Brussels-Madrid, 29 May 2026

The Union of European Federalists Spain (UEF España), the Union of European Federalists (UEF), and the Spanish Federal Council of the European Movement (CFEME) welcome the approval by the Spanish Congress of Deputies of a Resolution (Proposición No de Ley) calling on the Government of Spain to declare, with irrevocable character, Spain's membership of the European Union, and support for the federal reform of the Treaties.

On 28 May 2026, the Plenary of the Congress of Deputies approved Resolution 162/000767, ext negotiated across parliamentary groups, which instructs the Government of Spain to:

• Reaffirm and advance Spain's commitment to the European project as guarantor of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, security and economic stability;
• Declare with irrevocable character Spain's membership of the European Union;
• Support in the European Council the project for reform of the Treaties to strengthen European sovereignty and independence, endowing the Union with greater capacity to act in foreign policy, security, defence, energy, industry and the ecological, digital and social transitions, while guaranteeing social and territorial cohesion and the principle of subsidiarity;
• Promote the full development of the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights with regard to regions and peoples of the European Union;
• Work with fellow Member States towards the recognition of Basque, Galician and Catalan as official languages of the European Union.

The resolution was approved with the support of several parliamentary groups and marks the 40th anniversary of Spain's accession to the then European Communities, formalised on 12 June 1985.

A Milestone in Spain's European Vocation

UEF España, UEF and CFEME welcome this resolution as a significant political statement. Spain has consistently been one of the most pro-European societies in the Union, and this declaration consolidates that tradition at the highest level of democratic representation.

The resolution is also notable for its explicit endorsement of the reform of the EU Treaties proposed by the European Parliament in November 2023 — a proposal that has long formed part of the agenda advocated by European federalist organisations. Moving beyond unanimity rules and strengthening the Union's capacity to act in key policy areas is not a federalist aspiration alone: it is, as the resolution rightly states, a functional necessity for a Union that must remain credible and effective in an increasingly complex world.

The Role of Civil Society

Our organisations have long argued, through publications, public debate and engagement with political actors, that Spain's commitment to the European project should be stated clearly and durably — not as a mere political preference but as a foundational orientation of the Spanish state.

We are pleased that these debates have found their way into the legislative process, and we acknowledge with appreciation the initiative of the Socialist Parliamentary Group (GPS) and the other parliamentary groups that supported or contributed to the final text. This is, above all, a success of Spain's democratic institutions and of the broad pro-European consensus that underpins them.

Looking Ahead: From Parliamentary Resolution to Government Declaration

A parliamentary resolution is a powerful political signal. Its full potential, however, will be realised only when the Government of Spain acts upon it. We call on the Government to follow through on the mandate of the Congress by issuing a formal, solemn declaration of Spain's irrevocable commitment to the European Union — a step that, under the principles of international law governing unilateral declarations of States, would carry legal weight beyond the domestic political sphere.

We equally urge the Spanish Government to translate its support for Treaty reform into active, constructive engagement within the European Council, where this proposal has yet to receive the attention it deserves.

Quotes

Enrique Barón Crespo, President of the UEF España: "Forty years after accession, Spain is not merely a member of the European Union — it is one of its most committed builders. This resolution reflects that spirit and sends a clear message: Spain's place is in Europe, and that place is not up for debate."

Domenec Ruiz Devesa, President of the UEF: "We congratulate the Spanish Congress of Deputies for this forward-looking resolution. At a time when the European project needs friends who speak clearly, Spain has done so. We hope other national parliaments will follow this example in supporting the proposal to reform the Treaties"

Francisco Aldecoa , President of the CFEME: "The European Movement has worked for decades to make European integration irreversible not just in law but in the hearts and minds of citizens. This resolution is a step in that direction, and we encourage the Government to give it the fullest possible effect."

About the organisations

• UEF España (Unión de Europeístas y Federalistas de España) is the Spanish section of the Union of European Federalists, advocating for a democratic, federal and united Europe.
• UEF (Union of European Federalists) is a pan-European citizens' organisation with members across all EU Member States, working towards a federal Europe based on the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights.
• CFEME (Consejo Federal Español del Movimiento Europeo) is the Spanish national council of the European Movement International, the oldest pro-European civil society network in Europe.

For media enquiries, please contact:

• UEF Secretariat, secretariat@federalists.eu

Forty years after the death of Altiero Spinelli, President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella paid tribute to one of the founding fathers of a united and federal Europe with a powerful and deeply meaningful declaration.

Remembering Spinelli as “a free spirit” and a tireless advocate for democracy, freedom, and European unity, President Mattarella highlighted the enduring relevance of the vision born in Ventotene: a Europe capable of overcoming nationalism, war, and division through political integration and supranational democracy.

From the Ventotene Manifesto to the “Spinelli Plan”, Altiero Spinelli dedicated his entire life to the construction of a federal Europe founded on peace, solidarity, and democratic values. His political courage and intellectual legacy continue to inspire generations of Europeans committed to strengthening the European project.

The Union of European Federalists warmly welcomes and deeply appreciates this important declaration by President Mattarella honouring Altiero Spinelli, co-founder of the UEF and one of the most influential architects of European integration.

At a time when Europe faces war, geopolitical instability, and growing challenges to democracy, Spinelli’s message remains more relevant than ever: European unity is not only an aspiration — it is a necessity.

His legacy lives on in all those who continue to work for a stronger, more democratic, and truly federal Europe.

Here the original declaration in Italian: LINK

Here below the translation in English

The Dutch Renew  and D66 MEP Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle will take over the rotating presidency of the parliamentary intergroup.

Strasbourg, May 21, 2026

Dutch Renew Europe and D66 MEP Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle will take over the rotating presidency of the parliamentary intergroup. She was elected by acclamation on Monday 18th May by the Spinelli Group Board in Strasbourg.
The appointment was announced during the Public General Assembly “40 Years After Spinelli”, held at the European Parliament to honour the legacy of Altiero Spinelli and his vision for a federal Europe promoted by the UEF and European Movement France.

As Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle succeeds Gabriele Bischoff, S&D and SPD MEP and First Vice-President of Europa-Union Deutschland, in the rotating presidency of the Spinelli Group, the Union of European Federalists (UEF) expresses its full support for her leadership and its continued commitment to working closely with the Group in advancing the federalist cause.

The Spinelli Group and the Union of European Federalists warmly thank Gabriele Bischoff for her dedicated chairwomanship since July 2025 and her commitment to strengthening the federalist movement within the European Parliament.

“Serving as Chair of the Spinelli Group has been a profound honour. At a time when Europe faces existential geopolitical, democratic and social challenges, our responsibility has been to defend and strengthen the European project with courage and ambition.
As the first woman ever to chair the Spinelli Group, I am particularly proud to have contributed to broadening and strengthening our federalist coalition across political families and national borders. Europe’s future will only be secured through unity, democracy and a stronger capacity to act together.
The European moment is now. Europeans expect us to move beyond fragmentation and vetoes, and to build a Union capable of protecting its citizens, defending its values and shaping its own destiny.” Gabriele Bischoff said.

During Bischoff’s presidency, and in addition to regular Board meetings, the Spinelli Group organised several politically significant events dedicated to the future of European integration and institutional reforms.
These included:

• The high-level conference “For a Stronger, More Democratic and Inclusive European Union – Towards a European Federation” in November 2025 in the Hellenic Parliament in Athens, which brought together policymakers and civil society representatives to discuss democratic reform and the future architecture of the European Union.
• The initiative “Bring a European Federalist” reception at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, aimed at fostering dialogue between Members of the European Parliament and inviting them to join the Spinelli Group.
• The round table held during the UEF European Congress in Barcelona, entitled “Is Draghi’s Pragmatic Federalism enough to face current challenges?”
• The event in May 2026 in the European Parliament in Strasbourg celebrating 40 years after Altiero Spinelli’s passing.Under Bischoff’s leadership, the Spinelli Group also adopted and promoted an updated political manifesto, “The European Moment is Now”, calling, in a concrete and pragmatic proposal, for a more sovereign, democratic and federal European Union capable of acting decisively in an increasingly unstable global environment.

The new President, Raquel García Hermida declared after her appointment: “Forty years ago, Spain joined the European Union. Today, as a Spaniard who became a Dutch citizen and now serves as a Dutch Member of the European Parliament, I see my own story as part of the European story itself.
The European Union gave me the freedom to live, work, and participate politically across borders. That is the European dream: a Europe where everyone can benefit from freedom, opportunity, and shared citizenship.
But our freedoms, prosperity, and security cannot be taken for granted. I deeply believe that only a stronger and more federal Europe can protect future generations and preserve the values that define us.
We do not need the American dream. We have our own European dream. And in that dream is the future of civilization as we know it.”

The federalist movement is deeply grateful to have such dedicated individuals supporting its cause.
Thank you very much Gabriele, Good work Raquel!

