Candidates for mandate 2026-2028

President

Name and Surname: Domènec Ruiz Devesa
Year of birth: 1978
Email: domenec.devesa@gmail.com
Member of: Unión de Europeístas y Federlistas de España
BIO Domènec Ruiz Devesa has served as President of the Union of European Federalists (UEF) since November 2023, after previously holding the position of Vice-President. A committed European federalist for many years, he combines political experience, intellectual work and public advocacy in support of a stronger, more democratic and sovereign European Union. He is also Vice President of the European Movement International. He is a lawyer, economist, and political scientist with a graduate degree in European Studies from Johns Hopkins University.Domènec served as a Member of the European Parliament (2019–2024), where he worked primarily on foreign affairs, security and defence, and institutional issues, and as Policy Coordinator of the High Representative Josep Borrell (2024). During his mandate he was rapporteur on the European Parliament’s report on the 2024 European elections that included the proposal of transnational lists and actively supported proposals aimed at strengthening European democracy, including the proposal to reform the Treaties.Currently Domènec Ruiz Devesa is a Senior Research Fellow at CIDOB (Barcelona Centre for International Affairs) and regularly publishes analysis and opinion pieces on European integration, security and institutional reform in European media and specialised platforms. His work consistently advocates a federal Europe capable of acting strategically in the world.Since becoming President of UEF, he has focused on revitalising the federalist movement across Europe, strengthening cooperation between national sections, and expanding the organisation’s public presence and its advocacy work before the EU institutions, with the extraordinary support of UEF Secretariat, currently led by Secretary-General Mathilde Baudouin. Under his leadership, UEF has intensified its advocacy for European political union and a genuine European defence, while promoting new initiatives to mobilise civil society, parliamentarians and pro-European actors in favour of federal reform.His presidency has also emphasised the relevance of federalism in a changing geopolitical environment, arguing that only a politically united Europe will be able to defend democracy, uphold the rules-based international order, and ensure the security and prosperity of European citizens.
MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION Dear friends and fellow federalists,I am honoured to present my candidacy for re-election as President of the Union of European Federalists at the XXIX UEF Congress in Barcelona.Over the past two and a half years, we have worked together to strengthen the voice of federalists at a moment of profound transformation for Europe. We have increased UEF’s political visibility, developed new initiatives to promote a federal political union and a genuine European defence, and reinforced cooperation among our sections across the continent. At the same time, we have continued to engage in the public debate through publications, events and partnerships with pro-European actors.We have launched the process of strategic planning and have reactivated the Action Committee for the United States of Europe with several high-profile European personalities such as Hans-Gert Pöttering, Danuta Hübner, Enrico Letta, Josep Borrell, Mercedes Bresso, Guy Verhofstadt, Isabelle Durant, among others. But the task before us is far from complete.Europe faces growing geopolitical pressures, democratic challenges and institutional limitations that prevent the Union from acting effectively. Federalists must therefore remain at the forefront of the debate, proposing concrete pathways towards a sovereign, democratic and federal Europe, including through a vanguard of willing Member States.If re-elected, my priority will be to continue strengthening the UEF as a pan-European political movement capable of influencing the debate on Europe’s future, mobilising citizens and leaders around the need for deeper integration. We must build momentum for reforms that will enable the Union to act decisively in security and defence, with the set up of a European Common Defence, protect democracy and the rule of law, and reinforce Europe’s role as a global actor.The federalist cause has always progressed thanks to the commitment of volunteers, activists and thinkers across generations. I look forward to continuing this work together with all of you.Thank you for your trust and your dedication to the federalist ideal.

