When Monti “graduated” in Varese

An honorary degree for his “noble talents as an economist and jurist” and for “the principles and values on which his civil and political commitment were based”. In brief, these were the reasons that led the committee of the Faculty of Law at Insubria University to confer the honorary degree on Mario Monti, the new senator-for-life.

In addition to being born in Varese, the former European Commissioner has an “academic” link with the town. On 29 March 2004, he received an honorary law degree from the rector of Insubria University, Renzo Dionigi. In the hall, watching the event, there were also the former President of the Republic, Francesco Cossiga, the then Education Minister, Letizia Moratti, and the Northern League MP, Roberto Maroni. The reasons for the honorary degree were “his scientific work and to his operational commitment,” which made him a man with “outstanding merits in the European Union’s process of unification.”

In 2004, Mario Monti was the European Commissioner for Competition, and had already been the European Commissioner for the internal market, financial services and financial integration, customs and fiscal matters (from 1995 to 1999). “In carrying out these duties, he made an essential contribution to taxation and to resolving the most complex economic and legal issues concerning the conditions of competition, which were crucial for the very existence of the European Union.”

In his speech, Monti talked about his relationship with Varese, and he gave a lecture entitled: “The European Union and national interest”.

 

Mario Monti also received the Girometta in 2008, the award which the Family Bosina give to people and organisations who distinguish themselves with special commitment to promoting the region.