Dimitris T. Tsatsos and Giorgos Papadimitriou are undoubtedly among those scientists and thinkers who had a vision for Europe, unwavering faith in European integration and European institutions. They were steadfast and conscious Europeans who were well aware of the achievements as well as the dangers for European unification. They were fully aware of the difficulties that arise in the process of European integration, which are connected to the level of maturity of historical conditions, the "resistance" of the state phenomenon, as well as the resistance of European peoples to this long and arduous process that takes place in the relationship between the nation-state and the European Union. Therefore, their texts are distinguished by their comprehensive knowledge of the European structure, as well as their courageous criticism of its shortcomings and pathologies, their belief that the institutions and practices of the European Union need to be revitalized, that the citizen must be at the center of developments, and ultimately that 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 they present their views on critical issues of politics, constitutionalism, European institutions, and more broadly, the nation-state, the European Union, and democracy. They explore and analyze themes that are within the broader scope of the work of these two honored individuals, drawing inspiration from their significant contribution to relevant scientific and political inquiries.