Ahead of the European Parliament plenary discussion titled “EU governance under pressure – institutional responses to global challenges”, Domenec Ruiz Devesa, President of the UEF and Moritz Hergl, President of the Young European Federalists addressed MEPs member of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs with a joint letter calling for institutional reform of the European Union.

On Tuesday 19 May, the deputies will question Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič on the topic, with one key actor notably absent from the debate: the member states that in the Council have stalled any progress so far.

In the letter, JEF Europe and UEF argue that the European Union must become more democratic, sovereign, and capable of acting in response to growing geopolitical instability, democratic backsliding, economic coercion, disinformation campaigns, climate challenges, and increasing pressure on the international rules-based order. The organisations call for a number of key reforms, including extending qualified majority voting in strategic policy areas, strengthening the powers of the European Parliament, reinforcing rule of law mechanisms, advancing towards a genuine fiscal union, reforming Eurozone governance, and launching a democratic treaty reform process leading towards a European Constitution. The letter also emphasises the importance of transnational democracy, stronger European political parties, and closer democratic links between European elections and the leadership of the European Commission, while upholding subsidiarity and Europe’s territorial diversity.

JEF Europe and UEF encourage the European Parliament to place institutional reform back at the centre of the European political agenda and to act as the democratic driving force behind a stronger, more united, and more democratic Europe.

It is now the job of the MEPs and the Commission to push national governments to move forward.

The following opinion editorial is published in the spanish newspaper El Pais, the french Les Nouvel Obs and the italian Focus Europe.

“We are in difficulties. That is a good sign. If we were not, we would never change anything.

And making Europe means changing things.”

— Jean Monnet

The European Union has delivered more than seventy years of peace and prosperity. However, it was not designed to operate in a world dominated by continental empires. A stronger core Union must now emerge. Europe is an ageing continent, lagging the United States and China in growth and productivity, suffering from low investment, and struggling to sustain its social model. At the same time, it faces a profound geopolitical shift: Russia threatens its security from the East, while its traditional ally, the United States, is becoming at best an unreliable partner and at worst a hostile power.

With just 5 per cent of the world’s population and a (so far) declining share of the global economy, only a more united Europe—economically and politically, capable of ensuring its own security and defence—can effectively confront the three continental powers seeking to divide the world into spheres of influence amid the collapse of the multilateral order. Yet, even after the aggression against Ukraine and Trump’s threats over Greenland, European leaders have not launched any bold initiative to scale up the Union.

The problem is not a lack of plans, but a lack of consensus among the twenty-seven. Letta and Draghi have proposed an important policy package to relaunch growth and competitiveness: completing the single market and mobilising public and private investment in key sectors. This should be a no-brainer. Removing national barriers in financial services, telecommunications, digital markets, and energy would deliver a major boost to the EU economy. The same applies to the harmonisation of bankruptcy and corporate law.

We must also complete the Capital Markets Union and the Banking Union to retain European savings for investment within Europe. Such an economic programme would not only relaunch prosperity and improve living standards but also provide the technological and financial base needed to project power globally in defence of our values and interests.

However, this is not enough. Europe must build its own defence system, given the unreliability of the United States—and therefore of NATO—and must be able to take decisions by majority in foreign policy. The Treaty of Lisbon already provides avenues for both objectives, including the possibility of reform. Yet there is no progress.

Recent events illustrate the urgency. The war in Iran, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and the bombing in Lebanon showed how even issuing a joint statement can be paralysed by the veto of a single Member State. Earlier, Orbán’s latest veto—blocking a €90 billion Eurobond-financed loan to Ukraine and the 20th sanctions package against Russia—put the entire continent’s security at risk, despite Hungary representing just 1 per cent of EU GDP and 2 per cent of its population.

Furthermore, the Council has so far failed to agree on a single regulator for digital, telecommunications, and financial services—essential for a true internal market—or on a European Deposit Insurance Scheme, let alone tax harmonisation. Powerful national interests continue to defend cross-border barriers and have effectively captured their governments, forming blocking minorities. Meanwhile, the Council often applies unanimity even where it is not legally required.

Is there a way forward? For some single market reforms, the Council can act by qualified majority voting. However, major initiatives in taxation, debt, foreign policy, and defence will likely remain blocked by national vetoes. Therefore, unless we are prepared to accept the status quo—and risk Europe’s future as an independent actor—the time has come to create a federal vanguard of willing Member States. This is how we created Schengen and the single currency.

This vanguard would complete the internal market; pool sovereignty over the euro, taxation, and large-scale investments in technology, climate policy, and energy independence based on renewables, and defence products. It would establish a European Security Council, and a Defence System with civilian capabilities and its own chain of command, and adopt majority-based decision-making across the board, including in foreign policy, defence, taxation and financial matters. This “Union within the Union” could be established through a combination of enhanced cooperations with a homogeneous membership, supported by an instrumental treaty to regulate decision-making rules and ensure democratic accountability.

In such a dangerous world, where our security and survival are clearly at stake, we cannot accept that a single capital can hold everyone back. We are convinced that if Germany, France, the Benelux countries, Poland, and Spain take the lead in proposing this Union 2.0—open to all—it will act as a powerful magnet for other Member States that have so far been reluctant to support necessary reforms.

We therefore call on citizens to mobilise and on European leaders to act in the innovative spirit of the 9 May 1950 Declaration.

On behalf of the Action Committee for the United States of Europe:

1. Guy Verhofstadt, President of European Movement International and former Prime Minister of Belgium.
2. Domènec Ruiz Devesa, President of the Union of European Federalists and former Member of the European Parliament, Spain
3. Moritz Hergl, President of the Young European Federalists, Germany.
4. Rosen Plevneliev, former President of Bulgaria.
5. Petre Roman, former Prime Minister of Romania.
6. Danuta Hübner, former Commissioner, Poland.
7. Josep Borrell, President of CIDOB and former EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Spain.
8. Willy Claes, former Secretary General of NATO, Belgium.
9. Andrea Wechsler, Member of the European Parliament, Spinelli Group, Germany.
10. Monica Frassoni, former Co-President of the European Green Party, Italy and Belgium.
11. Thijs Reuten, Member of the European Parliament, Spinelli Group, Netherlands.
12. Jo Leinen, former Member of the European Parliament, Germany.
13. Sandro Gozi, former Secretary of State for Europe, Spinelli Group, Member of the European Parliament, Italy and France.
14. Pierre Larrouturou, former Member of the European Parliament, France.
15. Richard Corbett, former Member of the European Parliament, Britain.
16. Christelle Savall, former President of the Young European Federalists, Luxembourg.
17. Giulia Rossolillo, Professor of European Union Law, Italy.
18. Francisco Aldecoa, Professor of International Relations, Spain.
19. Lieven Taillie, Honorary President of the European Journalist Association in Belgium.
20. Michele Fiorillo, Philosopher, Civico Europa, Italy.
21. Eric Pestel, Advisor to the President, Association Jean Monnet, France.

More news about the Action Committee for the USE here: LINK

This calendar brings together conferences, debates, campaigns, demonstrations, local meetings, and public initiatives organized by the national, regional, and local sections of the Union of European Federalists (UEF) across Europe.

Every event listed here is part of a common effort to promote a stronger, more democratic, and more united Europe. From discussions on European democracy and federal reform to actions for peace, sovereignty, and citizens’ participation, our sections are active every day in cities and communities throughout the continent.

We invite all European citizens, activists, students, researchers, journalists, and policymakers interested in the future of Europe to explore the calendar, participate in upcoming events, and help spread the word.

A federal Europe will not emerge only from institutions — it will be built through the engagement of citizens across borders.

Please share this calendar widely within your networks and encourage others to join the initiatives organized by the federalist movement. Every participation matters. Every discussion helps strengthen the European public sphere. Every new voice can help shape the future of Europe.

Long live Europe!
Federazione Europea Subito!

Austria[1], Belgium[2], Bulgaria[3], France[4], Finland[5], Germany[6], Greece[7], Hungary[8], Italy[9], Luxembourg[10], Romania[11], Spain[12], Switzerland[13], United Kingdom[14]Groupe of Europe[15]

Link here

Austria[1]

1. Lecture with Writer Robert Menasse

Contact of the organiser
UEF Austria – Vienna Regional Branch \nContact person: Anne Favre

Target audience
General public, students, citizens interested in European affairs and literature.

Date and time of the event
5 May 2026

Location
Vienna, Austria

Programme
As part of the Europe Day celebrations organised by the Vienna regional branch of UEF Austria, a public lecture and discussion will be held with Austrian writer Robert Menasse.

The event will focus on European integration, democracy, culture and the future of Europe, encouraging public debate and reflection on the European project in the current political context.

2. Europe Day Street Action

Contact of the organiser
UEF Austria – Vienna Regional Branch \nContact person: Anne Favre

Target audience
General public and passers-by in Vienna.

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026

Location
Vienna, Austria

Programme
On the occasion of Europe Day, the Vienna regional branch of UEF Austria will organise a public street action aimed at promoting European values, European integration and citizen engagement.

