For its 70th Anniversary, SAIS Europe had the great honor of hosting Paolo Gentiloni, former Prime Minister of Italy and former European Commissioner for Economy, for a keynote lecture on "Europe's Challenges in a New Transatlantic Era." The event not only reflected on the pressing geopolitical and economic issues of today but also celebrated seven decades of great-minds emulations at what was once The Bologna Center of Johns Hopkins University. The conference served as a moment to reflect on SAIS Europe's foundational mission: to bridge continents and cultivate an international academic environment where students and scholars could engage in meaningful cross-cultural exchanges.

President of Johns Hopkins University, Ronald J. Daniels, alongside Rector of the University of Bologna, Professor Giovanni Molari, and SAIS Europe Rector, Renault Dehousse, reflected on the institution's legacy. SAIS Europe was born from the vision of fostering collaboration among future world leaders. What began as a transatlantic project has since evolved into a globally recognized institution, continuing to shape discussions on international affairs.

Turning to his keynote, Gentiloni examined how transatlantic relations are at an inflection point. As we enter the fourth year of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, he noted that Europe has been the primary economic supporter of Ukraine's defense. However, he questioned whether this level of support would have been possible had the invasion occurred decades earlier, prompting reflection on the EU's evolving geopolitical role.

Gentiloni also highlighted the shifting global economic landscape, pointing out that institutions once firmly established, such as the IMF and World Bank, are now facing increased scrutiny, particularly from developing economies and BRICS nations calling for reform. He discussed the economic divergence between the EU and the US, where differences in inflation rates and monetary policies could lead to long-term pivots in economic strategy. Additionally, he raised concerns about protectionist trends, including the debate over reshoring and trade relations among like-minded countries.

One of the central themes of Paolo Gentiloni's speech was European defense and competitiveness. He highlighted the critical crossroads facing the EU: either continuing fragmented national military expenditures or consolidating defense efforts through joint funding and common procurement. A major meeting of EU leaders on March 6 will address these issues, as well as challenges in technological innovation and industrial policy. He pointed out that Europe lags behind in key innovation sectors, with significant capital outflows limiting its competitiveness. To counter this, Gentiloni called for a pragmatic approach to industrial policy, advocating for decarbonization strategies that are not merely rigid mandates but adaptable frameworks fostering European leadership in green technology. He underscored the importance of "deregulation à l'européenne" – reducing bureaucracy and red tape to enable innovation and economic growth.

As Europe grapples with these defining questions, Gentiloni maintained an optimistic look on the European Union's future, reminding the audience that it remains a model of governance globally – yet often underappreciated at home. On the subject of the EU's enlargement, the former prime minister defined it as "inevitable", but also an "extraordinary tool of foreign policy", as increased cooperation is no longer a choice but a need to strengthen EU's role on the world scene. The path forward requires bold thinking and unwavering commitment to the values that underpin transatlantic partnership. Whether in defense, economic strategy, or global governance, the coming years will test Europe's ability to adapt and lead in an increasingly uncertain world.

hosted by Professor Renaud Dehousse


SAIS Europe 70th Anniversary

The Bologna Center of the Johns University, now SAIS Europe, inauguration was celebrated on February 22, 1955. More than a thousand guests attended the event, held in the University of Bologna Aula Magna, with stately medieval pomp and a procession of dignitaries.

With 4 professors, 10 students, and borrowed classrooms, Professor C. Grove Haines launched an experiment in international education. Haines' vision was to offer these students the experience of living and studying together under a multinational faculty in an international environment, thereby encouraging cross-cultural communication and fostering collaboration among world leaders.

Today, SAIS Europe students, trained under a multinational, multidisciplinary faculty, continue to form lifelong friendships and professional connections that sustain them through careers as leaders in all sectors of international affairs worldwide.

The 70^th anniversary celebrates Haines' vision and the center's 9,300 alumni from 133 nations — ambassadors of Bologna and of SAIS Europe in the world.

PAOLO GENTILONI

Paolo Gentiloni is Former Prime Minister of Italy and Former European Commissioner for Economy.

Gentiloni started his career as a professional journalist and politician and has a degree in Political Science from the University of Rome. He is one of the founding members of the Italian Democratic Party and was a member of the Italian Parliament from 2001-2019. He served as Minister of Communications (2006-2008) under Prime Minister Romano Prodi, and as Minister of Foreign Affairs (2014-2016) under Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. In December 2016, Gentiloni was appointed Prime Minister of Italy, serving until June 2018. From December 2019 to November 2024 Gentiloni held the office of European Commissioner for Economy at the European Commission.

Gentiloni has recently been appointed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as co-chair of a high-level expert group tasked with addressing the global debt crisis through advancing policy solutions and building political and public support.

Gentiloni is a distinguished fellow in the Foreign Policy program at the Brookings Institution and member of the Economist Global Advisory Board. His last book La Sfida Impopulista (The (Un)populist Challenge) was published in 2018.