The 2025 PACE Summit was hosted on 15th May by the Public Affairs Community of Europe (PACE) in collaboration with Il Chiostro and the Chamber of Deputies of Italy.
PACE marked a new chapter in its evolution as it opened the 14th Annual Meeting in Rome—where the initiative was first born in 2011. This year’s summit brought a significant development: the network now proudly represents 17 members across 16 European countries, following the addition of The Hellenic Association of Communications Agencies (EDEE/HACA) from Greece and The Polish Association of Public Affairs and Lobbying (PSPAL).
Returning to the Italian Chamber of Deputies, where PACE’s founding principles of transparency, ethics, and European collaboration were first formalised, members were welcomed by the Hon. Nazario Pagano, Chair of the First Committee on Constitutional Affairs. His presence underlined the enduring importance of institutional dialogue in shaping public affairs practice across Europe.
Fourteen years since its foundation, PACE continues to be the only platform uniting national public affairs associations across the continent. The expansion to Greece and Poland reaffirms the community’s commitment to inclusiveness and cross-border collaboration at a time when responsible governance and transparency are more important than ever.
Introducing the PACE Academy – Young Leaders Programme
This year’s summit also celebrated the official launch of the PACE Academy’s Young Leaders Programme, an initiative designed to empower the next generation of public affairs professionals.
The PACE Academy Young Leaders Summit is tailored to nurture emerging voices in public affairs through dialogue, networking, mentorship, and practical exchange. It offers a space for young professionals to engage with today’s public affairs challenges and to co-create the future of the field in a European context.
The PACE Academy, as the educational branch of the organization, aims to strengthen professional identity and leadership across generations. With programmes like the Young Leaders Summit, it fosters skill-building, ethical innovation, and a shared European vision in public affairs.
A Word of Thanks
The meeting was made possible through the generous support of Il Chiostro – Trasparenza e professionalità delle lobby, with special thanks to Angela Marchese and Francesco Macchia for their dedication in welcoming the PACE community back to Rome.
The 2025 edition explored the relationship between ethical lobbying, democracy, and institutional trust, while showcasing how transparent engagement strengthens policy outcomes.
️The Agenda
2025 Summit agenda included:
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Welcoming remarks by Hon. Nazario Pagano, Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, and Members of Parliament
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A closed-door General Assembly session for PACE members
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A guided visit of the Italian Chamber of Deputies – a symbolic gesture of transparency and interinstitutional collaboration
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An evening networking dinner, uniting PACE members, MPs, and guests from Il Chiostro and the event sponsor Cattaneo Zanetto Pomposo (CZP)