Vice-Presidents

Name and Surname: Alin Mituta
Year of birth: 1984
Email: alin.mituta@gmail.com
Member of: Inițiativa pentru Europa Unită (United Europe Initiative)
BIO As the current Vice-President of the Union of European Federalists (UEF), I am committed to transforming our organization into a more effective, politically influential, and pan-European movement. My experience blends deep institutional expertise—gained through years of work in the European Parliament, the Council, and the Romanian government, where I served as Secretary of State and head of cabinet to the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs—with a proven track record in civil society leadership. I am a co-founder of several organizations, including the United Europe Initiative (UEF Romania), and I have consistently bridged the gap between policy and grassroots advocacy. Within the UEF, I have focused on strengthening our national sections and elevating our advocacy for treaty reform and democratic integration. I offer a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to leadership, ensuring that our federalist vision is effectively campaigned for and realized across the continent.
MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION Why I am running I am honored to have served as Vice-President of the Union of European Federalists. I am running for re-election because our mission to build a sovereign, democratic, and federal Europe is more urgent than ever. We face a crossroads where security, enlargement, and institutional capacity demand bold leadership. My experience as VP has deepened my conviction that the UEF must act as the primary bridge between high-level policy debates and grassroots mobilization. I seek your support to turn our federalist principles into tangible political action, ensuring our movement remains a powerful catalyst for a fully integrated European Union. My Vision and Priorities If re-elected, I will focus on three strategic pillars to amplify our influence:•        Institutional Reform: We must move beyond the current deadlock. My priority is to maintain high-level pressure to convene a Convention. Specifically, I advocate, among others, for:•        Ending the Veto: Transitioning from unanimity to Qualified Majority Voting (QMV) in critical policy areas, especially foreign, security, and fiscal affairs.•        Parliamentary Power: Granting the European Parliament full legislative initiative and final say over the EU budget.•        Executive Efficiency: Transforming the Commission into a streamlined, accountable European executive.•        Empowering the Federalist Network: The UEF’s strength lies in its sections. I will work towards expanding our network, including in candidate countries, and make it a more resilient and effective political force.•        Expanding Our Reach: The federalist message must resonate beyond our traditional circles. I am committed to modernizing our communication strategy to engage younger citizens and diverse stakeholders, ensuring that a federal Europe is viewed as the practical, necessary solution to the everyday concerns of all Europeans.•    More citizens involvement in EU decision making processes.

Name and Surname: Markus Ferber
Year of birth: 1965
Email: markus.ferber@europarl.europa.eu
Member of: Europa-Union Deutschland | Germany
BIO Upon studying electrical engineering at the Technical University of Munich and graduating with a degree in engineering, I entered the field of politics, joining the European Parliament in June of 1994, and representing my constituency Swabia ever since. Within the European Parliament, I have served in a multitude of roles, currently as the Coordinator of the EPP Group in the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Additionally, I have been appointed to the Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN) and am the 1st Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on Tax Matters. I am also an active Member of the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union. Outside of the Parliament, I serve as the Chairman of the Hanns Seidel Foundation. Between 2000-2021, I had the honour of being the Chairman of the Bavarian section of the Europa Union. Since 2021, I am delighted to occupy the position of Vice-President of the Union of European Federalists, and I will be honoured to continue this adventure.
MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION Our European democracy and European institutions must be reinforced if we are to overcome the challenges facing us both today and tomorrow in this instable world. If we want a strong European Union, avoid a downtrend in economic prosperity and stand up to the rise of populism throughout Europe, we need, now more than ever, strong European institutions that are capable of taking action. For that reason, we need to induce institutional change, including treaty change, that moves away from intergovernmental structures and unanimity procedures that hold European integration back. Such change will only be possible if it is backed, supported and shaped by civil society. I see the Union of European Federalists as force that can help to bring about those reforms and would I be honoured to be able to play a part in the process as a Vice-President of the UEF.

Name and Surname: Giulia Rossolillo
Year of birth: 1969
Email: giulia.rossolillo@unipv.it
Member of: Movimento Federalista Europeo | Italy
BIO I am a Full Professor of European Union law at the Law Faculty of the University of Pavia, where I also teach international commercial law. My federalist experience dates back to 1984, when I joined the European Federalist Movement, of whose Federal Committee (Comitato Federale) and Executive Bureau (Direzione nazionale) I am currently a member. I was a member of the Executive Bureau of the UEF from 2021 to 2025 and Vice-President of the UEF from 2023 to 2025. From 2018 to 2021 I was Chair of the Political Commision n. 1 of the UEF Federal Committee. I am the editor of the political review Il Federalista/The Federalist.
MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION At a moment like the present, when great powers are competing for spheres of influence and resources and the world has once again become dominated by raw power relations among states, the construction of a federal Europe appears to be the only way to safeguard the values of democracy, freedom and solidarity that have taken root on the continent. It is also the only way to contribute to the creation of a more just international order, based on cooperation among states and aimed at securing peace. For this reason, the role of European federalists is today essential in pushing for the creation of a federal Europe endowed with real autonomy and with the capacity to protect European citizens both internally — by acquiring the ability to raise its own resources — and externally, by developing a common foreign and defence policy. From this perspective, I believe that the action of federalists should focus on the following main priorities. First, they should put pressure on European institutions, governments and national political forces to promote an institutional reform of the European Union that would enable it to act effectively on the global stage and to be internally structured along a truly federal framework, based on autonomous and mutually coordinated levels of government. The path towards this goal has already been outlined by the treaty reform proposal presented by the European Parliament in 2023, as well as by the Draghi and Letta reports. In this context, the key areas on which federalists should insist — highlighting their strong connection with the need for a genuine political union — are taxation (that is, the financing of the Union) and foreign and defence policy. These are precisely the areas in which the Union still remains largely dependent on the member states and constrained by the rule of unanimity. Second, federalists should also address national parliaments in order to increase pressure on national governments. Third, they should coordinate the action of national sections so that pressure can also be exerted on local political forces through a European-wide campaign, including through joint initiatives among different national sections of the UEF. In this regard, the exchange of information between sections is extremely important, so that the positive experiences of one national section can be shared with others. Finally, it is essential to develop communication tools capable of making citizens aware of the crucial moment we are living through and of the risks posed by the absence of a genuine political Europe, while also spreading federalist ideas through clear and accessible messaging.If elected, I will strive to contribute to the achievement of these objectives by placing my professional expertise and my experience as an activist at both the Italian and European levels at the service of the UEF.