The initiative will include the distribution of postcards, flyers and promotional materials, as well as public outreach activities designed to engage citizens in discussions about the future of Europe and European federalism.

Belgium (UEF - UEF Belgium - Groupe Europe)[2]

2. Europe is evolving… but where are we heading?

Contact of the organiser
Jean-Louis Hanff – City Councillor in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert and Board Member of the Belgian European Movement

Target audience
General public, citizens interested in European affairs, students, young Europeans and members of civil society.

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 3:00 PM

Location
Artsalon \nAvenue Georges Henri 294 \n1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium

Programme
On the occasion of Europe Day, the Belgian European Movement, UEF Belgium and JEF Belgium are organising an open public discussion dedicated to the future of Europe and the evolution of the European project in a time of geopolitical uncertainty and institutional transformation.

The event aims to foster dialogue, encourage the exchange of ideas and perspectives, and reflect on the direction Europe should take in the coming years.

Speakers:

• Wouter Beke – President of the Belgian European Movement and Member of the European Parliament (CD&V – EPP)
• Domenico Rossetti di Valdalbero – Secretary General of UEF Belgium
• Nathan Doude van Troostwijk – Representative of JEF Belgium

The discussion will be followed by the presentation of Wouter Beke’s book:
“Houvast of houdgreep: Naar een Europa dat beschermt zonder af te schermen”.

Registration: LINK

3. “Why You Should Be a Federalist”

Contact of the organiser
JEF Brussels, Instagram: @jefbrussels

Target audience
Young Europeans, students, activists, citizens interested in European politics and the future of European integration.

Date and time of the event
12 May 2026 – 6:15 PM to 8:30 PM

Location
Spinelli Group Building: 25 Square de Meeûs, Brussels, Belgium

Programme
As part of the Europe Day celebrations, JEF Brussels is organising a public discussion entitled “Why You Should Be a Federalist”, bringing together federalist politicians, activists and pro-European voices to discuss the future of Europe and the importance of European federalism in today’s political context.

The event will feature contributions and discussions with:

• Mathilde Baudouin
• Jan-Gert Zevenbergen
• Reinier van Lanschot
• Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle
• Brando Benifei (subject to availability)

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in an open debate on European democracy, federalism and the challenges facing the European Union.

The initiative aims to encourage dialogue among young Europeans and strengthen support for a more united, democratic and federal Europe.

Bulgaria[3]

The Europe That Citizens Want” – Public Discussion with Members of the European Parliament

Target audience: Civil society activists, representatives of academic circles, state administration officials, youth organisations, and citizens interested in European affairs and the future of Europe.

Date and hour: 8 May 2026 - 18.00-22.30

Location: National Student House, Sofia, Bulgaria

Programme: As part of the celebrations surrounding Europe Day, UEF Bulgaria together with JEF Bulgaria will organise a public discussion with Members of the European Parliament entitled “The Europe That Citizens Want”.

The event will open with welcoming remarks by Velko Ivanov, Secretary General of UEF Bulgaria, and Mustafa Hadzhisyulejman, President of JEF Bulgaria. The programme will also include a quiz session and a presentation of the new Master’s programme “Politics and Policies of the EU” by Assistant Professor Lubomira Popova.

The panel discussion will feature:

• Radan Kanev, Member of the European Parliament (EPP)
• Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Member of the European Parliament (Renew Europe)
• Petar Vitanov, Member of Parliament and former Member of the European Parliament (PES)

A Q&A session moderated by Velko Ivanov will follow the discussion.

The evening programme will conclude with a networking cocktail and a Euro party.

Contact of the organiser
Union of European Federalists Bulgaria (UEF Bulgaria)
10 Narodno Sabranie Sq.
1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Tel: +359 29872285
E-mail: uefbulgaria@scas.bg

France[4]

UEF France at the March for Europe in Turin

UEF France Lyon will participate in the initiative together with other European federalist organisations, reaffirming its commitment to a stronger, more united and democratic Europe.

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 2:30 PM

Location
From European Union Bridge to Piazza Castello, Turin, Italy

Programme
On the occasion of Europe Day, the Movimento Federalista Europeo (MFE) Turin is organising the “March for Europe”, a public march through the streets of Turin in support of European unity, democracy and solidarity among European peoples.

The march will bring together associations, political parties, civil society organisations and citizens committed to the future of Europe. The route will start from the European Union Bridge and conclude in Piazza Castello, where public speeches and interventions will take place.

Finland[5]

Europe Day Reception with MEP Aura Salla

Contact of the organiser
UEF Finland – Eurooppafederalistit / Europafederalisterna \nInstagram

Target audience
General public, citizens interested in European affairs, students and young professionals.

Date and time of the event
8 May 2026 – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Location
Teerenpeli, Kamppi \nMillion 8.5, Helsinki, Finland

Programme
On the occasion of Europe Day, UEF Finland is organising a public reception with Member of the European Parliament Aura Salla.

The event will provide an opportunity to discuss current parliamentary issues, including digital regulation, the future direction of the European Union and developments in the defence industry. Participants will also have the chance to ask questions and engage in an open discussion on European politics and the future of Europe.

The initiative is organised as an informal Europe Day gathering aimed at bringing citizens and European decision-makers together in a relaxed and interactive setting.

Link: Instagram

Germany[6]

1. Europe Day at Eutiner Palace

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Ost-holstein

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
5 May 2026

Location
Eutiner Schloss

Programme
Celebration of Europe Day with special guest Otto Carstens from the Ministry for Agriculture, Rural Areas and Europe.

Website LINK

2. Europaforum SH – Workshop

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Schleswig-Holstein

Target audience
Members of civil society, politics and business.

Date and time of the event
5 May 2026

Location
Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein, Zur Helling 5-6, 24143 Kiel

Programme
Workshops and networking activities focused on European topics.

Website LINK

3. Europe’s Place in the Global Economy – Panel Discussion

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Rendsburg-Eckenförde

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
5 May 2026

Location
Restaurant Kaurens, Beim Golfplatz, Mühlenstraße 37, 24229 Danischenhagen

Programme
Panel discussion with Prof. Dr. Langhammer on Europe’s role in global trade and the global economy.

Website LINK

4. Kölner Europagespräche im Domforum: “Was ist uns Europa wert? Der EU-Haushalt 2028–2034”

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Köln and Erzbistum Köln, among others

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
5 May 2026

Location
Domforum, Domkloster 3, 50667 Köln

Programme
Discussion on the European Commission’s budget proposal for 2028–2034, including the EU’s future political priorities, competitiveness, defence, climate protection, social policy and rural development.

Website LINK

5. Discussion: “Europe – A Promise that Connects Us All?”

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Nordrhein-Westfalen

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
6 May 2026

Location
VHS Essen, Burgplatz 1, Essen

Programme
Open discussion on the importance of European values such as democracy, freedom of speech and human rights.

Website LINK

6. Ein Abend mit Europa: JEF NRW – Europareise 2026 mit Christian Richter

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Nordrhein-Westfalen

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
6 May 2026

Location
Online via Zoom

Programme
Online event focusing on JEF excursions and offering a platform for open discussion with members of civil society, politics and culture.

Website LINK ZOOM

7. Ukraine Politics of the European Union

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Wiesbaden-Rheingau-Taunus

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
7 May 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location
Europabaum, Marktplatz 1, 65189 Wiesbaden, Hessen

Programme
Lecture titled “The EU’s Ukraine Policy” by Michael Gahler, Member of the European Parliament. At 6:00 PM, the European anthem will be played from the nearby Marktkirche.

Website LINK

8. Europa-Pubquiz: “How Well Do You Know Europe?”

Contact of the organiser
JEF Hamburg, hamburg@jef.de

Target audience
Students

Date and time of the event
7 May 2026, 7:00 PM

Location
Down Under, Grindelallee 1, 20146 Hamburg

Programme
Interactive pub quiz with questions on Europe’s history, culture and politics.

Website LINK

9. Film Screening: “Surf on, Europe”

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Mainz, Dr. Peter Albrecht; reservation preferred

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
7 May 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Location
Ciné Mayence im Institut français, Schillerstraße 11, 55116 Mainz

Programme
Film screening on different realities of life in Europe.

Website LINK

10. Europa-Treff

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Leverkusen

Target audience
Members, friends and potential members

Date and time of the event
7 May 2026

Location
Altes Bürgermeisteramt, Berg. Landstr. 28, 51379 Leverkusen

Programme
European networking and meeting event for members, friends and potential members.

Website LINK

11. European City Partnership in Oberhavel – Connect, Share, Network

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Oberhavel

Target audience
Members of Europa-Union Oberhavel and civil society

Date and time of the event
7 May 2026

Location
Kreistagssaal, Havelstraße 3, 16515 Oranienburg

Programme
Open dialogue on European twin-city partnerships in Oberhavel, with short presentations on how to successfully organise partnerships among European cities.

12. Europe Day Potsdam

Contact of the organiser
Stadt Potsdam / Europa-Union Potsdam

potsdam@bbag-ev.de

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
8 May 2026, 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location
Old Market Potsdam

Programme
Live music and booths organised by European initiatives and non-profit organisations.

