Thanks to the initiative of Giulia Rossolillo, Vice-President of the Union of European Federalists, the Fondazione Mario e Valeria Albertini, in cooperation with the Department of Law of the University of Pavia, Collegio Ghislieri, and the Centre for Studies on the European Union (CSUE), organized a cycle of three public debates entitled “European Union: Autonomous Actor or Vassal?”.
The events, hosted in the Aula Goldoniana of Collegio Ghislieri, aimed to address a crucial question: can the European Union act as a truly autonomous global actor, or does it remain structurally dependent on external powers?
As outlined in the official programme , the cycle covered three key dimensions of European sovereignty: artificial intelligence, monetary policy, and fiscal integration.
First Debate: The Ethical Dimension of Artificial Intelligence
The first meeting, held on 31 March at Collegio Ghislieri, featured Giuliano Noci (Politecnico di Milano) and addressed “The True Ethical Dimension of Artificial Intelligence.” The debate, moderated by Giulia Rossolillo, opened a broader reflection on the systemic impact of artificial intelligence on contemporary society.
Rather than presenting AI as a purely technological development, the discussion framed it as a transformation affecting economic, social, and geopolitical dynamics:
“Artificial intelligence is not just an innovation—it is reshaping the entire framework in which value is created.”
A central theme was the evolution of knowledge in the digital era. As highlighted during the debate, the traditional model based on scarcity has been replaced by one based on abundance:
“Knowledge today is abundant, accessible and distributed — but this alone is no longer sufficient to create value.”
This shift marks a transition from knowledge to action. In this context, artificial intelligence emerges not as a replacement for human intelligence, but as a tool that can enhance it:
“AI does not substitute human decision-making — it ‘augments’ it.”
Concrete examples were discussed, particularly in fields such as healthcare, where AI can support diagnosis and improve efficiency. However, speakers stressed that the final responsibility must remain human:
“Artificial intelligence can support decisions, but the final word must always belong to professionals.”
The debate also addressed the growing importance of digital literacy and education. Universities, it was argued, must play a key role in preparing individuals not only to use technologies, but to understand and critically assess them:
“We must train students capable of understanding and managing algorithms, not just using them.”
At the same time, concerns were raised about Europe’s position in the global technological race. While the European Union has been at the forefront of regulatory efforts, this approach may come with trade-offs:
“Europe risks focusing too much on regulation and not enough on innovation and investment.”
This challenge is compounded by fragmentation at both political and strategic levels:
“Without a shared vision and coordinated investment, Europe risks falling behind global competitors.”
Ultimately, the debate highlighted that technological sovereignty is a key component of Europe’s broader autonomy. Ensuring that artificial intelligence remains aligned with democratic values and human oversight is not only an ethical imperative, but also a strategic necessity for the future of the Union.
Second Debate: European Monetary Sovereignty and the Digital Euro
The second meeting, held on 20 April, featured Guido Ascari (University of Pavia) and Nicola Branzoli (Banca d’Italia), focusing on “European Monetary Sovereignty and the Digital Euro.”
The discussion framed the digital euro as a strategic tool for strengthening European autonomy in payments and finance.
“The digital euro will complement cash, not replace it — ensuring accessibility and trust for all citizens.”
Speakers stressed its potential to enhance resilience and independence:
“Europe cannot depend indefinitely on non-European infrastructures for such a strategic sector as payments.”
The project was also presented as a guarantee of privacy and inclusion:
“Privacy protection is a fundamental pillar of the digital euro, built through a ‘privacy by design’ approach.”
In addition, new functionalities were highlighted, including offline payments:
“It will be possible to pay even without an internet connection — a crucial feature in emergency situations.”
Third Debate: European Debt and the Future of the Union
The final meeting, scheduled for 28 April, will feature Massimo Bordignon (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore) and will address “European Debt and the Future of the Union.”
The discussion is expected to tackle one of the most politically sensitive issues for European integration:
“Common debt is not only an economic instrument — it is a step toward political union.”
Conclusion
Across all three debates, a clear message emerged: European autonomy requires deeper integration and stronger coordination.
“The question is no longer whether Europe should act together, but whether it can afford not to.”
The cycle highlighted how technological, monetary, and fiscal sovereignty are interconnected dimensions of a broader political challenge.
Ultimately, the initiative reaffirmed a core federalist insight:
“Without unity, Europe risks remaining a global vassal rather than becoming a true autonomous actor.”