Treasurer

Executive Bureau Members

Name and Surname: Dr. Sebastian Camarero
Year of birth: 1989
Email: sebastian.camarero@eubw.eu
Member of: Europa-Union Deutschland | Germany
BIO My name is Sebastian Camarero Garcia and I apply for becoming a member of the executive board of UEF. Being German and Spanish, feeling European, I have been committed to European federalism since school times and joined the European Federalists in 2009. I served as Treasurer of JEF Baden-Württemberg (2022–2023) and have been a member of the Executive Board of Europa-Union Baden-Württemberg since 2023. Since 2025, I sit on the Federal Committee of UEF, contributing to the Strategy Task Force, the drafting of the manifesto and several policy committees. I hold a PhD in economics and studied and lived across Europe. I currently work at the European Commission (DG FISMA) on the Savings and Investment Union, after professional experience in the Eurosystem and at the Centre for European Economic Research. I combine long-standing movement commitment with hands-on institutional expertise and stand for a democratic, sovereign and economically strong federal Europe that delivers for its citizens.
MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION Europe has entered a decisive decade. War has returned to our continent. The global economic order is fragmenting. Enlargement, democratic resilience and technological transformation are reshaping the European Union at the same time. In this environment, incrementalism is no longer sufficient. Federalism is not an abstract aspiration — it is the institutional answer to fragmentation, vulnerability and geopolitical irrelevance. As Mario Draghi has underlined in his report on European competitiveness, Europe risks structural decline if it fails to mobilise common resources, deepen integration and act at scale. Coordination, common financing and strategic investment require stronger European capacity. Federalism provides the political and institutional framework to deliver exactly that. I am running for the Executive Board of UEF because I believe our movement must help translate this historic necessity into political reality. We must combine conviction with competence, ambition with credibility, and vision with strategic execution. UEF should not only articulate the federalist horizon; it must actively shape the political path towards it.My commitment to European federalism spans more than fifteen years. I joined the European Federalists in 2009 and have remained continuously engaged. I served as Treasurer of JEF Baden-Württemberg (2022–2023), strengthening its organisational and financial base. Since 2023, I have been a member of the Executive Board of Europa-Union Baden-Württemberg. Since 2025, I sit on the Federal Committee of UEF, contributing to the Strategy Task Force, the manifesto and several policy committees. These experiences allow me to connect grassroots mobilisation with strategic work at European level. Professionally, I work at the European Commission (DG FISMA) on the Savings and Investment Union. I previously gained experience in the Eurosystem and at the Centre for European Economic Research. I hold a PhD in economics and have studied and lived across Europe. This background has reinforced my conviction that political sovereignty and economic architecture are inseparable. A Union that seeks geopolitical relevance must equip itself with democratic, fiscal and institutional depth. If elected, I would focus on five priorities.First, establishing a clearer strategic architecture within UEF. We should distinguish more explicitly between our long-term federal vision — anchored in the manifesto — and a structured medium-term working plan with operational priorities for the next political cycle. The manifesto defines where we want Europe to be. The working plan defines what we push for in the next three to five years. This distinction will enhance focus, coherence and accountability. Second, strengthening outreach to European institutions, particularly the Commission and the Council, through coordinated engagement via national sections. UEF at European level should provide strategic clarity, common messaging and overarching priorities. National sections should use this framework to advocate federal reforms within their respective governments and political systems. A clear division of roles — European coordination, national persuasion — can significantly increase our impact. Third, reinforcing UEF’s policy credibility and analytical capacity. Federalism must be translated into precise and operational reform proposals: fiscal capacity at European level, treaty reform where necessary, defence integration, democratic legitimacy through stronger parliamentary involvement, and deepened economic governance. We should aim to be recognised as a serious, constructive and forward-looking partner in reform debates. Fourth, improving internal coordination and transparency between the Executive Board, the Federal Committee and policy committees. Strategic consistency requires structured communication, clear timelines and shared ownership of priorities. Strong internal governance will strengthen our external influence. Fifth, enhancing communication and narrative clarity. Federalism must be presented not as an abstract  project, but as a practical solution to citizens’ concerns: security, prosperity, stability and democratic control. Our messaging should connect institutional reform with everyday European realities. Sixth, investing in the next generation of federalists. Close cooperation with JEF, mentoring initiatives and leadership development are essential to ensure renewal, diversity and long-term sustainability of our movement. As a German and Spaniard who speaks German, Spanish, French and English, I am committed to bridging perspectives across Europe. Federalism is not theory for me — it is lived experience. I am ready to dedicate time, energy and strategic focus to strengthening UEF at a moment when Europe needs clarity, courage and institutional ambition.Europe will not become federal by default. It will become federal if we organise, strategise and act with determination. I am running to help UEF lead that effort.

