, which was organised as part of the celebrations in Gorizia as the European Capital of Culture. She drew attention to the terrible and numerous wars that afflict us and threaten to destroy the foundations of democracy and the survival of future generations.

The Vice-President of Paneuropa Italia, Marcello Fracanzani, spoke about the Europe of Rights and the Church of Peace. He highlighted in particular the risk of losing the identity of the Old Continent.

Professor Giulio M. Chiodi talked about the myth of peace that never walks alone.

In her address, Professor Marina Bressan discussed education for peace and mutual understanding in multicultural contexts, referring in particular to the experience of the Habsburgs.

In the closing address, the President of the International Pan-European Union, Pavo Barišić, emphasised that today, as the global order shudders and the temptations of power politics return, Europe stands before a decisive choice. It can retreat into fear, or it can uphold the dignity of a continent built on law, freedom and human rights. He expressed his confidence that a united Europe will rise to this responsibility and prove itself once more worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize it bears. For the European idea is, at heart, a moral idea: that peace is possible when people treat one another not as instruments but as ends in themselves.

Programme (EN) (PDF)