Awards: Nicolò Pica, honor student at the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, runner-up in the David Sassoli Award for the best degree theses
Nicolò Pica, a student at the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies and a political science student at the University of Pisa, was awarded joint second place in the fourth edition of the “David Sassoli Best Degree Thesis” award, a prize for young students at Tuscan universities, sponsored by the European Parliament, which this year focused on the theme “Europe, regions and citizens” .
Thirty papers were evaluated by the examination committee, chaired by Professor Saulle Panizza of the University of Pisa and composed of Professors Federica Caterina Bicchi of the University of Florence, Marianna Marino of the IMT School for Advanced Studies in Lucca, Edoardo Bressanelli of the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa, Manuela Caiani of the Scuola Normale Superiore, Massimiliano Montini of the University of Siena, Luca Paladini of the University for Foreigners of Siena, and Dr Sarah St. John of the European University Institute.
Nicolò Pica was awarded the prize for his thesis entitled “Georgia at the crossroads: post-Soviet continuity or Euro-Atlantic renewal. Democratisation, regional conflicts and geopolitical challenges”.
“This award fills me with pride. I believe that David Sassoli's values and memory are fundamental to strengthening this relationship, which is particularly delicate today,” commented Pica.
First place in the award went to Sebastiano Poli, a law graduate from the University of Florence with a thesis entitled “The European Citizens” Initiative: Opportunities and Challenges for Participatory Democracy'. In joint second place, alongside Nicolò Pica, were Aneley Farinati, a political science graduate from the University of Florence, Giulia Maraventano and Giulia Poggi, graduates in political science and international studies respectively from the University of Siena.
The ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Regional Council of Tuscany and was attended by Stefania Saccardi, President of the Regional Council, Irene Galletti, President of the European Policies Commission of the Regional Council of Tuscany, and Alessandra Vittorini, wife of former President of the European Parliament David Sassoli.
