ALTIERO SPINELLI DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIPS APPROVED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

On 1 December 2016, marking the 30th anniversary of the death of Altiero Spinelli, the founder of the Union of European Federalists (UEF) and one of the most outspoken promoters of the European political community, the European Parliament has approved a so-called Pilot Project: the Altiero Spinelli Doctoral Scholarships.

The purpose of the Scholarships is to establish a grant for outstanding doctoral students seeking to develop a research project in the field of European integration, possibly in each EU Member State. Research carried out under the Altiero Spinelli Doctoral Scholarships should direct its focus on: the theory of models of integration (e.g. trade agreements, international organisations, federations); comparative studies of existing integration models (e.g. the EU, African Union, Mercosur, United States of America, Canada); the role of citizens and civil society organisations in the EU integration process; the intellectual history of European integration; or the life and works of Altiero Spinelli. The budget allocated for 2017 amounts to 750.000 EUR in commitment appropriations and 375.000 EUR in payment appropriations.

The Pilot Project was proposed at the initiative of a number of federalist MEPs, among which: Luigi MORGANO (S&D MEP from Italy, first signatory), Elmar BROK (EPP, President of UEF), Andrey KOVATCHEV (EPP, Vice-President of UEF), Mercedes BRESSO (S&D, former President of UEF) and Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS (ALDE, President of UEF Lithuania).

Europe is today facing many and diverse challenges. European policies need to address citizens’ concerns, but at the same time must promote our shared culture and values and the path that we have walked together, as a Union. On our way to the demonstration in Rome on 25 March 2017 we must nurture this spirit of unity and solidarity, and keep walking forward.