Name and Surname: Eszter Nagy
Year of birth: 1972
Email: nagyeszter0213@gmail.com
Member of: Európai Föderalisták UniójaMagyarország | Hungary
BIO I'm an economist teacher with MA in International Relations and a former diplomat. I have been a member of UEF Hungary since 2016, the president of UEF Hungary and member of the EB since 2022. Since  2022, I'm also a local councilor in the Budapest 2nd district municipality, since beginning of 2025 I'm a non-aligned (independent) local politician.
MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION My mission in the EB is to represent the "new member states", to bring in the perspective of Central and Eastern Europe, I consider it extremely important if we want a Europe which is united from the grassroots. Unfortunately in our region, civil society is intrinsically weak, and we need to strengthen our cooperation with the more developed European states to get inspiration and learn about the best practices, as well. We can also share our experiences on how illiberalism functions and how to survive in such a context as a pro-European civil organization. In Hungary, we especially need to focus on democratic resilience and to develop personal connections to exchange about the threats of authoritarianism, how to face them, and how to (re)build democratic structures involving citizens. This is a joint mission for us federalists in the Union, how to stand up for the basic democratic principles to make the EU stronger, more united and more resilient amongst global challenges and in an aggravated geopolitical situation in Europe and globally, as well.

Name and Surname: Simina Tulbure
Year of birth: 1992
Email: simina.tulbure@gmail.com
Member of: Inițiativa pentru Europa Unită (United Europe Initiative)
BIO I am the President of UEF Romania and a former Member of the Romanian Parliament (2020–2024), representing the Romanian diaspora. During my mandate I worked on education, youth policies and European citizenship, including introducing European citizenship education into the national curriculum. My experience spans several European institutions: I was a Schuman trainee at the European Parliament and worked within the European Investment Bank. I currently serve as Honorary Adviser to the Romanian Minister of Investments and European Projects, contributing to discussions on the future EU budget and strategic European investments. I studied at the University of Essex in the United Kingdom and have long been engaged in European policy and international networks. As a committed federalist, I want UEF to play a stronger political role in advocating treaty reform, qualified majority voting and a more democratic and federal European Union.
MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION I am running for the UEF Executive Bureau because I believe the federalist movement must play a stronger and more visible role in shaping the political debate about the future of Europe. Coming from Romania, a country on the EU’s eastern flank, the urgency of building a stronger and more united Europe is particularly clear. Russia’s war against Ukraine and the growing geopolitical instability in our neighbourhood have shown that the current institutional framework of the European Union is no longer sufficient for the challenges ahead. For many citizens in our region, the need for a genuine European defence capability and a more coherent foreign policy is not abstract, it is a matter of security. At the same time, the European Union must prepare for the next wave of enlargement, including Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans. Enlargement and deeper integration must go hand in hand, and federalist reforms will be essential to ensure that a larger Union can function effectively. As federalists, we must move from being only a community of ideas to becoming a stronger political force advocating concrete reforms: treaty reform, qualified majority voting in foreign and security policy, stronger democratic accountability and a Union capable of acting decisively on the global stage. I believe UEF has a unique role to play in building this political momentum across Europe. My experience as a former Member of the Romanian Parliament, as well as my work with European institutions and currently within the Romanian Ministry of Investments and European Projects, has given me a clear understanding of how national and European debates intersect. One of UEF’s key missions should be to strengthen the connection between European federalist ideas and national political discussions. If elected to the Executive Bureau, I would particularly like to contribute to three priorities: strengthening the political visibility of federalist ideas across Europe, building stronger bridges between national sections and the European level of the movement, and mobilising a new generation of Europeans around the federalist project. I am convinced that a stronger, more democratic and federal Europe is not only a political aspiration but a necessity for our shared future, and I would be honoured to contribute to advancing this vision within the UEF Executive Bureau.

