What Does It Mean to Be European and Pan-European?
The fifth Summer University, organised by the PanEurope France, was held from 26 to 28 September 2025 at the Institute of Social Management of the Armed Forces (IGESA) “Casabianca” in Toulon.
Discussions through several round tables and workshops focused on the theme: “What does it mean to be European and Pan-European?” Topics included security, governance of the European Union, the visibility of EU institutions among citizens, and ongoing geopolitical changes.
The main organiser and chair of the event was Éric Campion, President of Pan-Europe France and Vice-President of the International Pan-European Union.
Among the keynote speakers were Pavo Barišić, President, and Alain Terrenoire, Honorary President of the International Pan-European Union.
In response to the question of what it means to be Pan-European, President Pavo Barišić stated:
“A Pan-European is someone who, guided by a conviction in European identity, promotes Europe as an idea and cultivates its values as a high civilising mission.
Among Pan-European values, one assumption is fundamental: to accept cultural diversity as a treasure rather than a threat. To encourage what unites in diversity, not what divides.
This goes hand in hand with the idea of solidarity between citizens and peoples. It draws on the Christian tradition of love for one’s neighbour. People are brothers and sisters sharing similar destinies and must support one another, not oppose each other. National belonging is enriched by European unity – it is not a loss, but a complement.
A special place among Pan-European values belongs to peace. Since its beginnings, the Pan-European movement has promoted the unity of Europe as a response to historical tragedies. Peaceful coexistence is the guarantee of a peaceful future.
Pan-European philosophy is forward-looking out of responsibility towards future generations. Its pioneer, Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi, first addressed his message to the youth of Europe.
A Pan-European acts out of conviction in the European value of peaceful coexistence among peoples and nations. He promotes a Europe that does not conquer, but collaborates; that does not exclude, but includes. Pan-Europeans stand for justice and do not retreat before injustice.
A European by conviction lives and acts according to the values shaped by modern democracy and always defended by the rule of law.
A Pan-European works consciously and responsibly for the unification and strengthening of Europe. Aware of the dangers and challenges that persist – fragmentation of European states, imperial nostalgia, attempts to redraw borders – he sees Europe as more than the sum of its parts. He strives to ennoble the common space of freedom, dialogue, peace and hope.”
Méhand Guiddir presented the role of the Scientific Committee within Pan-Europe France and its involvement in the design of future European projects.
A highlight of this Summer University was the lecture by Mr Christian Saint-Étienne, entitled “Europe and Trump.” The well-attended event was moderated by the President of Pan-European Youth France and a member of the Presidency of the International Pan-European Union Joséphine Staron.
The speaker presented his strategic analysis and afterwards signed his latest book Trump and Us: How to Save France and Europe, published by Odile Jacob.
- Programme (FR) (PDF)