Italy’s “Tavola Rotonda”

On October 13, 2025, the Salvatorelli-Moneta school in Marsciano held a special event, a roundtable called “Reflections on the European Integration Process.” It was part of the CERV project “European common history for a better future”, and brought together a great mix of people including students, teachers, and experts. We were also happy to welcome partners all the way from Malta, making it a truly international gathering.

The students really got stuck into the conversation, talking about how knowing our history helps us build a better, more united Europe today. It wasn’t just a dry lecture; it was a real back-and-forth about how we can make our continent more inclusive and informed. They intervened  with their experiences abroad that they had thanks to the European Union opportunities they give to young people.

One of the most moving parts of the day was the intervention by local elderly residents. They shared their personal stories and firsthand experiences of how Europe has changed over the decades. Hearing from those who lived through the early stages of integration gave everyone a real sense of perspective; it turned abstract history into lived reality, showing just how far we’ve come in terms of peace and cooperation.

The feedback was great across the board. Everyone from the principal to our guests from abroad felt that the discussion was genuinely engaging. It’s always inspiring to see young people realize that the “European project” isn’t just something in a textbook, but it’s something they are part of. The day reached an inspiring conclusion with the opening of the photography exhibition “Celebrating the Common European History of the Last 75 Years.” It was a lovely way to end the day, walking through the big moments of cooperation and growth that have brought us to where European Union is now. It served as a great reminder that, while we all have our own stories, we’ve been building a pretty amazing one together for a long time.

Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.