The research project "Challenges to democracy and social life in European small states," involving the University of the Republic of San Marino and seven other universities across the continent, has won a call for proposals under Erasmus Plus, the European program for education, training, youth, and sport funded by the European Commission. Thanks to a fund of approximately €100, part of which will be allocated to the University of San Marino, the initiative will support and disseminate knowledge of small states within the European Union in various social and cultural contexts. For three years, the project will involve the University of San Marino's International Relations Research Center, along with the Liechtenstein Institute, the Sihtasutus Poliitikauuringute Keskus Praxis Tallinn, the University of Iceland, the University of Luxembourg, the University of Malta, the University of Andorra, the University of Montenegro, and the University of Nicosia.
"This achievement is the fruit of several months of work," commented Michele Chiaruzzi, director of the Research Center for International Relations. "I believe it is the first time a San Marino institution has achieved such a result at a European, and perhaps international, level. That our Research Center has achieved this two years after its inception seems highly significant to me. I therefore thank all those who have invested time and resources in supporting a successful path for the University and the entire country. This European recognition," the academic continued, "demonstrates the validity of the motto chosen by our Rector, 'Si parva licet componere magnis'. Therefore, 'if it is permissible to compare small things with great ones,' San Marino has a place in the greater European Union. Like the bees in Virgil's motto, small but devoted to their task together, San Marino can find that place by uniting the forces of all those who look to the future with a capable, creative, and ambitious outlook. Then, as always, history will offer its own answers to this effort. Sometimes bitter and sometimes sweet, as in this case”.
In the photo: the headquarters of the European Commission