IT
The former European Commissioner and current co-chair of the UN task force on debt: “Giffoni is an extraordinary experience that inspires optimism.” To the youth: “Raise your voices and defend the European perspective. It’s the only barrier against war.”
Paolo Gentiloni, a statesman and symbol of an Italy deeply rooted in Europe, arrived at the Giffoni Film Festival’s Cittadella del Cinema eager to experience firsthand what he described as an “extraordinary initiative” that shapes a generation of Giffoners : young people with far-reaching vision and broad horizons.
He was welcomed by Giffoni founder Claudio Gubitosi, the president of the Giffoni Experience Foundation Pietro Rinaldi, and the mayor of Giffoni Valle Piana, Antonio Giuliano. Along the red carpet, paths crossed with other guests, including the mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi, and Symbola president Ermete Realacci both key figures on the fifth day of #Giffoni55.
A packed Verde hall and an attentive audience from the Impact program set the stage for a dynamic exchange. Many questions were asked, many issues raised. Gentiloni, currently co-chair of the UN task force on the debt crisis in developing countries, and former European Commissioner and Italian Prime Minister, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the quality of the questions, which he said revealed “a desire for engagement and a high level of awareness among young people.” “Being here, in such a vibrant environment, gives me hope,” he said. “Giffoni is an extraordinary experience: it creates a community, much like Erasmus, that stays with you. In complicated times like these, spreading messages of optimism and participation is essential.”
The discussion quickly turned to major issues: common defense, Europe, and global crises. In his remarks, Gentiloni emphasized the urgent need for greater European cohesion especially in defense, highlighting uncertainties in international politics and the U.S.’s gradual withdrawal from European defense efforts. “We cannot afford a fragmented defense based on individual states. It would waste resources and leave us vulnerable. If we want to contribute to global peace, we must be able to defend ourselves together as the European Union.”
On the global stage, he reminded everyone that Europe remains the only credible defender of civil rights in a world where powers like the U.S., Russia, China, Turkey, and India often follow paths far removed from democratic principles.
“We are lucky to be born in Europe,” he said. “We must remember that every day—and we must protect what we are.” To the young people expressing disappointment in Europe, Gentiloni responded without hesitation: “We should raise our voices to demand more Europe. If we allow nationalism to grow and Europe to shrink, we move closer to war. Europe is, on the contrary, the only sensible barrier to the spread of conflict. That’s why we all must support it. More and more voices are saying the same: without Europe, we’d quickly slide toward war. Not defending Europe means bearing the responsibility for the rise of those nationalisms that lead to international crises.”
His speech expanded into reflections on Italian and European politics, with a strong call for responsible leadership and active youth participation.
“Politics today needs to talk about serious things, too often it focuses on nonsense,” he said. “Young people must speak up: if politics becomes useless, it dies. We need new passion, and that’s why schools of political formation and a culture of competence are essential. Some steps are being taken in this direction, but it’s not enough.”
Gentiloni also offered a clear-eyed analysis of Italy’s political system:“In Italy, almost everyone has been in government at some point. Our parties change rapidly, with constant reshuffling and an unbearable blame game. What we need is a center-left presence rooted in society, capable of representing rights, openness, and dialogue. This is not the time to settle for opposition, we need a governing culture, competence, seriousness, and an international outlook. The next elections will also be judged on how parties position themselves on Europe, Gaza, and Ukraine.”
In a segment that resonated deeply with the Giffoners, he spoke about rights, climate change, artificial intelligence, and the case of Giulio Regeni (Gentiloni was Foreign Minister at the time of the events). He stressed the importance of preserving memory and seeking truth, even when diplomatic relations complicate matters. “What should never have been done in the Regeni case was to simply move on. It was a terrible incident that seriously damaged our relations with Egypt. I believe that anyone in government should keep a window open in their memory, because this matter cannot be considered closed as long as Egypt is governed by the same authorities as in 2016. Forgetting would be a mistake.”
He also addressed current geopolitical issues: tariffs, the need to strengthen EU economic policy, and the importance of a more autonomous EU foreign policy capable of responding to crises, such as the one in the Middle East. “If we want a strong Europe, we must give it the tools to be strong. Today, the carnage in Gaza demands a common European foreign policy. We cannot accept that some governments, Italy among them, oppose even the suspension of agreements with Israel. We need a clear and courageous voice.”
Finally, he delivered a sharp message to those inside and outside Europe who work to weaken it: “Trump’s strategic project is to dismantle Europe. Those who believe in the European Union must say it loud and clear: we must move toward a true political union. The United States of Europe is not a dream: it’s a necessity.”
The meeting combined vision, practicality, and critical thinking, reaffirming Giffoni’s role as a space for open and thoughtful dialogue where even high-level politics listens to the voices of the next generation. Gentiloni received the Ercole award from president Rinaldi, followed by selfies with the audience and applause from the youth.
At Giffoni, Europe is not just an idea, it’s a reality. And it’s up to young people to shape its identity and political strength.