Name and Surname: François Leray
Year of birth: 1975
Email: francois.leray@federalists.eu
Member of: UEF Group Europe | EU Institutions
BIO Member of the UEF Europe Executive Board since 2023, President of UEF France from 2021 to 2023, member of the WFM, I am also a senior executive in the French civil service and an associate university professor in information and communication sciences.
MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION As an outgoing EB member, I was in charge of the strategic planning during the last mandate alongside Domenec and contributed to numerous publications and resolutions, for example in digital, information and defence policies. I propose to continue to contribute to the collective formalization, implementation and evaluation of our movement's strategy, and to help building our influence through publications, networking and dissemination.

Name and Surname: Roberto Castaldi
Year of birth: 1973
Email: roberto.castaldi@cesue.eu
Member of: Movimento Federalista Europeo | Italy
BIO I joined JEF in 1989. I was JEF-Italy Secretary general from 1995 to 1999. I was secretary of MFE-Pisa from 1993 to 2020, president of MFE-Tuscany from 2019 to 2026. I am Secretary general of MFE since 2025. I am an outgoing UEF FC member. I am professor of Political theory at eCampus University; founder and director of the International Centre for European and global governance (Cesue.eu), of Euractiv Italy (2020-2026) and now Focus Europe Italy (focuseurope.it). I was in the Italian Government scientific committee for the future of Europe. I am co-editor of Perspectives on Federalism, an interdisciplinary scientific journal. I was in the organizing team of the 2017 March for Europe. I won a 30.000 € Spinelli Prize, which I donated to UEF in 2017. I promoted some pro-EU appeals by European intellectuals published by the main European media.I organised many conferences, training seminars, and participated in TV and radio programs. I am coordinator of various EU projects.
MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION The world order is crumbling and it is urgent to complete the federalization of the EU. At this crucial moment the UEF does not have the Operating Grant and will probably have a reduced staff. Therefore, it is crucial for long-term activist to commit to work for UEF.  As a long term activist I can contribute to UEF with regards to:- Political campaigning. I have a vast experience with regards to grassroot activities as well as to political pressure towards top level politicians. I helped to reach top level Italian politicians to participate to the Action Committee for the United States Europe. At the 2023 MFE Congress in Pisa, I organised a debate with top level representatives of all Italian parties; and in 2017 a conference with a sitting PM (Ratas) and 3 former PMs (Amato, Letta, Monti). I have a vast network of contacts with policy-makers, civil society leaders, academics and opinion-makers, that I can put at the service of UEF.- Communication. I am also a journalist. I directed Euractiv Italy from 2020 up to February 2026, and now I am director of Focus Europe Italy, part of the new Focus Europe Network. This experience can help the UEF communication activities.- Fund-raising. I have drafted and manged several European projects – both as an academic and as director of CesUE. I wish to put this experience in EU projects at the service of UEF.- Training. I was one of the 3 national experts in the pilot project on EU citizenship education by the EU institutions and the Italian Government. I have organised and run a regional federalist seminar for many years. I coordinated many EU training projects. I hope this experience can help UEF develop tools to train out activists and strengthen our organization.- Networking. Through my pro-EU Appeals and CesUE projects I have set up a network of contacts with like-minded academics, that may help establish new UEF sections.- Organization. As Secretary general of MFE I have implemented a new organizational structure to empower activists and develop a more collegial working method. I hope that experience can help UEF improve its internal organization and its ability to coordinate the sections works, in order to increase our overall political impact.

Directly elected Federal Committee Members

Name and Surname: Christelle Savall
Year of birth: 1994
Email: christelle.savall@jef.eu
Member of: UEF Luxemburg | Luxembourg
BIO Hi everyone! I am Christelle and I am currently President of UEF Luxembourg. A committed federalist and JEFer for the past 14 years I have most recently been JEF Europe President until last November and as such an ex officio member of the UEF Europe board. I have been in the Federal Committee of UEF for 2 terms already and look forward to continue to contribute to UEF Europe!
MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION As a directly elected Federal Commmittee member I would like to work on capacity building of our sections and in particular helping exchange best practices, establish twinnings as well as assist the board in building and growing sections all over Europe, which I have done for many years for the JEF sections I was contact person for. I also have been co-chair of JEF Taskforce Capacity Building, oversaw twinnings and for the past years focused a lot in the board on capacity building.