Website LINK

13. European Academy: “Ansgar – the First European”

Contact of the organiser
Sankelmark Zentrum, Akademieweg 6, 24988 Oeversee

akademie@sankelmark.de

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
8–10 May 2026

Location
Not specified in the table

Programme
Seminar on the mission of the monk Ansgar to Scandinavia.

Website LINK

14. Trinational Hike (Switzerland, France, Germany)

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Lörrach

loerrach@eubw.eu

Target audience
General public; reservation preferred

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location
Starting point: Dreirosenbrücke Basel, Switzerland

Programme
Hike alongside the River Rhine across Switzerland, France and Germany.

Website LINK

15. Europe-Day in Freiburg im Breisgau

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Freiburg e.V. and City of Freiburg; no reservation required

freiburg@eubw.eu

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location
Kartoffelmarkt Freiburg im Breisgau

Programme
Open event with local European initiatives, an award ceremony for school projects and a “European café”.

Website LINK

16. Festival for Democracy

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Hammelburg e.V.

europa-haus@online.de

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location
Viehmarkt Hammelburg, 97762

Programme
Information stands, discussions and workshops connected to democracy and Europe.

Website LINK

17. European Bike Ride

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Berlin; reservation preferred

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026, 11:00 AM

Location
Meeting point at the entrance of the Anna Seghers Library

Programme
Bike tour to explore hidden references to Europe in Lichtenberg, accompanied by district mayor Martin Schaefer and Member of the European Parliament Martin Günther.

Website LINK

18. Europa-Fest Römer / Shantel Live – Global Beats im Herzen von Europa

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Location
Frankfurt Römer

Programme
Europe Day celebration with European initiatives, music, dance and discussions.

Website LINK

19. Gathering at the Geographical Center of Europe

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Hammelburg e.V.

europa-haus@online.de

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Location
Field near Gadheim

Programme
Picnic gathering with songs performed by local choirs and school bands.

Website LINK

20. Europa-Ball – Culture Meets Politics

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Heilbronn

info@euhn.eu

Target audience
General public; reservation required

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026

Location
Harmonie, Theodor-Heuss-Saal

Programme
Gala dinner and drinks accompanied by dance presentations by local clubs, including KunST 07, Mladost Bosne, Tanzschule Brenner, Azahar Flamenco Gitano, Grupo Raza, Ballettschule Brenner, Deutsch-Afrikanischer Verein and Majidah’s Tribe.

Website LINK

21. Second Bavarian-Tyrolean Festival

Contact of the organiser
kv-rosenheim@eu-bayern.eu

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9–10 May 2026

Location
Kufstein

Programme
Festival dedicated to European culture, including a performance by the theatre group “endorphines”, among other activities.

Website LINK

22. Europe-Concert

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Kiel

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026

Location
Bürgerhaus Kronshagen

Programme
Benefit concert organised in celebration of Europe Day.

Website LINK

23. Europa-Tag – The Sound of Europe

Contact of the organiser
City of Düsseldorf

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026

Location
Hofgarten Düsseldorf

Programme
Open-air music festival with musicians from several European countries.

Website LINK

24. Europe Day 2026 Leipzig

Contact of the organiser
Pia Lorenz, Municipality

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026

Location
Burgplatz Leipzig, 04109 Leipzig

Programme
Open dialogue with organisations focused on Europe and further European integration.

Website LINK

25. Europäischer Marktplatz

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Frankfurt

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
10 May 2026

Location
Römerberg, Frankfurt am Main

Programme
Europe Festival hosted by the European City of Frankfurt together with the EU network and partner organisations, showcasing how Europe is lived and celebrated in Frankfurt.

Website LINK

26. European Morning Talk

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Leverkusen

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
10 May 2026

Location
Freudenthaler Sensenhammer Industrial Museum, Freudenthal 68, 51374 Leverkusen-Schlebusch

Programme
Europe in Dialogue: Cities, Culture and History.

Website LINK

27. Europa-Rad in München

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union München and City of Munich

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
10 May 2026, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Location
Werksviertel, Atelierstraße 1, 81671 München, Bayern

Programme
More than 50 European initiatives will participate in the event, with free rides on the “Umadum” Ferris wheel from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Website LINK

28. Discussion: “Europe – A Promise that Connects Us All?”

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Nordrhein-Westfalen

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
11 May 2026

Location
Regional Representation of the European Commission in Bonn, Rabinstr. 1

Programme
Open discussion on the importance of European values such as democracy, freedom of speech and human rights.

Website LINK

29. Hike through Tegel

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Berlin; reservation preferred

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
12 May 2026, 5:00 PM

Location
Meeting point: square in front of PizzAngelo/Tipico next to Station Tegel (S-Bahn)

Programme
Two-and-a-half-hour guided hike exploring hidden references to Europe in Tegel.

Website LINK

30. Discussion: “Europe – A Promise that Connects Us All?”

Contact of the organiser
Europa-Union Nordrhein-Westfalen

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
27 May 2026

Location
Europe Direct Bocholt, VHS Bocholt, Industriestr. 1

Programme
Open discussion on the importance of European values such as democracy, freedom of speech and human rights.

Website LINK

Greece[7]

The Challenge of Federalisation in a World on Fire

Contact of the organiser
Hellenic Union of European Federalists (UEF Greece) and Volt Greece

Contact person: Ms Evouli Dimoglou, Tel.: +30 6944383808

Target audience
General public, students, academics, citizens interested in European affairs and the future of European integration.

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 6:00 PM

Location
“Water Hall”, Thessaloniki City Hall \nVasileos Georgiou Avenue A1, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece

Programme
Volt Greece and the Hellenic Union of European Federalists (UEF Greece), in celebration of Europe Day, are organising a public discussion entitled “The Challenge of Federalisation in a World on Fire” with the aim of fostering dialogue on the future of European integration and the institutional evolution of the European Union.

The discussion will focus on the growing geopolitical, economic and security challenges facing Europe, including the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, changes in transatlantic relations and the need for a stronger and more autonomous European Union. Particular attention will be given to the limits of the EU’s current institutional framework and to the prospect of European federalisation as a response to global instability.

Speakers:

• Christos Avdellas, Councillor of the 1st Municipal District of Thessaloniki
• Vangelis Liaras, Co-President of Volt Greece and Professor at IE University Madrid
• Sofia Apostolidou, Representative of UEF Greece, Sociologist and Political Scientist
• Kostas Popotas, Legal Expert and former Head of Unit at the Court of Justice of the European Union
• Philemon Paionidis, Professor at the Department of Political Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Moderator:

• Journalist Dimitra Makri

Admission is free.

Organisers’ websites
voltgreece.org \nuef-greece.gr

Hungary[8]

Participation in the Europe Day Festival in Budapest

Contact of the organiser
UEF Hungary, Contact person: Eszter

Target audience
General public, citizens, young Europeans and participants in the Europe Day celebrations.

Date and time of the event
10 May 2026

Location
Szabadság Square \nBudapest, Hungary

Programme
On the occasion of Europe Day celebrations in Hungary, UEF Hungary will take part in the Europe Day Festival organised in Budapest on 10 May 2026.

Although the festival is organised by third parties, UEF Hungary will actively participate through a dedicated stand where volunteers and activists will engage with citizens on European affairs, federalism and the future of Europe.

The initiative takes place in a particularly significant political moment for Hungary, following the inauguration of the new Prime Minister Péter Magyar on 9 May and the national celebrations held on Kossuth tér.

UEF Hungary’s participation aims to promote dialogue on European unity, democracy and the role of citizens in shaping Europe’s future.

Italy[9]

1. Presentation of the book “Crisis of the Nation-State and European Populisms”

Contact of the organiser
Movimento Federalista Europeo (MFE) Verona, in cooperation with Europe Direct Verona, the Municipality of Verona and local partner organisations.

Target audience
General public, students, academics and citizens interested in European politics and contemporary populism.

Date and time of the event
4 May 2026 – 4:30 PM

Location
Sala “Montanari” – Società Letteraria \nPiazzetta Scalette Rubiani 1, Verona, Italy

Programme
As part of the Verona Èuropa Festival 2026, MFE Verona is organising the presentation of the book “Crisis of the Nation-State and European Populisms” by Camille Chenaux.

The discussion will focus on the rise of populism in Europe, particularly in Italy and Germany, and on the broader crisis of the nation-state and European democracy. The event will explore how populist movements have reshaped the European political landscape in recent years.

Speakers:

• Camille Chenaux – Author of the book
• Giacomo Cona – Councillor delegated to EU policies of the Municipality of Verona
• Luca Mori – Lecturer in General Sociology at the University of Verona

The debate will be chaired by Giorgio Anselmi from the Movimento Federalista Europeo.

