Family members, friends, colleagues, and ex-supervisees joined the event, chaired by EUI Secretary-General, Marco Del Panta, to celebrate Professor Francioni's life and work.
A distinguished panel of speakers gathered at the EUI's Villa Salviati to reflect upon different periods in his personal and professional life and his achievements as a scholar, practitioner, and teacher of international law.
Ana Filipa Vrdoljak (Professor of Law and UNESCO Chair in International Law and Cultural Heritage, University of Technology Sydney) shared her experience of working with Professor Francioni on the topic of cultural heritage and emphasised his many contributions to the field. Bruno Simma (former judge at the International Court of Justice), who was a personal friend of Professor Francioni, highlighted his close connections to the world of international legal practice as well as his love for and knowledge of the land he called home. Ernst-Ulrich Petersmann (Emeritus Professor, EUI Department of Law) spoke about Professor Francioni's contributions to the values of the common European project. Riccardo Pavoni (Professor of International and European Law, University of Siena) recounted his indelible impact on the University of Siena's academic community and international stature. Valentina Vadi (Professor of Law, School of Political Sciences, University of Florence) concluded the session by reflecting on Professor Francioni as a model supervisor and teacher and the significant role he played in the careers of his supervisees.
The commemoration was a moving tribute to the life and legacy of Professor Francioni.