A Stronger, More Democratic Europe: UEF Federal Committee Opens in the Hellenic Parliament

Greece hosts, for the first time, the meeting of the Union of European Federalists, with a landmark event in the Hellenic Parliament that underscores its upgraded role in shaping the new European agenda

With a historic and high-profile event in the Hellenic Parliament, the Union of European Federalists (UEF) officially launched the proceedings of its Federal Committee in the emblematic and fully attended Senate Chamber on Friday, 21 November. European political figures, Greek and foreign Members of Parliament, Members of the European Parliament, and prominent personalities shaping the public debate participated in a substantial discussion on deepening and accelerating European integration.

Under the central theme “For a stronger, more democratic, and inclusive European Union – towards a European federation,” the event highlighted the need for bold institutional reforms and for a renewed European vision capable of responding to the challenges of our time.

Ahead of Greece’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027, the country is emerging as a decisive actor in shaping the new European agenda. Hosting the UEF’s proceedings in Athens confirms Greece’s leading role within the European landscape.

In parallel, a structured dialogue is underway with Greek Members of Parliament for the creation of a Federalist Group in the Hellenic Parliament. This initiative is of particular importance for strengthening institutional dialogue and aims to: support reforms for a more effective and democratic EU, enhance the role of the Hellenic Parliament in European affairs, and promote Greece as a driving force in European integration.

The event was organized by the UEF, the Spinelli Group, and the UEF Greece (EEEnOE), marking a key moment for the European debate on the future of the Union and the transition towards a stronger, more democratic, and inclusive European Federation.

The program included an official guided tour of the Parliament—a symbolic reminder of the parliamentary dimension of European democracy—as well as high-level opening remarks by:

• Ioannis Plakiotakis, First Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament
• Domenec Devesa, President of the UEF
• Gabriele Bischoff, President of the Spinelli Group, Member of the European Parliament
• Daphne Gogu, President of UEF Greece

A special highlight of the event were the video messages delivered by Sandro Gozi, Member of the European Parliament and Honorary President of the UEF, and Josep Borrell, former High Representative of the EU and former President of the European Parliament, both of whom emphasized the historic significance of European integration and the need for political courage to complete it.

The event also featured the presentation of the questionnaire results concerning the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the EU, with remarks by Christos Stylianides, Member of Parliament and former Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus.

Two high-level thematic panels followed:

The first panel, moderated by journalist and political analyst Angelos Athanasopoulos, brought together leading figures of the European political scene, including UEF President Domenec Devesa, Members of the European Parliament Dimitrios Tsiodras and Daniel Freund, as well as Dimitris Mantzos, Member of Parliament for PASOK – Movement for Change. The discussion underscored the need for a unified and effective European voice on the international stage, with a focus on defence, energy, enlargement, and the EU’s strategic autonomy.

The second panel, moderated by author and economic analyst Giannis Papageorgiou, highlighted the importance of completing the Single Market and strengthening competitiveness, as well as the critical role of negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework. Participants included Gabriele Bischoff, President of the Spinelli Group, Dimitris Kairidis, MP for New Democracy, Nadia Giannakopoulou, MP for PASOK, former MEP Petros Kokkalis, MEP Raquel Garcia Hermida Van der Walle (online), and Giannis Bournous, Vice-President of the Party of the European Left. The contributions also addressed key issues related to technology, migration, and the climate crisis, confirming that completing European integration requires political synthesis and a shared strategic direction.

Speakers stressed that Europe stands at a pivotal moment: geopolitical instability, hybrid threats, the rise of populism and disinformation, energy challenges, the need for green and technological transition, and the forthcoming enlargement all demand deeper institutional integration and stronger democratic legitimacy for European decision-making.

As Greece prepares for its Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2027, it is emerging as a key actor in shaping the new European agenda, hosting the heart of the European federalist movement in Athens.

The Federal Committee proceedings continued on 22 and 23 November in Piraeus, at the building housing the Historic Library of the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation. The sessions focused on developing concrete proposals and initiatives in preparation for the organization’s future strategy, ahead of the pan-European Congress to be held in early 2026 in Spain.

The meetings in Athens and Piraeus were institutionally supported by the Municipality of Piraeus, represented by Deputy Mayors Mr. Dimitris Karydis and Ms. Andriana Zarakeli, acting on behalf and with the continuous support of the Mayor of Piraeus. The active involvement of the municipal authority underscored the importance the Municipality places on hosting international institutional processes and on strengthening Piraeus’ role as a hub for dialogue and cooperation at the European level.

For more information click HERE
UEF Greece (EEEnOE)

For the questionnaire regarding the Cypriot Presidency during the first half of 2026 click HERE

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