2. Festival Genova Èuropa – “Overcoming Inequalities in Europe and the World”

Contact of the organiser
Piergiorgio Grossi – MFE Liguria

Title of the initiative
“Overcoming inequalities in Europe and the world”

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
6 May 2026 – 5:30 PM

Location
Bi.Bi. Service – Via XX Settembre 41, 3rd floor, Genoa

Programme
Public debate with Professor Alberto Majocchi, University of Pavia, on global economic, social and political inequalities and the role of Europe in promoting peace, ecological transition and social justice.

3. Book Presentation: “Crisis of the Nation-State and European Populisms”

Contact of the organiser
Lorenzo Onisto

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
6 May 2026 – 6:30 PM

Location
Sala Spazio 35, Centro Culturale San Gaetano, Via Altinate 71, Padova

Programme
Book presentation and discussion with the author Camille Chenaux, hosted by Anna Lucia Pizzati, President of MFE Padova.

4. Public Assembly for Federal Europe

Contact of the organiser
Andrea Geuna – Secretary of the MFE section of Pinerolo

Target audience
Associations, members of local communities and citizens interested in European integration and democratic participation.

Date and time of the event
7 May 2026

Location
Salone del Circolo Sociale \nVia del Duomo 1 \n10060 Pinerolo (TO), Italy

Programme
In preparation for the March for Europe taking place in Turin on 9 May, the local section of the Movimento Federalista Europeo (MFE) in Pinerolo is organising a public assembly dedicated to the future of a federal, democratic and solidarity-based Europe.

The initiative is organised together with the “Collective for Federal, Democratic and Solidarity Europe”, founded in 2025 and bringing together more than fifty representatives of local political parties, trade unions, secular and religious organisations, including Catholic and Protestant associations.

The event will include public debates with representatives of local communities and the screening of video messages from European and Italian political representatives, including:

• Pina Picierno – Vice-President of the European Parliament
• Brando Benifei – Member of the European Parliament and Board Member of the Spinelli Group
• Giorgio Gori – Member of the European Parliament
• Marco Lombardo – Senator of the Italian Republic
• Vittoria Nallo – Member of the Regional Council of Piedmont
• Monica Canalis – Member of the Regional Council of Piedmont

The initiative aims to encourage citizens’ participation and strengthen public support for European unity, democracy and solidarity.

5. Festival Genova Èuropa – Europe Day Celebration

Contact of the organiser
Europe Direct Genoa, in collaboration with Young European Federalists Genova, One Hour For Europe and Erasmus Student Network

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
7 May 2026 – 9:00 AM

Location
Palazzo Tursi, Genoa

Programme
Dance performances, interactive Europe-themed activities and performance of the “Ode to Joy”.

6. “Europe Day Celebration” – Faenza

Contact of the organiser
Deanna Donatini – MFE Faenza

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
7 May 2026 – 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM

Location
Piazza del Popolo, Faenza

Programme
MFE information point with European information material and public outreach activities.

7. The Idea of a “Free and United Europe” in the History of Political Thought

Contact of the organiser
Department of Political Science and International Relations – University of Palermo

Target audience
Students, academics and citizens interested in European political thought

Date and time of the event
8 May 2026 – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Location
DEMS Room P. Borsellino – Via Maqueda 324, Palermo

Programme
Academic conference with institutional greetings, lectures and discussions on Europe and the challenges of the present.

7.1. How to Change and Strengthen Europe: The Importance for Municipalities

Contact of the organiser
Comune di Tollo and Movimento Federalista Europeo (MFE), in cooperation with the Local EU Councillor Angelo Radica.

Target audience
General public, local citizens and representatives of local institutions.

Date and time of the event
8 May 2026 – 8:30 PM

Location
EnoMuseo \nTollo, Italy

Programme
As part of the Europe Day 2026 celebrations, the Municipality of Tollo and the Movimento Federalista Europeo are organising a public discussion entitled “How to Change and Strengthen Europe: The Importance for Municipalities”.

The initiative will focus on the role of municipalities and local authorities in strengthening European integration, democratic participation and cooperation between citizens and European institutions.

Speakers:

• Angelo Radica – Mayor of Tollo and Local EU Councillor
• Stefano Castagnoli – National Directorate of the Movimento Federalista Europeo

The event aims to encourage public reflection on the future of Europe and on the importance of local communities in building a stronger and more united European Union.

8. Naming Ceremony of the “David Maria Sassoli” Room

Contact of the organiser
Daniele Baldinelli – President, GFE Perugia

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
8 May 2026 – 9:30 AM

Location
San Matteo degli Armeni Library, Perugia

Programme
Official naming ceremony of the library room in honour of David Maria Sassoli.

9. Exhibition: “From Ventotene to a United Europe with the Puppets of Ernesto Rossi”

Contact of the organiser
MFE Parma

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
8–9 May 2026

Location
Atrium of the Columns – University Headquarters, Via Università 12, Parma

Programme
Exhibition dedicated to Ernesto Rossi and the history of European federalism.

10. XXVIII Lombard Youth Seminar – “Federalism and European Unity”

Contact of the organiser
Movimento Federalista Europeo (MFE) – Pavia and Milan sections, in cooperation with the Association Européenne des Enseignants (AEDE) – Pavia Group.

Target audience
Young people, students, teachers and citizens interested in European integration, federalism, democracy and global affairs.

Date and time of the event
8–10 May 2026

Location
Desenzano del Garda, Italy

Programme
The XXVIII Lombard Youth Seminar on “Federalism and European Unity” will take place in Desenzano del Garda as the concluding event of the educational project “Education for European citizenship, global awareness and peace”.

The seminar will bring together young federalists, students and activists for three days of debates, lectures and working groups dedicated to the future of Europe in a changing geopolitical context.

The programme includes discussions on:

• European unity in an era of insecurity
• The federal state and the future of European integration
• The end of the post-Second World War international order
• The crisis of the nation-state and democracy
• European strategic autonomy and European defence
• Europe’s competitiveness and global challenges
• The future of European federalism and political action

The seminar will feature presentations and debates led by members of the Movimento Federalista Europeo (MFE) and Gioventù Federalista Europea (GFE), alongside interactive working groups and plenary discussions.

The initiative aims to strengthen awareness of European citizenship, promote democratic participation and encourage reflection on the role of federalism in addressing today’s international challenges.

11. Europe in a Book – Fourth Edition

Contact of the organiser
Loredana Cialdella – MFE Corato

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 9:00 AM

Location
Via Teano 86, Corato (Bari)

Programme
Book presentation as part of the fourth edition of “Europe in a Book”.

12. CIAMPINO, EUROPEAN CITY FOR PEACE

Contact of the organiser
Michela Izzo – MFE Castelli Romani

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 9:30 AM

Location
Sala Consiliare Pietro Nenni, Via 4 Novembre 91, Ciampino

Programme
Europe Day event featuring institutional greetings, display of flags, a minute of silence for the victims of wars, public reading of the Schuman Declaration, musical performance of the “Ode to Joy” and speeches by representatives of civil society, academia, European federalist organisations and institutions.

13. Festival Genova Èuropa – “The European Union from Mazzini to Schuman to Current Challenges”

Contact of the organiser
Festival Genova Èuropa

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 10:00 AM

Location
Società Economica di Chiavari – Via Ravaschieri 15, Chiavari

Programme
Conference with Pietro Finelli, Guido Levi and Antonio Padoa Schioppa on the historical and political development of the European Union.

14. “Europe Day. The European Dream: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

Contact of the organiser
Livia Castagnoli – MFE–GFE Florence

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location
Biblioteca Ernesto Ragionieri, Sesto Fiorentino (Florence)

Programme
Public discussion on the European dream and the future of European integration.

15. “Nice to Meet EU”

Contact of the organiser
Sara Bertolli – President of MFE Tuscany

Target audience
Secondary school students and citizens

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Location
Piazzale Vittorio Emanuele, Lucca

Programme
Public event co-organised with the Province of Lucca, attended by more than 150 secondary school students, with a speech by Sara Bertolli, President of the Tuscan Regional Centre of the European Federalist Movement.

16. “Europeans Already Exist, Now Let Us Build Europe”

Contact of the organiser
Antonella Braga – MFE Novara–Verbania

Target audience
Young people, schools, universities, researchers and citizens

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Location
Hotel La Bussola, Via Boggiani 54, Novara

Programme
Public meeting for reflection and discussion on European identity and the future of Europe.

17. “Europe Day Celebration” – Bologna

Contact of the organiser
Giorgia Sorrentino – MFE Bologna

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 10:00 AM

Location
Parco della Montagnola, near the Central Station, Bologna

Programme
The day will begin with a rally at 10:00 AM in Piazza Maggiore, followed by a procession through Via Indipendenza with European flags to make the celebration more visible and engaging for the local community.

18. “UNITED STATES OF EUROPE FOR EUROPE’S FUTURE”

Contact of the organiser
Lorenzo Onisto

Target audience
Citizens and pro-European movements active in Padova and the surrounding area

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 10:30 AM

Location
Via VIII Febbraio 1848, in front of Palazzo Moroni, Padua

Programme
Public gathering organised together with local pro-European movements and associations to promote the idea of a united Europe.

