Dimitris Th. Tsatsos and George Papadimitriou are undoubtedly among those scientists and thinkers who had a vision for Europe, with unwavering faith in European integration and European institutions.

Steady and conscious Europeans who thoroughly understood the achievements but also the dangers of European unification. They were fully aware of the difficulties that arise in the course of European integration, which are linked to the degree of maturity of historical conditions, the "resistances" of the state phenomenon, as well as those of European peoples in this long and arduous process that affects the relationship between the national state and the European Union.

For this reason, their writings are distinguished by a comprehensive knowledge of the Union's architecture as well as by their bold criticism of the shortcomings and pathologies of the latter, for their belief that the institutions and practices of the European Union must be rejuvenated, that the citizen must come to the forefront of developments, and that ultimately European integration can only be firmly based on the principles and values of democracy.

The authors of this volume come from the fields of politics, science, and justice and present their views on critical issues of political, constitutional, and European institutions and more generally of the nation-state, the European Union, and democracy.

They explore and analyze themes that are in the broader scope of the work of the two honored figures, drawing inspiration from their significant contribution to related scientific and political inquiries.