The Villa Vigoni is focused on three thematic areas:

(1) the complex relationships between Germany and Italy in a European context, which includes the present, the past and the future;

(2) up-to-date research with an emphasis on innovation and impulses for transdiscliplinary, multilateral research groups;

(3) topical questions concerning civil society in all its aspects. 

The specific contributions of Germany and Italy to the project of European integration as well as its ramifications in a global context provide a through line.

The following topics are focal points of the Villa Vigoni:

a. "Germany and Italy after Lisbon"

This is concerned with the large field of current European developments. Topics include "The Social Dimension of European Policy" or "Possibilities and Limits of Joint Foreign, Security, Interior and Law Policies",  urgent questions of governance, like the framing conditions for efficient markets or, seen from the other side of the spectrum, democratic participation beyond the nation state. Additionally, a central thematic complex is the relationship between the European Union and its member states, to the point of raising the question how and in how far there can be a single "European identity."

b. Europe's Cultural Dimension

The access that the Villa Vigoni has to topics concerning European integration is characterized by a distinctive feature: the inclusion of Europe's cultural domains. Not least of all, Europe consists of a tight web of coexisting, highly developed cultures: it is imperative to use this advantage in the global, competitive environment.

This especially includes Europe's history: Europe has developed the special skill to use history as a resource for future development, i.e. it can take a dynamically open stance on historical realities in order to reflect them and transform them into sources of innovation.

In the atmosphere of transdisciplinarity, the importance of the cultural dimension extends into contexts where one might not have suspected it. For example, in aspects of economy, law, and neuroscience, the insight gains ground that human behavior is also determined by cultural traditions. 

c. The Sphere of European Higher Education and its Institutions

Traditionally, high-ranking scientific institutions meet in the Villa Vigoni. Added to this, a series of events is dedicated to basic questions regarding the sphere of European Higher Education and advancing the exchange of experience beyond national borders. 

d. German-Italian History in the Second World War

Various activities complement the work of the German-Italian Historical Commission, which the Villa Vigoni is involved in through its own scientific office.

e. Environment and Energy

This is one of the topics with increasing importance for the future, which the Villa Vigoni strives to implement practically in the context of maintaining and developing its estate using renewable energy and eco-friendly technologies. This makes the Villa Vigoni a vibrant model project beyond national borders, not least with a view to the EXPO 2015 in Milan.