19. A Relay of Voices for Europe. Come and Have Your Say!

Contact of the organiser
Rossella Zadro

Target audience
Citizens and secondary schools

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM

Location
Piazza Trento Trieste, Ferrara

Programme
MFE information point with flags, information material and a loudspeaker for relay participants.

20. Meeting with Authorities and Citizens – Parma

Contact of the organiser
MFE Parma

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 11:00 AM

Location
Atrium of the Columns – University Headquarters, Via Università 12, Parma

Programme
Public meeting with local authorities and citizens as part of the exhibition programme “From Ventotene to a United Europe with the puppets of Ernesto Rossi”.

21. Turin, March for Europe + Conference “How to Unite Europe”

Contact of the organiser
Stefano Rossi – MFE Turin

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 2:30 PM

Location
From European Union Bridge to Piazza Castello, Turin

Programme
Public march through the streets of Turin in support of European unity, accompanied by speeches from associations, political parties and civil society organisations.

The day also includes the #TheseusPolicy conference “How to Unite Europe” at the Politecnico di Torino from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with Paolo Gentiloni, Luiza Bialasiewicz, Irene Tinagli, Domènec Ruiz Devesa, Stefano Sacchi and Toomas Hendrik Ilves.

22. “Where is Europe?” – Themed Treasure Hunt Through the City

Contact of the organiser
Antonella Braga – MFE Novara–Verbania

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – from 3:00 PM

Location
Parco delle Betulle, Novara

Programme
Interactive Europe-themed treasure hunt organised throughout the city.

23. “It’s Time for Europe, Without Fear!”

Contact of the organiser
Fabrizio Masini – MFE Prato

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 3:00 PM

Location
G. Nerucci Cultural Centre, Via Rodari, Montale (Pistoia)

Programme
Public Europe Day initiative promoting European integration and solidarity.

24. “The European Dream”

Contact of the organiser
Matteo Anniballi – MFE Pesaro e Fan

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 5:30 PM

Location
Baia Flaminia, Piazza Europa 16, Pesaro

Programme
Talk by writer and essayist Michele Ballerin, co-author with Roberto Benigni of “The Dream. Europe Has Awakened!”, with readings from the Ventotene Manifesto and federalist texts by Immanuel Kant, Victor Hugo, Altiero Spinelli, Robert Schuman and Mario Draghi.

25. “What Future for Europe?”

Contact of the organiser
Sara Bertolli – President of MFE Tuscany

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 5:30 PM

Location
Mario Tobino Hall of the Province of Lucca, Lucca

Programme
Event co-organised by MFE Lucca, the Province of Lucca and the Europe Direct Lucca–Viareggio Centre, featuring a talk by Giulio Saputo, author of “Federalism against Fear”.

26. International Prize for Europe “FEDERICO II”

Contact of the organiser
Michele Sabatino – MFE Sicily

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 6:30 PM

Location
Municipal Theatre of Enna “F.P. Neglia”

Programme
Award ceremony honouring Sergio Fabbrini, Professor Emeritus of Politics and International Relations.

27. “The Europe We Want”

Contact of the organiser
MFE & GFE Aprilia Facebook, Instagram

Target audience
General public and citizens of the local community.

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Location
Piazza Roma \nAprilia (LT), Italy

Programme
On the occasion of Europe Day, MFE & GFE Aprilia are organising a public outreach initiative entitled “The Europe We Want”.

The event will take the form of an open public stand and discussion space in Piazza Roma, aimed at engaging citizens in dialogue on the future of Europe, European integration and the values of democracy, solidarity and peace.

The initiative seeks to encourage public participation and reflection on the kind of Europe citizens wish to build together, through direct interaction with the local community and the distribution of information materials.

Social media posts
Facebook, Instagram

28. Become a Member of the European Parliament for a Day

Contact of the organiser
Matteo Anniballi – MFE Pesaro e Fano

Target audience
General public and students

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 and 16 May 2026

Location
Pesaro and Fano

Programme
Educational simulation activity allowing participants to experience the work of Members of the European Parliament.

29. “European TEN-T Corridors”

Contact of the organiser
Movimento Federalista Europeo (MFE) Verona, in cooperation with Europe Direct Verona, the Municipality of Verona and the Association Européenne des Cheminots (AEC).

Target audience
General public, students, professionals and citizens interested in European transport infrastructure and European integration.

Date and time of the event
11 May 2026 – 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM

Location
Sala della Società Letteraria di Verona \nPiazzetta Scalette Rubiani 1, Verona, Italy

Programme
As part of the Verona Èuropa Festival 2026, MFE Verona is organising a seminar dedicated to the European TEN-T transport corridors and their strategic importance for European integration and mobility.

The seminar will address the evolution of the TEN-T network, the future of European transport corridors after 2024 and the strategic importance of Verona as a major European transport hub.

Speakers include:

• Gianfranco Mancini – Treasurer of the Association Européenne des Cheminots (AEC), Italian section
• Giovanni Saccà – President of the Association Européenne des Cheminots (AEC), Italian section
• Furio Bombardi – Former General Director of the Scandinavian-Mediterranean and Mediterranean Rail Freight Corridors
• Chris Ressenaar – Director at Hoflaan BV

The seminar will be coordinated by Giorgio Anselmi, former President of the Movimento Federalista Europeo. Institutional greetings will be delivered by Giacomo Cona, Councillor delegated to EU policies of the Municipality of Verona.

30. “Never Again!”

Contact of the organiser
Movimento Federalista Europeo (MFE) Verona, in cooperation with Europe Direct Verona, the Municipality of Verona and partner associations.

Target audience
General public, students, teachers and citizens interested in history, peace and human rights.

Date and time of the event
12 May 2026 – 5:00 PM

Location
Aula Magna dell’Educandato Agli Angeli \nVia Cesare Battisti 8, Verona, Italy

Programme
On the occasion of the Verona Èuropa Festival 2026, MFE Verona is organising a public discussion entitled “Never Again!”, inspired by the book “Mai più” by historian Anna Foa.

The event will reflect on the meaning of the expression “Never Again” after the Holocaust and on the importance of preventing genocide, war crimes, racial hatred and violence against civilians in today’s world.

The keynote lecture will be delivered by:

• Anna Foa – Historian at Sapienza University of Rome and author of the books “Il suicidio di Israele” and “Mai più”

The event will be chaired by Giorgio Anselmi (Movimento Federalista Europeo) and will include institutional greetings from:

• Mario Bonini – Director of Educandato Agli Angeli
• Giacomo Cona – Councillor delegated to EU policies of the Municipality of Verona
• Paolo Lombardi – Vice-President of the Associazione Mazziniana Italiana

The initiative will conclude with a public debate.

30.1. “Europe and Young People”

Contact of the organiser
Comune di Tollo and Movimento Federalista Europeo (MFE), in cooperation with the Local EU Councillor Angelo Radica.

Target audience
Students, young people, teachers and the general public.

Date and time of the event
12 May 2026 – 9:30 AM

Location
EnoMuseo \nTollo, Italy

Programme
On the occasion of Europe Day 2026, the Municipality of Tollo and the Movimento Federalista Europeo are organising a public initiative entitled “Europe and Young People”, dedicated to youth participation, European citizenship and education.

The discussion will address the relationship between young generations and the European project, focusing on democratic participation, constitutional values and the future of Europe.

Speakers:

• Angelo Radica – Mayor of Tollo and Local EU Councillor
• Enzo Di Salvatore – Professor of Italian Constitutional and Comparative Constitutional Law at the University of Teramo

The programme will also include the presentation of the citizenship initiative “Europeissimo Me!” by students from the lower secondary school of Tollo.

The initiative aims to strengthen awareness of European citizenship among young people and encourage active participation in European democratic life.

31. Festival Genova Èuropa – Book Presentation on the Rossi Family of Bordighera

Contact of the organiser
Festival Genova Èuropa

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
13 May 2026 – 5:00 PM

Location
University Library – Via Balbi 40, Genoa

Programme
Presentation of the book by Salvatore Vento on the Ligurian constitutional scholar Paolo Rossi, with contributions and testimonies from Marina Rossi, Beppe Manzitti, Alessandro Cavalli, Franco Manzitti and Pietro Sapori. Coordinated by Francesca Pandolfi.

32. Memorial Bike Tour 2026 – Rome

Contact of the organiser
Stefania Brigatti, Osservatoriocivicoeuropeo.eu

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
14 May 2026

Location
Europe Experience David Sassoli – Piazza Venezia 6, Rome

Programme
Commemorative bike tour dedicated to European memory and civic participation.

33. Festival Genova Èuropa – “The European Union and Peace”

Contact of the organiser
Festival Genova Èuropa

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
14 May 2026 – 5:30 PM

Location
Bi.Bi. Service – Via XX Settembre 41, 3rd floor, Genoa

Programme
Public debate with Professor Guido Montani, University of Pavia, and Gabriele Casano, Co-Head of the Debate Office of GFE, on European unification, peace and the need for a common European defence.