Name and Surname: Hervé Moritz
Year of birth: 1994
Email: herve.moritz@gmail.com
Member of: Union des Fédéralistes européens | France
BIO I have been president of the European Movement - France since 2022. I was previously involved in the Board of the Union of European Federalists in France as a policy officer. Member of JEF Strasbourg since 2011, I was president of JEF France from 2017 to 2019. I have been a member of the FC of UEF Europe for several years. I am a lecturer and researcher in the history of European integration at the University of Strasbourg. I defended my doctoral thesis in 2024 on the Crocodile Club.
MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION I would like to take part in the work of the UEF Europe FC to contribute to discussions on resolutions and campaigns that federalists should promote in the current public debate on the future of Europe and the international order. I believe we have ideas that should be promoted in the public debate. I also want to contribute my experience and support to the implementation and financing of several projects and events, in particular to develop our relations with academic circles and our partnerships. I had the opportunity to work with the UEF Europe team to organise an event on the 25th anniversary of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights in Nice in December 2024. This wonderful event is an example of the events we can host and co-organise in the future to limit costs while developing our institutional, political and academic partnerships.

Name and Surname: Jean Marsia
Year of birth: 1953
Email: marsiajean@gmail.com
Member of: UEF Belgique | Belgium
BIO Retired colonel Belgian army. Since 2015 doctor of Political Sciences at the Free University of Brussels, and doctor in the Social and Military Sciences at the Belgian Royal Military School, and president founder of the European Society for Defense, an international non profit association with the main goal of maintaining peace in  Europe, by reviving the political union of Europe and achieving an effective European Defense. Since 2018 UEF Belgium member and since 2019 member of the UEF federal committee.
MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION I would like to continue my work within the Federal Committee to promote a federal Europe in particular capable of ensuring our sovereignty, our independence, our security and defence.

Name and Surname: Beta Mihai Andrei
Year of birth: 1989
Email: mihaibeta@gmail.com
Member of: Inițiativa pentru Europa Unită (United Europe Initiative)
BIO I am a committed European federalist, currently serving as Vice President of UEF Romania (Inițiativa pentru Europa Unită – IEU) and Vice President of the pro-European party REPER. My involvement in UEF has been hands-on: I helped co-organize the Interregional Conference in Bucharest in December 2024, strengthening cooperation between the Romanian, Bulgarian and Kosovo sections. I later represented UEF Romania at key gatherings, including the Federal Committee meeting in Athens and the Interregional Conference in Bulgaria in December 2025, where I moderated a panel. These experiences have deepened my understanding of UEF’s mission and how to translate federalist ideas into citizen engagement and concrete action. Professionally, I have a background in digital marketing (former executive roles), project management, and building high-performing teams. I am also developing a second career in financial analysis. This background enables me to contribute a data-driven, innovative approach to UEF’s work. If elected, I will leverage my political experience and operational skills to act as a bridge between the Central and Eastern sections and the UEF Executive Bureau, supporting stronger coordination and a more cohesive Federal Committee.
MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION I am running for a directly elected Federal Committee (FC) seat because I want to strengthen specifically Romania’s and, more broadly, Central and Eastern Europe’s voice in shaping a truly united Europe. The current security environment on the EU’s eastern flank shows why a more united and capable Europe is not optional; it is necessary. Mario Draghi has repeatedly argued, the EU must deepen its unity and capacity to act, or risk being weakened by external powers. I want our region to have a stronger say in this direction. As Vice President of IEU (UEF Romania), I have seen that federalist ideas can mobilize support at home when linked to real issues. On the Federal Committee, I will ensure that our region’s perspectives on security, enlargement, rule of law, and solidarity, are consistently reflected in UEF priorities, advocacy, and external messaging.  To advance these objectives and build stronger UEF cross-section cooperation, I will focus on five priority areas: 1. I will strengthen links between UEF sections in Central and Eastern Europe through practical coordination: a regional working group, regular exchanges of best practices, joint campaigns, and webinars on enlargement, energy security and rule of law - so we act with one voice and deliver together. 2. I will advocate within UEF for priorities that matter on the eastern flank: a genuine European Defence Union and a stronger European Public Prosecutor’s Office. The federalist movement should help shape a realistic path for Ukraine’s and Moldova’s accession, alongside the EU reforms needed to keep our institutions effective and resilient. 3. Drawing on my background in marketing and organisation-building, I will help UEF improve how we communicate and coordinate across sections: I want us to move from isolated national efforts to a more connected communication ecosystem: shared templates and messaging “kits”, a light common editorial calendar around key EU moments, and better cross-posting so that campaigns and successes in one country can be reused and amplified elsewhere. 4. I will advocate for practical tools that make sections easier to run: a shared members’ online community (e.g., dedicated social media groups), clear volunteer coordination workflows, and short internal trainings on communications, campaigning, and replicable event formats. 5. Finally, my vision is simple: UEF should scale what works. I want UEF sections to learn from each other through practical case studies and shared “how-to” playbooks, so that good ideas scale across countries. To support real growth, we also need clear goals and measurable outcomes, both for communication and for membership/volunteer development, so sections can improve faster, expand their reach, and engage new audiences, especially younger citizens. In summary, I am running to help make UEF more cohesive, more visible, and more effective - especially across Central and Eastern Europe. The federalist movement cannot afford to be fragmented or reactive: we must be organised, coordinated, and heard. I am ready to invest my energy, organizational capacity, and political/people skills to help the Federal Committee become a real engine for European unification. I bring hands-on leadership in digital strategy, project delivery, and building teams and communities. If elected, I will push for concrete outcomes: stronger cooperation between sections, scalable campaigns, and measurable growth in members, volunteers and reach.  I will work alongside my federalist colleagues to turn federalism from an idea people admire into a movement people join - so we move faster toward a safer, stronger, truly united Europe.

