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Live from Bocconi, the final of the debate tournament in which 59 teams take part throughout the season. This event brings the 2025 edition to a close

Raising awareness among young people about the importance of Europe and its values, introducing them to the Debate format, and developing skills that are increasingly in demand in today's world – such as public speaking, argumentation, and constructive dialogue. This is at the heart of #GenerazioneEU 2025, the project promoted by Bocconi University through the Achille and Giulia Boroli Chair in European Studies, with the technical support of Rete WeDebate (national lead school ITE Enrico Tosi of Busto Arsizio), in collaboration with the Liaison Office of the European Parliament in Italy and under the patronage of the Italian Representation of the European Commission.

“Debate is a valuable tool for developing soft skills that are difficult to acquire but essential in a work environment and in the education of students,” emphasized Francesco Billari, rector of Bocconi University, introducing the final’s topic:
“This Assembly believes that the EU should exit the ‘trap of intermediate technologies’.”

The final stage took place on Tuesday, April 16, in the Aula Magna at Bocconi, in front of a jury including academic experts and judges from Rete WeDebate: Daniela Aliverti, Carlo Altomonte, Andrea Boroli, Silvia Cadario, Roberta Famò, Chiara Fumagalli, Anna Maria Ghinatti, Filippo Latino, Mariella Latorre, Gianmarco Ottaviano (Boroli Chair in European Studies, Bocconi University), and Gianna Salati.

The first place was conquered by the team Confuto ergo sum from IISS Alfano Perrotta of Termoli, composed of Vincenzo Mastronardi, Angelika Di Siro, Angelica Trolio, Alessia Cesari, and Giulia La Torre, coached by Mario Mascilongo. As a testimony of their high-quality performance, the top three debaters in this edition were members of the same team: Alessia Cesari, Giulia La Torre, and Angelica Trolio.

Runners up in second place came the team I Triumviri from IISS Baldessano Roccati of Carmagnola, composed of Mattia Borri, Andrea Martinengo, Alberto Sfichi, and Andrea Galaverna, under the guidance of Professor Micol Sappè.

The 2025 edition kicked off in October 2024 with a first stage focused on European policies, involving over 1,000 students. This was followed by intensive training in Debate, which led 59 teams – a total of 255 participants – to compete in three qualification days, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finally, the long-awaited final.

“#GenerazioneEU is an important initiative because it combines reflection on European policies with the development of soft skills through Debate,” said Francesco Spada, Head Institutional Relations of the European Parliament in Italy. “It offers students not only an opportunity to improve their education, but also a space for civil and constructive discussion, in the true spirit of European democratic values. In today’s context, marked by geopolitical, digital, and environmental transformations, it is essential that the new generations acquire the tools to interpret reality.”

Among the highlights of the day was the keynote speech by Rosalba Famà titled: “The new geopolitical equilibrium and European defense: a work in progress.”

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