34. “10 Years of Europe in Perugia: The European Federalist Movement”

Contact of the organiser
Roberto Susta – Secretary, MFE Perugia

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
15 May 2026 – 5:00 PM

Location
General Society of Mutual Aid, Perugia

Programme
Visit to the association’s headquarters followed by the lecture “Garibaldi and European Unity”.

35. SCHUMAN, DE GASPERI, ADENAUER: Three Christian Fathers of Europe!

Contact of the organiser
Don Gianpaolo Cassano – MFE Alessandria

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
15 May 2026 – 5:00 PM

Location
Istituto Mazzone, Via Trevigi 47, Casale Monferrato

Programme
Public meeting dedicated to the contribution of Schuman, De Gasperi and Adenauer to European integration.

36. Festival Genova Èuropa – European Bike Tour of the City

Contact of the organiser
Festival Genova Èuropa

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
16 May 2026

Location
Genoa

Programme
European bike tour across symbolic places in Genoa connected to the Risorgimento, the Resistance and European federalism, recalling figures such as Garibaldi, Mazzini and Bolis.

37. Multilateralism and the EU: What Idea of Peace?

Contact of the organiser
MFE Padova and GFE Padova, in cooperation with Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo.

Target audience
General public, students, academics and citizens interested in European affairs, international relations and peace studies.

Date and time of the event
16 May 2026 – 10:30 AM

Location
Sala Monte di Pietà \nPiazza Duomo 14 \nPadua, Italy

Programme
As part of the Europe Day initiatives, MFE Padova and GFE Padova are organising a public debate entitled “Multilateralism and the EU: What Idea of Peace?”, dedicated to the role of the European Union in promoting peace, multilateral cooperation and international stability in the current geopolitical context.

The discussion will explore the challenges facing Europe and the international order, reflecting on the EU’s responsibility in strengthening peace, diplomacy and global cooperation.

Speakers:

• Benedetto Coccia – Istituto S. Pio V
• Franco Lorenzon – President of MFE Veneto
• Carlo M. Palermo – Federal Committee, UEF Europe

The event is organised with the support of Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo.

38. “The Origins of Conflicts and International Disorder”

Contact of the organiser
Simona Geroldi – MFE Valpolicella

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
19 May 2026 – 8:30 PM

Location
“Pietro Gazzola” Auditorium, Via Cavalieri di Vittorio Veneto 2, Negrar di Valpolicella

Programme
Public meeting with Professor Stefano Verzé on the current geopolitical situation, with particular attention to Europe in relation to current crises.

39. “Europe: the End of a Dream?”

Contact of the organiser
Simona Geroldi – MFE Valpolicella

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
22 May 2026 – 6:00 PM

Location
“Pietro Gazzola” Auditorium, Via Cavalieri di Vittorio Veneto 2, Negrar di Valpolicella

Programme
Public meeting in memory of Anne Parry, founder of the MFE Valpolicella section, with Professor Antonio Padoa-Schioppa and presentation of the book “Intertwined Destinies”.

40. Memorial Bike Tour 2026 – Lecco

Contact of the organiser
Stefania Brigatti
Osservatoriocivicoeuropeo.eu

Target audience
General public

Date and time of the event
30 May 2026

Location
Politecnico di Milano – Lecco Campus, Via Previati 1, Lecco

Programme
Continuation of the memorial bike tour initiative dedicated to European civic values.

41. Speaking Corner – “The Europe We Want!”

Contact of the organiser
Consulta Europa di Roma Capitale, in cooperation with MFE Roma, GFE Roma and Movimento Europeo Italia

Target audience
General public, citizens, associations and participants interested in the future of Europe and European integration.

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Location
Pelanda dell’Ex Mattatoio, Testaccio \nRome, Italy

Programme
On the occasion of Europe Day, Consulta Europa di Roma Capitale, together with MFE Roma, GFE Roma and Movimento Europeo Italia, is organising an open-air “Speaking Corner” entitled “The Europe We Want!”.

The initiative will invite representatives of associations, activists and citizens to take the floor and share their views on the future direction of Europe and the European project. Particular attention will be given to federalist perspectives and proposals for a stronger, more democratic and united Europe.

As the event will take place in a public open-air space frequented by citizens and visitors, the organisers aim to attract public attention and directly engage passers-by in discussions about Europe’s future, encouraging participation, debate and civic involvement.

Citizens wishing to intervene during the initiative are invited to contact the organisers via e-mail.

Luxembourg [10]

Participation of UEFL and JEF Luxembourg in the Crossborder Festival of Schengen and Europe Day Celebrations in Wiltz

Target audience
People of all ages living in Luxembourg and neighbouring border regions.

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – Third Crossborder Festival of Schengen
10 May 2026 – Europe Day celebrations at the Castle of Wiltz

Location
Schengen, Luxembourg (next to the river)
Castle of Wiltz, Luxembourg

Programme
Together with JEF Luxembourg, the Union européenne des fédéralistes du Luxembourg (UEFL) will participate in the third Crossborder Festival of Schengen on 9 May and in the Europe Day celebrations at the Castle of Wiltz on 10 May.

On both days, UEFL and JEF Luxembourg will host an information stand presenting the activities of the association and promoting discussion on the European Union and European federalism. The programme will also include interactive games and educational activities designed to engage participants of all ages.

Contact of the organiser
Union européenne des fédéralistes du Luxembourg (UEFL)
Christelle Savall – President
E-mail: info@uef.lu
Tel: +33 6 31 55 28 66

Romania [11]

9 May for the United States of Europe

Contact of the organiser
Inițiativa pentru Europa Unită (IEU Romania)

Target audience
General public, young Europeans, pro-European citizens and civil society organisations.

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026 – 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Location
Piața Universității, near the artesian fountain \nBucharest, Romania

Programme
On the occasion of Europe Day, Inițiativa pentru Europa Unită (Initiative for a United Europe) is organising a public pro-European demonstration in support of the idea of the United States of Europe.

The initiative aims to encourage citizens to reflect on the future of Europe in a period marked by geopolitical uncertainty, economic challenges and debates on the future of European integration. Participants will gather in Piața Universității in Bucharest to express support for a stronger, more united and more effective European Union.

The event promotes the idea of a Europe capable of taking faster decisions, strengthening its common policies and playing a more autonomous role on the international stage. The organisers underline the importance of solidarity, democracy and European unity in addressing current global challenges.

Link: Instagram

Spain[12]

Europe Day Celebration – Presentation of the book “Paz y guerra” by Enrique Barón

Contact of the organiser
Unión de Europeístas y Federalistas de España (UEF Spain) – Valencia section, in collaboration with the University of Valencia and IUDESCOOP.

Target audience
General public, students, academics and citizens interested in European affairs and international politics.

Date and time of the event
14 May 2026 – 7:30 PM

Location
Salón de Grados de la Facultad de Economía \nCampus dels Tarongers \n46022 Valencia, Spain

Programme
As part of the Europe Day celebrations, UEF Spain in Valencia is organising the presentation of the book “Paz y guerra” by Enrique Barón, published by RBA.

The event will feature a public dialogue between Enrique Barón and Ximo Puig focusing on peace, war, European integration and the role of Europe in the current international context.

The initiative is organised in cooperation with the University of Valencia and IUDESCOOP and aims to encourage reflection and debate on Europe’s future and global challenges.

Link: Instagram

Switzerland[13]

1. Platz für Europa / Place à l'Europe, Bern

Contact of the organiser
EM Switzerland

Target audience
General public and passers-by.

Date and time of the event
5 May 2026

Location
Waisenhausplatz, Bern, Switzerland

Programme
On the occasion of Europe Day celebrations, UEF Switzerland is organising “Platz für Europa / Place à l'Europe”, a public event dedicated to promoting dialogue on Europe and European cooperation.

The initiative will bring together several pro-European civil society organisations hosting information stands and interactive activities for citizens and visitors. The programme will also include short public activities and a collective group photo celebrating European unity and cooperation.

2. Europäischer Nachmittag / Après-midi européen, Bern

Contact of the organiser
UEF Switzerland

Target audience
Members of the organisation, partner organisations and invited guests.

Date and time of the event
9 May 2026

Location
Kongresszentrum Allresto, Bern, Switzerland

Programme
UEF Switzerland is organising the “Europäischer Nachmittag / Après-midi européen” as part of the Europe Day celebrations.

The event will feature the award ceremony of the Europe Prize 2026, recognising outstanding contributions in four categories: Politics, Economy and Society, Media and Information, and Breakthrough. The ceremony will be followed by a panel discussion with the award winners focusing on the future of Europe and European cooperation.

United Kingdom [14]

The Union of European Federalists (UEF) is pleased to promote the European Parliament Ambassador School (EPAS) Programme, an initiative of the European Parliament designed to strengthen young people’s understanding of European democracy, citizenship, and institutions.

