We live in an era where Europe’s main expenditure is rearmament and war.

We are not that Europe!

Last week, we shared and reiterated this certainty loudly in the council chamber of the Municipality of Monterotondo, where we had the honor and joy of hosting the 18th general assembly of the European Tandem Plus network.

Tandem Plus is part of our history and is a European association comprising 23 organizations from 15 different European countries, working in the fields of social services and education. Tandem is a true network, made up of diverse social, economic, and cultural hands, which have come together to cooperate and chart new paths and new opportunities for the future.

Over these 18 years, we have built and are building the true Europe, a Europe of people, where we are fortunate to meet so many people and generations from different backgrounds, building valuable skills and relationships together. And today what remains is not just a working method, or yet another business venture, but a great emotion that moves the world and unites the desire to build, think, exchange, and celebrate with an awareness of the injustices and inequalities that govern our lives.

At the opening of the meeting, we were greeted in the frescoed halls of Palazzo Orsini by Mayor Riccardo Varone and Councilor for Social Services Alessandra Clementini.

The program included the usual assembly activities (approval of budgets and introduction of new members), working groups and exchanges at the splendid location provided by mayda-mayda.it. We also participated in and enjoyed a wonderful City Games to discover the city and its social services, masterfully led by the students and staff of the Orientation Center.

Finally, the party! A magnificent and explosive soul party, attended by countless residents of Monterotondo and the surrounding area, at the legendary Cantiere, thanks to the Lost Soul Band, undoubtedly our favorite band for the past 30 years.

Long Life Tandem Plus!

Always Freedom, Equality, and Approximation…

Thanks to Stéphanie, Valérie, Francis, Romain, Ilaria, Mavi, Martin, Andrija, Michel, Carles, Barbara, Stella, Patrizia, Silvia, Verena, Antonio, Norbert, Bouba, Emilio, Achille, Ilias, Necdet, Arianna, and Raniero!

A special thanks to Eleonora Panzardi of the Mayor’s Office for her invaluable and passionate support.

Thanks to Luigi Zauli and Vincenzo Romano, our longtime friends, and to the entire Lost Soul Band.

Thanks to Pamela Ebano and the entire Mayda staff.

Thanks to our wonderful coordinator Giulia Basso, the tireless Roberta Marciano, and the invaluable Martina Maio who organized everything.

Thanks to all the Folias staff who supported us: Alessandro, Dario, Emiliano, Francesca, Giorgia, Leo, Luisa, and Martina.

Thanks to Il Cantiere, to our boys and girls, and to the technicians Luca and Manuel.