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26th International Seminar on Federalism

Ventotene, Italy

30 August – 4 September 2009

Ventotene, Italy

The Legacy of Altiero Spinelli and the Ventotene Manifesto


Often referred to as a Father of the European Union, Altiero Spinelli (1907-1986) was imprisoned on the island of Ventotene during Mussolini’s Fascist government. While imprisoned there together in 1941, Eugenio Colorni, Ernesto Rossi and Spinelli collaborated on the Ventotene Manifesto, entitled "Towards a Free and United Europe" that advocated that a new democratically founded European federation would succeed in preventing future wars on the continent.

Spinelli led the Movimento Federalista Europeo after World War II and continued advocating for a federalist union of Europe throughout his political career. The Istituto di Studi Federalisti Altiero Spinelli now celebrates his legacy with an annual Seminar on the anniversary of Spinelli’s birthday that brings together youth from around Europe and the world to debate current issues in federalism.

APPLY TO PARTICIPATE TODAY!
(by 15 May 2009)

If you wish to attend the 26th International Seminar, please complete the following information and submit to:

      Istituto di Studi Federalisti Altiero Spinelli
      Email: mfe_to@bussola.it

      Fax: +39 0114732843

or complete online at: www.istitutospinelli.org

L’ Istituto di Studi Federalisti Altiero Spinelli, has generously provided a limited number of scholarships for international participants.

To apply for a scholarship, please visit the Istituto di Studi Federalisti Altiero Spinelli's site or download the full brochure.

WFM-IGP encourages applicants to seek funding from their local or national organizations to travel and participate in the Seminar.

The Ventotene Experience

"For one week I lived in that small microcosm on that lovely island which had been the place for European debates for 60 years. Sharing views on federalism with young people from all over Europe and the world was most enriching. I enjoyed learning of the progress of federalism in South America and Africa—it made me realize how far Europe has come in so little time. And I loved the evening discussions around a huge bowl of pasta while trying to make this world a better place."

      - Annabelle Dullin, Luxembourg

Click here to download a full brochure for the 2009 Ventotene Seminar in PDF format.