Category: News

With deep sorrow, the European College of Parma Foundation announces the passing of Professor Fausto Capelli, an extraordinary academic of exceptional moral stature, who contributed decisively, for decades, to the cultural and scientific growth of our institute.

Born in Broni (Pavia, Italy) on 10 February 1936, Professor Capelli graduated in Law in 1962 from the University of Genoa. A respected lawyer, specialised in European Union Law and International Law, from 1975 to 2002 he served as Professor of European Community Law at the University of Parma.

In 1988, he was among those who collaborated in the creation of the European College of Parma, which was conceived, pursued and promoted by Professor Nicola Occhiocupo.

Professor Fausto Capelli was Scientific Director of the European College of Parma until 2002; he was Professor at the European College of Parma Foundation, where he taught until the past academic year. In an article he wrote on the occasion of the College’s tenth anniversary, he recalled how the early years were far from easy: besides organisational difficulties, there were the challenges of travelling (which at the time was much less convenient than today) for professors, experts, and speakers, as well as the complexities in collecting updated information and data on European issues.

Nevertheless, his vision of the College as a place for dialogue and sharing of ideas, knowledge and experiences—combined with a deep sense of belonging—left an indelible mark on the College and its students. These values still represent the defining traits, and the real added value of the European College of Parma and of its training.

Professor Capelli, who was recognised as one of the leading experts in Community Law and European Union Law, combined scientific rigor and intellectual depth with a rare human quality, marked by kindness, approachability, and a sincere civic spirit.

At the European College of Parma he left a lasting contribution, not only through his lectures and research, but above all through his direct and constructive relationships with generations of students. Under his guidance, many pursued academic and research careers in European law, finding in him a passionate and attentive mentor, capable of conveying enthusiasm, curiosity, and discipline.

The European College of Parma remembers Professor Capelli as an exceptional reference point for the training of students, and for the development of European legal culture in Italy.

His legacy will remain alive in those who had the privilege of knowing him, learning from him, and drawing inspiration from his example.

We join his family and colleagues, the academic community and all Alumni in mourning his passing.

Cesare Azzali
President
European College of Parma Foundation

Parma, 16 September 2025

NEW PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS: Apply now! (deadline 25 September 2025)

Apply no later than 25 September 2025 for one of the new partial scholarships (consisting in reductions on the standard course fees)  to attend MAES 25/26.

The following partial scholarships are available:

A1) 5 Scholarships, merit&income-based, consisting in a reduction of € 1500 from the Standard (full) course Fees, addressed to citizens of the European Union.

B1) 5 Scholarships, merit&income-based, consisting in a reduction of € 2500 from the Standard (full) course Fees addressed to citizens of Countries which are Candidates to accession to the European Union (i.e. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine).

C1) 1 Scholarship, merit&income-based, consisting in a reduction of € 2500 from the Standard (full) course Fees, addressed to citizens of Non-EU Countries (not including Candidate Countries) already holding a valid permit of stay within the EU.

Download the SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME CALL for all details, requirements and instructions on how to apply.

Apply now! Selections for the scholarships described above will take place on a rolling basis, until available funds are exhausted.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Moreover, the following Special rates are also available for attending MAES 25/26:

• Graduates from the University of Parma benefit from a special 20% discount on the standard enrollment fee for the Master in European Studies – MASE (the enrollment fee will therefore be €4,400 instead of €5,500).
• The first 10 ONAOSI students who apply for the 2025/2026 academic year will be able to enroll in the Master in European Studies – MASE at a discounted rate, receiving a 20% reduction (the enrollment fee will therefore be €4,400 instead of €5,500).

In addition, the European College of Parma Foundation offers specific discounts for enrolling in the MAES programme in relation to its Founding and Supporting Members, namely:

• Founding Members of the European College of Parma: 20% discount on the standard MAES fee for employees and their first-degree relatives, as well as for employees and first-degree relatives of the associates (where applicable) of the Founding Members;
• Supporting Members of the European College of Parma: 15% discount on the standard MAES fee for employees and their first-degree relatives, as well as for employees and first-degree relatives of the associates (where applicable) of the Supporting Members.

