Context Course on the European integration process which aims to provide a detailed analysis, vision and reflection on the challenges and opportunities offered by the Future of Europe at a critical time, but also key to the launch of the Conference on the Future of Europe. This presents itself as an opportunity to define what Europe wants, and what should be its competences, priorities and strategies to continue in the long term, giving a new impetus to European democracy. While negotiating a new financial framework 2021-2027, reinforced with a recovery plan and the #NextGenerationEU initiative, we need to address major internal and external challenges: the health, economic and social crisis caused by Covid-19; and the major global challenges that require a response to ensure the sustainability, stability and development not only of the EU, but of the planet — climate change, an inclusive digital transformation, and the development of a future economy at the service of people. To achieve this, we must rethink the functioning of the EU and equip it with the necessary strength and competence to carry out its mission. Citizens are asking for solutions, not knowing that they often have no competence to do so. It is necessary to know what current mechanisms Europe has to deal with these challenges, how it works, how it evolves and which areas could be improved, or to develop new mechanisms to enable us to achieve more effective solutions in a Community way than when it is done on an individual basis. To this end, it is essential to have citizens and civil society known as being part of the process and the various participation mechanisms that exist, so that it can contribute to the development of strategies, initiatives and proposals that help define a more integrated future of Europe. At the same time, it is important to know what are the most important current challenges and the strategies being put in place: the European Green Deal, a cross-cutting policy of the European Commission for European businesses and citizens to benefit from a sustainable green transition and for Europe to be the first climate-neutral continent by 2050; digital Transformation, accelerated as a result of the pandemic but needs a strategy to ensure inclusive and inclusive development; the development of a strong Europe in the world, and the development of international relations and the EU’s geostrategic and cooperation environment by calling for the EU’s international responsibility and the development of renewed multilateralism; and give new impetus to European democracy and the rule of law. At the same time, it is essential that these initiatives, and the economic development of Europe, be at the service of the people, and that they be developed within the framework of the European Social Pillar, and we know what that means and how to put it into practice. Each of these facets and dimensions will be the subject of relevant analysis, work and discussion sessions. DIRECTORS: Alfonso Pinilla García. Professor of Contemporary History at the University of Extremadura Miguel Ángel Martín Ramos. Delegate in Brussels of the Yuste Foundation. Organisers This course, organised by the Yuste Foundation, is part of the program Campus Yuste, included in the XXII edition of the International Summer-Autumn Courses of the University of Extremadura, with the collaboration with the Council Extremeño of the European Movement — CEXME, the Junta de Extremadura, and is also part of the Conference on the Future of Europe.