Name and Surname: François Mennerat
Year of birth: 1944
Email: franceois@mennerat.eu
Member of: UEF Belgique | Belgium
BIO A member of UEF since 2006 for sure or perhaps earlier, a member of the Executive Bureau since 2013. Section UEF France and later UEF Belgium.
MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION I have been definitely committed since I became politically aware during my teenage years to a united Europe respecting the cultural diversity of its countries and regions, therefore to a European federal democratic State.The current international situation undeniably demonstrates that the limits of ersatz and trompe l'oeil political institutions have been greatly exceeded. The advent of a democratically legitimate European federal State can no longer be delayed. This is a sine qua non condition for Europe to be respected on the international stage and to be diplomatically influential in the search for peace. Our nation States are mere pretentious dwarfs who continue to squabble like irresponsible children.Furthermore, there can be no European defence by and for Europeans if it is not based on a democratically legitimate state with a single, coherent and credible chain of command. As a member of the Federal Committee, I commit myself to continue to tirelessly advocate for a major institutional shift. Our democratic values are under threat from all sides. We must uphold them. Let us not resign ourselves to the demise of international law.

Name and Surname: Kati Systä
Year of birth: 1995
Email: kati.systa@jef.eu
Member of: JEF Europe
BIO I am federalist activist since 2017. I was born in 1995 and therefore I am part of the first vintage of Finns who were EU citizens from birth. While I have not seen Finland outside of the EU, I have a strong understanding of how close it was that we would not have been able to join should the history have taken a different turn some year prior. I have previously held positions in national board of JEF Finland (2020), Federal Committee of JEF Europe (2021-2023), Executive Board of JEF Europe (2023-2025), Directly Elected Member of UEF Federal Committee (2023-2025), and currently I am member of the board of UEF Finland. I am rerunning for second term as Directly Elected FC member. I work as an assistant at the Finnish Parliament where EU questions are on my table daily. Previously have done traineeships in Brussels, and at the Finnish Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs. My academic background is in public international law with focus on human rights and international criminal law.
MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION I want to contribute to federalist debates between different generations of activists, different political backgrounds, and bring my Nordic perspective to debates. My approach is often quite practical which is why I have subscribed to the federalist project as well. As a debater, I am constructive and fair but stand strongly behind my core beliefs. I hope to use my voice to support human rights, democracy, rule of law and equality. I have been joking for several years that I am bringing the two scary f words to Nordic political debate: feminism and federalism. I feel that these have a lot in common, both as activism movements and political ideas. Both promote better societies for all and better participation, to sum up my thinking.  I hope to be a constructive contributor to the FC this upcoming mandate. Having largely retired from JEF, I hope to bring my experience and thoughts to UEF to support more impactful campaigns, develop relevant policies to be the backbones of such campaigns, and do my part to make sure that our positions reflect the entirety of UEF, and the European Federalist Movement.  My federalism shows in my everyday work as an assistant at the Finnish Parliament and seeing a strong and natural connection between national and European policies. For me, at the end of the day, federalism is about building peace and building societies that can respond to challenges we meet today. Europe and the EU can be strong, relevant actors if we are united and provide our Union with the tools to do what is necessary. Despite what is going on in the world, we must not forget our roots as a peace organisation and commitment to democracy when political movements around us may be tempted to support easy, populist solutions. Next years will also be important for EU enlargement and will tell if the EU will be ready to be able to welcome new members. We cannot only demand from future members but also set demands for our union.  Altiero Spinelli and Ernesto Rossi drafted a great manifesto at a time when fascism was raging in Europe. Now that similar movements are picking up across the Europe, we must position ourselves as an alternative to movements who wish to turn inwards and exclude. I hope to conclude with a quote from Lord Robert Baden-Powell who may not have been a federalist but certainly had some thoughts about building friendships across the borders that we also can recognise: “Try and leave this world a little better than you found it.” I think this is a good mission statement for federalism as well.

