The challenges of small states, called upon to assume a prominent position on the international stage while simultaneously safeguarding their culture and distinctive characteristics, were the focus of the workshop held on April 5th, which brought together academics from Malta, Andorra, Cyprus, Estonia, Iceland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, and San Marino as part of the research project "Challenges to democracy and social life in European small states." The initiative, which involves the University of the Republic of San Marino along with eight other universities across the continent, was awarded a 2018 grant under Erasmus Plus, the European program for education, training, youth, and sport funded by the European Commission. Among its main objectives are supporting and disseminating knowledge of small states within the European Union in various social and cultural fields.
At the University of San Marino, the activities are coordinated by the Research Centre for International Relations, directed by Michele Chiaruzzi, who attended the workshop along with Professor Pietro Renzi, who explained: "The meeting held at the University of Malta focused on the topics of migration and citizenship, highlighting the challenges and opportunities these can represent for small states. The discussion highlighted the unique characteristics and commonalities that small countries have in addressing these challenges, highlighting the full potential of the Erasmus Plus project."
