PRESS RELEASE

“Towards a National Strategy for a Strong and Sovereign Europe: Challenges and Prospects in Addressing Populism and Euroscepticism – European Solutions for Today’s Political Challenges”

The closed seminar “Towards a National Strategy for a Strong and Sovereign Europe” was successfully concluded on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The event was co-organized by the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) and the Hellenic Union of European Federalists (UEF Greece) as part of the think nea – New Narratives of EU Integration initiative, with the support of the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans.

The seminar highlighted the decisive contribution of the Union of European Federalists (UEF) to the deepening of European integration, with a review of key milestones in the organization’s eighty-year history. Special emphasis was placed on the need for institutional reform and modernization of EU decision-making processes, with reference to the European Parliament’s resolution of November 22, 2023 on the revision of the Treaties. The discussion underscored the importance of Greece playing a leading role in the upcoming dialogue on the necessary reforms.

In total, four panels and a special session brought together leading academics, experts, and institutional representatives, providing a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the political, social, and institutional challenges facing the European Union, as well as the prospects for further deepening and enlargement in the current geopolitical environment.

A common thread running through all interventions was the need to shape a coherent national strategy on European affairs that will strengthen Greece’s contribution to a stronger, more sovereign, and more democratic Europe. Particular emphasis was placed on countering populism, managing migration effectively, strengthening the rule of law, advancing common defense, addressing the implications of enlargement, and safeguarding sustainable development and social cohesion — all within the context of Greece’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU during the first half of 2027.