Contact us for more info:

Mail info@collegioeuropeo.it

Phone +39 0521 207525

Please note that the European College of Parma will be closed to the public from Monday, 4 August to Friday, 22 August 2025 for the summer break.

Activities will resume as normal on Monday, 25 August 2025.

The staff would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a pleasant summer holiday!

The European College of Parma Foundation is pleased to officially open applications for two Master’s Programmes jointly designed and delivered in cooperation with the University of Parma:

• First-Level Master’s Programme in “Management of European Funding for Public Administration”
  🔗 Programme Link

• Second-Level Master’s Programme in “Management of Local Authorities”
  🔗 Programme Link

These two programmes are tailored for individuals who are eager to make a tangible difference in the field of public administration:

🔹 The Master in Management of European Funding for Public Administration prepares participants to become experts in managing European funds—an increasingly in-demand profile across the public sector.
🔹 The Master in Management of Local Authorities provides practical tools and strategic competencies aimed at preparing professionals for leadership positions within local government bodies.

👉 Would you like to learn more? Information on application deadlines, programme content, duration, tuition fees, and admission procedures is available on the official websites of the European College of Parma Foundation and the University of Parma.

• First-Level Master in “Management of European Funding for Public Administration”:
  🔗 Programme Link

• Second-Level Master in “Management of Local Authorities”:
  🔗 Programme Link

Choose excellence for your future: enroll today and become an active part of change!

At the Teatro Regio, a moment of reflection on the European Union—between cohesion, participation, and democracy

Parma, 27 May 2025

The European College of Parma Foundation, an internationally recognized center of excellence in European studies, hosted Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, for a Lectio Magistralis entitled “The Future of Europe is in the Hands of Europeans” on Tuesday, 27 May 2025 at 5:30 PM, in the prestigious setting of the Ridotto of the Teatro Regio in Parma.

President Metsola’s presence offered a unique opportunity to reflect on the future of the European Union at a historically significant moment marked by profound change and key challenges. Her lecture provided valuable insights into critical themes such as cohesion among Member States, the strengthening of participatory democracy, and the vital role of citizens in shaping the EU’s direction.

The event opened with institutional greetings from the Founding Members, Supporting Members, and the Cariparma Foundation, whose presence reaffirmed their shared commitment to the College’s mission: to promote the values of European integration through education and intercultural dialogue.

The lecture was introduced by Cesare Azzali, President of the European College of Parma Foundation, who emphasized the College’s role as a space for learning, dialogue, and critical reflection on European policies and institutions. The College has long been dedicated to preparing new generations of European professionals, while fostering active and informed citizenship.

This initiative was part of the Foundation’s broader efforts to enhance public awareness of European affairs. In addition to the College’s students, the event was attended by institutional representatives, local business and economic leaders, and members of the public, highlighting the inclusive and participatory spirit of the occasion.

With this Lectio Magistralis, Parma once again affirmed its role as a hub for European dialogue, welcoming one of the EU’s most authoritative voices in a direct and meaningful exchange with the community.

This afternoon, the European College of Parma Foundation, a center of excellence in European studies, has the honor of hosting Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, for a lectio magistralis titled “The Future of Europe is in the Hands of Europeans.”
The event will begin at 5:30 PM in the prestigious setting of the Ridotto of the Teatro Regio in Parma.

This initiative is part of the College’s broader mission to train the future European leadership and will be open, by invitation, not only to the students of the College but also to university students, institutional representatives, and key figures from the economic, social, and entrepreneurial sectors. A diverse audience, therefore, will have the opportunity to hear a high-level political and cultural reflection at a crucial historical moment for the future of the European Union.

Throughout her mandate, President Metsola has focused on key priorities for the lives of EU citizens: the defense of democracy and human rights, the fight against climate change, and the promotion of innovation, economic growth, and social inclusion. Special attention has been dedicated to young people, with a strong commitment to ensuring that European policies are inclusive and truly responsive to the expectations of the younger generation.

