PRESS RELEASE

“Europe Looking to the Future” Event Held in Brussels on the Future of European Integration

Brussels, May 2026

The Union of European Federalists Greece (UEF Greece), in cooperation with the Association of Greek Officials of International Organizations and the European Public Law Organization (EPLO), successfully held the high-level event entitled “Europe Looking to the Future” on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, at the Permanent Representation of Greece to the European Union in Brussels.

The event brought together distinguished European policymakers, diplomats, academics, members of the Greek and European institutional community, as well as citizens interested in the future direction of the European project, at a particularly critical moment for Europe and the international order.

Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical instability, armed conflicts, energy insecurity, economic pressures, democratic challenges, and the rise of populist and anti-European forces, the discussion focused on the urgent need for a stronger, more cohesive, and politically integrated Europe capable of responding effectively to contemporary global challenges.

The speakers highlighted that, sixty-nine years after the signing of the Treaties of Rome, the debate on Europe’s future is no longer a theoretical or academic exercise, but rather a strategic necessity directly linked to democracy, security, economic resilience, and Europe’s role in the world.

The event featured interventions by:

• Manolis Kefalogiannis, Member of the European Parliament, Group of the European People’s Party (EPP)
• Nicolas Farantouris, Member of the European Parliament, Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D)
• Ioannis Vrailas, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Greece to the European Union
• Dionysios Kalamvrezos, Former Ambassador of Greece to Belgium and Head of the EPLO Office in Brussels

The discussion provided valuable insights into the institutional, political, and strategic challenges currently facing the European Union, while also underlining the importance of democratic legitimacy, solidarity, strategic autonomy, and deeper European integration in safeguarding Europe’s future.

UEF Greece expressed its sincere appreciation to all speakers, partners, participants, and supporters who contributed to the success of the event and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting dialogue and active civic engagement on the future of Europe.