The "Erasmus Generation" in power.

Sandro Gozi, Italian Secretary of State for European Affairs – and, for the last fifteen years, professor at Sciences Po – will give a lecture on 18 May 2016 on the topic of his latest book, Génération Erasmus. Ils sont déjà au pouvoir (Éditions Plon).* The book highlights the arrival of a new generation of leaders, former Erasmus students like himself, who bring with them new prospects for the EU's future. Interview. 

Having studied in Bologna, Paris and London, you form part of the "Erasmus Generation" along with other young European leaders such as Manuel Valls, Emmanuel Macron and Alexander Stubb. How would you define this "generation"?

Sandro Gozi: It is a generation that has benefited to the full from the opportunities the EU has offered it: freedom of movement, a single currency and increased exchanges between European universities; a generation of young people who saw the Berlin Wall come down and who believe in freedom and solidarity throughout our continent; a generation committed to furthering these successes and preparing the best possible future for our children.

You consider it the role of the Erasmus Generation, which has taken over from the generation of the Founding Fathers of the European Union, to build the Europe of the future on new foundations. How does having participated in European exchanges better equip you for this task?

S. G.: The Erasmus generation has experienced the best of Europe. The Founding Fathers' generation had experienced the worst of Europe. We are indebted to them for their commitment and efforts over half a century. What we have become owes a lot to them. As such, our responsibility in each country and in the European institutions is obvious: now that we can, we must pursue the construction of the EU, because we understand its many benefits more than most.

In your view, the main challenge for the Erasmus Generation is to restore trust between the EU and its citizens. As Secretary of State for European Affairs, how are you working towards that in Italy?

S. G.: The first duty of a politician is explanation. Both the successes and shortcomings of our European institutions must be presented and put in perspective. Honestly. We must announce and explain the alternatives and their consequences for Italy and for Europe. Then, the decisions I make and the policies we develop in Rome and in Brussels must be discussed with the citizens. Always. Finally, we have to take responsibility for our choices and stand fully accountable to our constituents, while offering a clear vision of what we are striving for – in my case, a European Union better able to meet the challenges of our time, which means a stronger one.

Find out more 
•    About Sandro Gozi (It.)
•    About Génération Erasmus, ils sont déjà au pouvoir (FR) (*The Erasmus Generation, Already in Power)