The ErasmusPlus/Leonardo Projects of Volterra

Speech by the Mayor of Volterra Giacomo Santi. As part of the anniversary celebration for the 25th anniversary of the ErasmusPlus/Leonardo project of Volterra in the Chamber of Crafts of the Stuttgart Region on 09.11.2024

	Dear friends in Stuttgart. It is with great gratitude that we meet today to celebrate a particularly precious anniversary: 25 years of professional, cultural, human and personal exchanges between our cities, as part of the great European project called Erasmus. A quarter of a century full of interwoven stories, familiar faces, honest tears and sincere smiles. 25 years in which we have built together something that transcends geographical borders and political differences, in which we have written a common history - a story of humanity and shared discovery. When the first German young people set out on the Erasmus programme - then known as "Project Leonardo", in honour of the genius from Vinci, a symbol of curiosity and innovation - they were driven by the desire to get to know another world, to immerse themselves in a foreign culture and to learn a new language. With the courage of youth, they set out on their journey, ready to brave the cold winds of Volterra, where they were welcomed by the warmth of our communities. It was not just an educational adventure, but an experience of freedom and hospitality, in which every encounter made the bonds between us more authentic. Many young people spent their Leonardo/Erasmus in Volterra, bringing a piece of their homeland with them, forging bonds that even time could not separate. Some found love, others made unbreakable friendships. All of them enriched their lives by overcoming homesickness and small difficulties, turning every challenge into strength and every discovery into growth. It was 1999. A different world: back then we still paid with lire and Deutschmark, symbols of national identity that in a few years gave way to a common currency, the euro. This silent but profound revolution made us part of something bigger and gave us a sense of unity that today seems more important than ever. In those days the world began to open up and we put the pieces of the puzzle together, step by step. With each step we discovered how powerful the bond was and how great our shared hopes could become. Today we think of those who believed in the value of relationships, those who built them with perseverance, those who connected hearts and minds, and those who are sadly no longer with us. Their memory will remain immortal in what we have created together. We fondly remember every smile, every hug, every moment we shared, because all of this helped to strengthen the bond between us. In these 25 years, we have built a community based on dialogue and sharing, aware that we live in a world that still often seeks to divide itself, especially at this historical moment. Yet we continue to override prejudices, driven by the strength of what unites us. Because the Europe of tomorrow will be a common home, a family based on solidarity and responsibility, ready to face together the challenges of the future, from climate change to the fight for a fair and inclusive world. The link between Volterra and Stuttgart has become a symbol of friendship and cooperation - a page of history that we want to continue writing together, you and us, with other young people who will share the same experiences, meet new faces, hear new stories and experience new emotions. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this adventure possible: the artisans, the families and the institutions. Thank you to those who were there from the beginning and to those who continue to carry on this dream with passion today. The world may be divided, but friendship, when it is true, is eternal. Long live Erasmus, long live Volterra, long live Stuttgart, long live a united Europe!