Members of the Arbitration Board

Name and Surname: Peter Osten
Year of birth: 1945
Email: p.osten@web.de
Member of: Europa-Union Deutschland | Germany
BIO I joined Junge Europäische Föderalisten Deutschland in june 1962. From 1972 to 1974 I have been the first European President of JEF. Till then up to now I am a member of Europa-Union Deutschland.I have studied economics and law at the universities of Heidelberg, Freiburg/ Breis­gau, Nice/Côte d'Azur and Mannheim. In march 1975 I entered public administration of Baden-Württemberg as a civil servant.In 1976/77 I got a scholarship to study at the École Nationale d'Administration in Paris with a three month's stage at Mende/Lozère.From 1979 till my retirement I have been administrative judge at Karlsruhe, Mann­heim and Halle. From  2006 to 2009 I have also been court-mediator at the Administrative Court Karlsruhe. Actually, I am president of our regional Slow Food Chapter of the Harz-Moun­tains. I'm living part-time in Limone Piemonte/Italy, my partner Daniela is an italian magistrate. I have two sons (47, 45) and three grandchildren.
MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION I have been elected to the UEF Arbitration Board for the first time in november 2018, and I believe that I continue to meet the requirements for this position. And, yes, I am still well motivated to do it.

Name and Surname: Andreu Iranzo Navarro
Year of birth: 1981
Email: airanzonavarro@gmail.com
Member of: Unión de Europeístas y Federlistas de España | Spain
BIO My name is Andreu Iranzo Navarro. I am an economist currently working in regional innovation networks. Before, I have been working in the field of EU policies and projects, regional development and the management of a Mediterranean citizenship organisation. I studied at the University of Valencia and the College of Europe and have served as Director General for European Funds in the Valencian regional government. Within the European federalist movement, I currently serve as Vice-President for Analysis, Studies and Programmes of the Union of European Federalists of the Valencian Community (since January 2024) and I am a member of the Federal Committee of UEF Spain (since March 2023). Since November 2023, I have been a member of the Arbitration Board of the Union of European Federalists (UEF). I also hold a certification in civil and community mediation (Ministry of Justice of Spain), which may be useful for the type of responsibilities carried out by this body.
MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION I am presenting my candidacy to continue serving on the Arbitration Board mainly out of a sense of continuity and availability to keep contributing to the organisation wherever it may be useful. Since November 2023, I have had the opportunity to be part of this body, and the experience has been positive. During this period, the number of cases addressed has been limited, which probably reflects the generally good functioning of the organisation. In any case, the Board has worked in a calm and constructive manner whenever necessary, and I have greatly appreciated the cooperative atmosphere and the balanced approach of its members. My motivation is simple: if the organisation considers it useful for me to continue, I would be glad to keep contributing my time and experience in this role. The Arbitration Board above all requires neutrality, discretion and respect for internal rules and procedures, and I believe my background can be appropriate for that purpose. From a professional perspective, I have worked in the field of European public policy, particularly in relation to policy monitoring, the management of European Union programmes and funds, and interregional and institutional cooperation. I studied at the University of Valencia and at the College of Europe, and I have lived in several countries. In addition, I hold a certification in civil and community mediation recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Justice, which provides useful tools to listen to different perspectives, analyse conflict situations and help find balanced solutions when needed. Within the federalist movement, I also participate in the regional and national structures of UEF. Since January 2024, I have served as Vice-President for Analysis, Studies and Programmes of the Union of European Federalists of the Valencian Community, and since March 2023 I have been a member of the Federal Committee of UEF Spain. These responsibilities have allowed me to gain a better understanding of the organisation’s internal functioning and of the diversity of views that coexist within the European federalist movement. Unfortunately, for personal reasons I may not be able to attend this Congress in person, although I did have the opportunity to participate in the 2021 and 2023 congresses. Nevertheless, I remain fully interested in continuing to collaborate with UEF and, in particular, in continuing to serve on the Arbitration Board if the Congress considers it appropriate. If re-elected, my intention would simply be to continue working with the same approach: contributing in a discreet, constructive and responsible manner, together with the other members of the Board, so that any issue that may arise is addressed with calm, impartiality and respect for the organisation’s statutes and procedures. The Arbitration Board is not a very visible body, but it is essential to ensure the proper functioning of UEF, and I would be glad to continue supporting this work if given the opportunity.

Members of the Auditing Committee