Lectio Inauguralis Generali Endowed Chair in European Policies – Shaping Leadership in Europe

The new Generali Endowed Chair in European Policies - Shaping Leadership in Europe was launched on February 7 during a Lectio Inauguralis by chairholder Catherine De Vries, that was introduced through the speeches of Rector Francesco Billari and Generali Group General Manager Marco Sesana. This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Tony Barber, Europe Editor of the Financial Times, and featuring experts such as Simon Hix (Stein Rokkan Chair in Comparative Politics, European University Institute), Cecilia Malmström (former European Commissioner for Trade and Home Affairs and non-resident Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics) and Nathalie Tocci, Director of the Institute of International Affairs explored the topics touched upon by Prof. De Vries.

The new Chair's research program will focus on analyzing possible institutional and operational reforms of the EU, while also examining leadership patterns and political dynamics involving the EU. In particular, three areas of research have been identified as crucial: the EU's response to recent challenges, exploring the concept of leadership in a global context, and analyzing how the EU is being used as a scapegoat. Researchers will apply innovative techniques, such as machine learning, to examine how the EU is strategically used to avoid taking responsibility for unpopular decisions.

"There is now a clear need for a profound rethinking of the EU's institutional structure and the role of leadership within it," said Catherine De Vries. "Rather than reacting to last-minute crises, it is crucial to design and create a political mandate for EU reform now."

Based on shared values and goals, the partnership between Assicurazioni Generali and Bocconi began in 1996 and has evolved over the years, culminating in 2017 with the establishment of the "Generali in Insurance and Risk Management" Term Chair, assigned to Stefano Rossi of the Bocconi Department of Finance. In 2023, Generali further strengthens its link with the University with a donation to the endowment, the University's endowment fund, and establishes this new permanent academic position on European policy issues.