Samuele Criscuolo, a graduate in International and Diplomatic Sciences, is the outgoing representative of UniTS in the Transform4Europe Student Council.

Hello Samuele, tell us a bit about yourself. What has your academic journey been like, and how did you decide to enrol in International Studies at the University of Trieste?

I’m from the province of Treviso, where I attended a Human Sciences high school. It was during those years that I developed my main interests, namely current affairs, politics and public speaking. As for my academic path, I recently graduated in International and Diplomatic Sciences in Gorizia. Over the past few years, I’ve served as a student representative for both my course and department on the Transform4Europe Student Council, founded a student association, and been involved in several others. The student network in Gorizia is particularly strong – you can sense it immediately.

You’ve played an active role within the Transform4Europe Alliance. Can you tell us about an activity that left a lasting impression on you?

I’ve taken part in many Transform4Europe initiatives. One that stands out is the T4EU Week, which took place in May 2024 between Trieste and Koper. During the event, I represented UniTS on the Transform4Europe Student Council. Each university in the Alliance has two student representatives, and during the week, we meet to discuss key issues on the agenda.
For example, one major topic was how to ensure a smooth transition for new representatives—how to welcome them and pass on essential knowledge to avoid starting from scratch each time. The Student Council, like all activities during T4EU Week, is conducted in English. Any challenges? Not really with the language, but I do think a lot comes down to attitude. In the first session, I decided to play the role of ‘devil’s advocate’, contributing frequently and offering my observations quite naturally.

Transform4Europe strongly promotes the idea of a shared European identity. Did you feel this connection during the initiatives you participated in?

Yes, I did, especially in the way the programmes and initiatives were structured. There’s a clear emphasis on building projects with a shared foundation, drawing on Europe’s common heritage and everything that unites us as a community. The goal is always to find common ground. All the activities organised during T4EU Week are based on this principle.
One of T4EU’s core missions is to foster a European identity that transcends the differences between universities in different countries. This process requires us to identify what we have in common. To develop a shared sense of identity, we need to understand where we can find agreement and why we should see ourselves as equals—because of what we share.

If you had to convince a friend or fellow student to take part in the T4EU programmes, what would you say?

Firstly, I’d tell them it’s a fantastic opportunity for personal growth and a unique addition to the academic experience at UniTS. It allows you to develop a range of new skills while also expanding your education internationally.
Then there’s the experience itself—it gives you the chance to travel, discover new places, meet people, build valuable connections for the future, and improve your language skills.

Looking ahead, in what direction do you hope the Alliance will develop in the coming years?

To build a stronger European Union and shape its future, we need to focus on education and the training of young people, or anyone still studying, and strive for greater alignment across EU countries.
Essentially, when a French, Italian, and German student meet, they should be able to find a common ground that makes them feel not just French, Italian, or German but first and foremost European citizens. In this sense, I hope universities continue to evolve, both in terms of the courses they offer and their overall impact.
At the same time, I really hope the Alliance gains even more recognition for the crucial role it already plays. As I mentioned, it’s a source of pride for the University and a factor that can make UniTS more attractive to future students.

How has this experience influenced your view of what it means to be a European citizen? Do you feel better prepared to face the social, environmental, and digital challenges that Europe will encounter?

I’d say that, going back to the European perspective I mentioned earlier, many of the EU’s shared goals and values risk becoming mere rhetoric rather than genuine principles. Sometimes we make grand statements, but nothing tangible follows – and that’s a real issue.
It’s crucial to distinguish between what truly matters and what is just a waste of time. The real contribution comes when we can make that distinction, and in this respect, my T4EU experience has been incredibly valuable.
Moreover, being part of an Alliance that works collaboratively, where no single person has absolute decision-making power, has made me realise how important it is, when discussing the European community, to actively engage with different perspectives and always keep an open mind.