Cesare Azzali, President of the European College of Parma Foundation, will open the event by introducing the lectio and highlighting the essential role of the College in fostering European culture and promoting civic awareness.
The event will begin with institutional greetings from the Founding Members, Supporting Members, and the Cariparma Foundation, reflecting the shared commitment of local stakeholders to advancing European values and recognizing education as a key tool for integration and peace.

The meeting with President Metsola represents an exceptional opportunity for the city of Parma and for the entire European College community: an open, authoritative, and much-needed dialogue on the future of Europe—placing its citizens at the very heart of the discussion.

Parma, 9 May 2025 – 11:30 AM
Aula Cavalieri, University of Parma

From a Dream of Peace to a Global Challenge is the title of the event taking place on Friday, 9 May 2025 at 11:30 AM in the Aula Cavalieri of the University of Parma, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the founding act of the European integration process.

The event, part of the “Festa per l’Europa” (Europe Day celebrations) in the city of Parma, will be a public and participatory moment of reflection on how the idea of European unity, born in the aftermath of World War II to guarantee peace, is today evolving into a global challenge involving security, sustainability, and social cohesion.

Speakers:

• Paolo Martelli, Rector of the University of Parma

• Cesare Azzali, President of the European College of Parma Foundation

A remote contribution will follow on “The Impact of the 1950 Schuman Declaration” by:

• Alfredo De Feo, Scientific Director of the European College of Parma

Panel Discussion:

• Jean-Louis De Brouwer – Director of the European Affairs Programme, EGMONT – Royal Institute for International Relations (presentation in English)

• Emanuela Maio – Professor at the Department of Economic and Business Sciences, University of Parma

• Emanuele Castelli – Professor at the Department of Law, Politics and International Studies, University of Parma

Admission is free and open to all citizens.

The event will conclude with a complimentary aperitif.

Selections for the “Diploma and University Master in Advanced European Studies” (DAES) are officially open.

To explain the Programme, on Wednesday 7 May 2025, starting from 5:30 P.M., a Webinar will be held, with the aim of providing a general overview of the Master Qualification, and it will be opened to all those that are interested in deepening their knowledge in the European Union. This event will represent a unique chance to discover the Academic Programme of the Course, the learning and placement opportunities offered, and the major benefits of a highly qualified training path, which always focuses on the main and most delicate challenges that the European Union faces on a daily basis.

In details, DAES is characterized by a multidisciplinary Academic Offer, capable of providing students with knowledge and skills concerning EU Law, Economics and Politics (and not only!).

The Programme, lasting 1 Academic Year, is structured in 2 different phases.

During the first, students attend 2 Semesters, consisting of lectures, seminars, practical exercises and Lectiones Magistrales, held mainly in English.

Specifically, within the First Semester, students follow the “Fundamental Courses”, dealing with History, Legal System and General Functioning of the European Union.

In the Second Semester, each student has the chance to select his/her own Specialization Track, from the following:

• EU Policies and Economic Governance
• EU in the Global Stage
• Food, Green Deal and Current Issues

During the second phase, aimed at achieving the University Master Qualification (First and Second Level), issued by the University of Parma, students are required to carry out a Traineeship, within a National, European, or International Institution, and write a Thesis.

Why to choose DAES?

DAES is a highly professional Academic Programme.

In details, thanks to its multidisciplinarity nature, students will be able to acquire not only a theoretical, but also (and most importantly!) a practical knowledge concerning the European Union.

This is essential and strategic for building a successful career in the so-called “EU Bubble”.

Moreover, participants will have the opportunity to study in an international environment and, at the same time, to meet our Faculty, composed not only of University Professors, but also of Top Officials from the European Institutions.

Last, but not least, our students can always count on an Academic Tutoring Service, which supports them all-round.

For further information (Academic Programme, Scholarships, deadlines, tuition fees, etc.), join our Webinar!

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday 7 May 2025
• Time: 05:30 P.M. – 06:30 P.M. (CEST)

Modality: Online – Free access, after registering at the following link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/9d5f12e3-8895-47fe-bd0a-5ac9a9667dde@0643d616-8ab5-4db2-9664-62be1b30c46a

Choose DAES, and build your professional future with us!