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One of Italy’s most eagerly awaited events of the year, Atreju 2024, is back. The festival will take place between the 8th and the 15th of December in Rome. With a broad focus on the conservative world the event will be hosted by Fratelli d’Italia and will be an important opportunity for young and old, politicians and ordinary citizens, activists and culture and politics enthusiasts to meet and discuss current European issues. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has confirmed her presence at Atreju 2024.
First launched in 1998 by Giorgia Meloni, who was then an activist with Azione Giovani, the Atreju festival has grown into a significant event on the Italian and European political scene. Spanning eight days, the festival features a diverse program of debates, activities, and discussions, culminating in a highly anticipated speech by Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, scheduled for Sunday, December 15th. Beyond political discourse, Atreju has always been, and continues to be, a space for relaxation and camaraderie, blending politics with humor and a strong sense of community. While the rise of Fratelli d’Italia has brought a more serious tone to the event, its core mission remains unchanged: seeking practical and effective solutions.
Atreju is not just a moment of political reflection, it is a symbol of the Italian right, with a history of more than two decades and represents a bridge between generations, a space for dialog and friendship that goes beyond partisan boundaries. For those unaware or less familiar with this event, the name “Atreju” draws inspiration from the protagonist of Michael Ende’s renowned fantasy novel, The Neverending Story, published in 1979. In the novel, Atreju is a young warrior embarking on an epic journey to rescue the Fantasy Kingdom from the looming threat of Nothingness. This character embodies courage, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to ideals—values that have resonated deeply with the youth of the Italian right. For them, Atreju symbolizes the fight to safeguard their generation from the apathy and indifference represented metaphorically by Nothingness. The Neverending Story itself serves as a powerful allegory, reflecting the preservation of Tradition, a cause championed by the Italian right in opposition to the progressive left, which is perceived as seeking to dismantle the values and symbols of the past. The connection to this legacy is further underscored by earlier cultural influences, such as Tolkien’s works and the hobbit-themed camps inspired by his universe. These events, initiated by the youth in 1977, carried forward into 1981, adopting names and themes rooted in the rich tapestry of fantastical storytelling that defines their ethos. Which is why the most recurring motto is:
“There is good in this world, Master Fodro: it is right to fight for it”.
While in 1998 Atreju was just a meeting of a few young activists, 26 years later it has become a major European event, attracting not only many representatives of the political class from Italy and the rest of Europe but also a number of cultural and artistic personalities. Atreju is not a traditional political festival in the Italian national landscape, as many other events of this kind, organized by various political organizations and parties, often fail to have a significant impact on the public. Atreju is a festival that has brought together and built since its origins moments of tolerance between individuals or groups belonging to the Youth Front. Atreju distinguishes itself as a space dedicated to the Italian right, a “home” where ideas are shared, sometimes controversies are born, sometimes hands are shaken or jokes are made. In essence, however, Atreju remains a place of belonging. Whether the event takes place in the middle of summer (on the Tiber Island), or in the middle of winter (at the Circus Maximus or Castel Sant’Angelo), all that matters to those present is the spirit of the event.
At last year’s Atreju, many personalities were present on the Atreju stage, who captured the attention of the public, both from civil society (among whom we recall the Iranian soccer player Shiva Amini – active for her fight for women’s rights in her country) and established names from the Italian and world political and economic groups. The speeches by world-class personalities such as Elon Musk, who spoke about the new technological frontiers and their challenges for society, and former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (a true conservative and an outspoken supporter of the ECR Party), whose introduction on stage was made by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni herself, impressed the audience. It should be recalled that last year’s main events also included debates with prominent guests such as Edi Rama (Albanian President ) and Santiago Abascal (Spanish leader Vox), who tackled key topics like national sovereignty and the pressing challenges facing Europe today challenges in the context of new geo-strategic changes in the world. The importance of the event, seen as a platform for international dialogue, was underlined by the large presence of delegations from all over Europe. In addition to the panel discussions, delegates enjoyed numerous cultural activities and concerts that enriched the atmosphere. All these events make attending Atreju an indescribable and memorable experience for all ages.
Coming back to this year’s edition of Atreju, which will take place as previously mentioned in mid-December under the slogan “Atreju: The Italian Way – Concrete Answers for a Changing World” , we must recall that the ECR Party will again be present with a significant number of international delegates. The delegation of European Conservatives (they will be accommodated at the Hotel Cardo in Rome, a beneficial mix of heritage, work centers and hospitality) will be led by the ECR Party Secretary General, Italian MEP Antonio Giordano. Before kicking off the political and cultural session, the European Conservatives will be welcomed at a reception on the 13th of December. All cultural activities to be organized under the ECR Culture Weekend (including a networking dinner) will take place on Saturday, the 14th of December. The Atreju 2024 Festival will come to a close on Sunday, the 15th of December, when the most awaited speaker of the event, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, will take the stage at 12.00 PM. In addition to the debates, Atreju will include a Christmas Village, with fairs, an ice rink and family activities. The festive atmosphere will bring participants together in a spirit of conviviality and friendship.
The organizers stress that participation in this year’s Atreju can lead to impactful relationships among those who take part and inspire new perspectives on the challenges of our European future. As mentioned before, this event is not just a political gathering because Atreju 2024 includes cultural, musical and recreational activities designed to foster connections and the exchange of ideas among participants, who will have the opportunity to interact with keynote speakers and other young people, creating a lively atmosphere for networking and collaboration. This year’s edition will mark a new chapter in a history that is constantly renewing itself, remaining true to tradition but open to the future. For all these reasons, it is essential that Atreju moves forward, because the young people involved today will be the ones shaping the future of the country tomorrow. If we want a prosperous future, we must invest in the younger generation.
The invitation to the most important event of the year for European conservatism is as clear as can be: those who wish to attend will be able to register for the last event of the year organized by the European Conservative Party, which is offering the opportunity to participate in the event organized by the Italian conservative youth. Join the Atreju Festival, 2024 edition, and be one of the contributors to the discussions that can make a difference in the European conservative community. To register, please click HERE.