The programme offers secondary schools across Europe the opportunity to engage students directly with European affairs, democratic participation, and the role of the European Parliament. Through educational activities, simulations, debates, and projects, students become active participants in shaping Europe’s future.

What is the EPAS Programme?

The EPAS Programme encourages schools to become “Ambassador Schools” of the European Parliament by involving both teachers and students in activities related to European citizenship and democracy.

Participating schools are asked to:

• appoint Senior Ambassadors (teachers) and Junior Ambassadors (students);
• create an EU Info Point inside the school;
• organise activities and events for Europe Day (9 May);
• promote awareness of European values and democratic participation.

The European Parliament supports participating schools by providing teaching materials, educational resources, role-play activities, quizzes, and training opportunities.

Why Participate?

The EPAS Programme is one of the most concrete and impactful initiatives for European citizenship education currently available.

Schools successfully completing the programme receive:

• an official European Parliament Ambassador School certificate;
• individual certificates for teachers and students involved;
• opportunities to participate in Euroscola sessions in Strasbourg and other European Parliament events in Brussels, Strasbourg, and Member States.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the relevant European Parliament Liaison Office in each country.

Schools can find their national contact point here:

European Parliament Liaison Offices

We strongly encourage UEF national sections, local sections, activists, teachers, and schools to spread information about this programme and help engage the next generation of European citizens.

National Contacts and Deadlines

Austria

Deadline: End of August
Contact: epwien@europarl.europa.eu

Belgium

Contact: chantal.gennen@europarl.europa.eu

Bulgaria

Contact: epsofia@europarl.europa.eu

Germany

Several deadlines throughout the year
Contacts:

• elizabeth.pender@ep.europa.eu
• oliver.haensgen@europarl.europa.eu

Greece

Contact: epathinai@europarl.europa.eu

Spain

Application period: 22 April – 15 May 2026
Contacts:

• epbarcelona@europarl.europa.eu
• epmadrid@europarl.europa.eu

France

Contacts:

• epparis@ep.europa.eu
• epmarseille@europarl.europa.eu

Hungary

Contact: epbudapest@europarl.europa.eu

Italy

Contacts:

• epmilano@europarl.europa.eu
• eproma@europarl.europa.eu

Lithuania

Contact: epvilnius@europarl.europa.eu

Luxembourg

Contact: rabea.effelsberg@europarl.europa.eu

The Netherlands

Contact: anna.eekhout@ep.europa.eu

Romania

Contact: epbucarest@europarl.europa.eu

For further information, UEF members and schools are encouraged to contact their national Liaison Office directly.

Media Articles on this event

Per l’ex Presidente estone Ilves l’UE deve agire come uno Stato (Focus Europe) by Roberto Castaldi

Translation from Italian

In his speech at the conference, Ilves stressed that, for the first time, Europe is alone and can no longer rely on the United States’ security guarantee. The EU is facing aggressive powers: Russia militarily, China economically and financially, and the United States through tariffs and security threats. We need a revolutionary change to secure a future for Europe and for our children. Member States must set aside their specific interests in favour of the broader common good in order to regain competitiveness and ensure independence.

Ilves underlined the importance of implementing the Draghi and Letta Reports by completing the single market for capital, energy, and telecommunications, rethinking competition policy and investment strategies to create European-scale companies capable of competing with American and Chinese firms. He emphasised the need for a European defence, including joint procurement, industrial cooperation, and investments in artificial intelligence, which is transforming warfare and will define the future. He also highlighted the need for EU governance reform, including overcoming unanimity, simplifying regulation, and introducing common debt to finance joint investments, particularly in defence and competitiveness.

He reflected on the revolutionary nature of the Schuman Declaration and on how the challenges of 1950 must have seemed impossible to overcome. Yet through European integration, peace and economic development were secured. Now we know what needs to be done — the Draghi, Letta, and Niinistö Reports provide important guidance — and we must put them into practice. The alternative is decline and the loss of independence.

Ilves stressed that Europeans can be strong if united or weak if divided, and he issued a call to action. “Each of us can do something,” he said, by acting, voting, and helping to ensure that change happens. In line with this message, later in the afternoon he took part in a March for Europe through the streets of central Turin, organised by the European Federalist Movement, the Do Something Committee, and Volt Europa together with numerous NGOs, political parties, and trade unions.

What should Europe do to face the challenges ahead?

We are facing a very serious problem, far more serious than the small partisan struggles taking place within the Council and Parliament. They are dealing with secondary issues while forgetting the truly important ones. We are facing a profound crisis. We suffer from a “normalcy bias”: we think the world we live in today will last forever. Just as people in Vienna in 1913 believed that the Austro-Hungarian Empire would exist forever. But that is not the case. If we do not adapt to the new context, our entire way of life could disappear, and all we will be left with is nostalgia for how things once were.

We are caught between the hammer and the anvil, between Trump, Putin, and Xi Jinping. What more do we need to wake up?

To truly deal with modernity, we must think of ourselves as a state, with the rights and powers of a state. Without a common borrowing capacity, we will not be able to finance what needs to be done. This cannot happen unless we become a far more unified entity capable of taking on debt. And given our economic weight, we can borrow at low interest rates. We must also unify our capital markets in order to secure major investments that are currently impossible because they take place only at the national level.

The future of defence does not lie in tanks, but in artificial intelligence and technology. We see this in the war in Ukraine. Why is Ukraine performing better now? Because it is technologically more advanced than the Russians. If we want to compete and defend ourselves against China — or against China through Russia, since the technology comes from China — or against attempts by the United States to destabilise us. The United States stated in its national security strategy that it wants a weak Europe. Trump keeps clashing with us. When Sánchez says, “you cannot use Spanish bases,” Trump responds, “I will increase tariffs on Spain.” Then he realises he cannot, because the European Union acts as one on trade matters. So he gets a response from the entire EU. Therefore, he cannot do it. Both Putin and Trump want a divided Europe, because every European country, even Germany, is small compared to the United States or even Russia, not to mention China. We must understand that the powers that dislike Europe do not appreciate our values and see Europe as a threat. Therefore, they are working to destabilise it.

Trump has put pressure on the EU, but also on Canada. Europeans reacted by trying to flatter Trump, whereas Canada responded very firmly. In theory, the EU is much stronger economically than Canada and far less vulnerable to the United States than Canada is, yet Canada gave a much firmer response. Is this perhaps because Canada has a federal government and Europe does not?

It is difficult to say who is more vulnerable, because Canada does not face a real direct military threat, although economically it is far more interdependent with the United States. But the answer is partly yes. Canada has a prime minister who is the head of the country and who can make decisions and say what he wants. Here, instead, we have various psychopaths competing with one another over who can be nicer to Trump. And in the end they get hit anyway, like Merz now. The only person in Europe today who carries real weight is Pope Leo XIV. The United States fears Leo XIV, not Meloni, von der Leyen, or any other leader. They can insult them as much as they like. But when they insult the Pope, then it truly becomes a problem.

Who can take the initiative towards common debt, a European defence, and a single foreign policy, as you advocate?

It should be the European Council. But to achieve this, we must win over as many governments as possible to a more pro-European line through elections. I am convinced this is possible if, at the national level, there are bold and courageous politicians willing to say that we must do this, rather than provincial leaders. For example, I would say Macron is extremely provincial on this issue. He always talks about “Europe,” but in reality what he wants are contracts for French companies, not European ones. We saw this when he tried to prevent the United Kingdom from participating in the SAFE programme.

Today we celebrate Europe Day in remembrance of the Schuman Declaration, which was actually inspired by Jean Monnet, who later also created the Action Committee for the United States of Europe. A new one has now emerged that seeks to bring together pro-European figures from across Europe. Do you intend to join them? Do you think these are the kinds of initiatives that can help bring together activists and politicians to convince public opinion and governments?

I will do anything that can be helpful. Since this can help, I will join them.

Gentiloni: una difesa europea per la pace (Focus Europe) by Roberto Castaldi

Translation from Italian

In his speech at the conference, Gentiloni observed that the EU finds itself in an unprecedented situation, with Russia, China, and the United States all acting against Europe. He stressed the need to achieve genuine strategic autonomy and to implement the Draghi and Letta Reports. He called for strengthening European democracy by abolishing or significantly limiting the use of unanimity in European decision-making processes; merging the presidencies of the European Commission and the European Council; and granting the European Parliament the power of legislative initiative. He underlined that 75% of the population feels European and supports the EU, and that national governments are therefore lagging behind citizens’ desire for greater integration. He recalled that the EU was born as a project to guarantee peace in Europe, and that today it is necessary to create a European defence in order to help secure peace around the EU as well. He added that the creation of a European defence will go hand in hand with a European fiscal capacity to finance it. A stronger EU is also essential to defend liberal democracy and to keep Europe the best place in the world to live.

What should the European Union do to relaunch itself?

I think the objectives are quite clear regarding defence and competitiveness. It is somewhat more difficult to understand how to achieve them. In this respect, it is useful that on occasions such as 9 May there is also mobilisation from public opinion and political parties. This cannot be something left solely to the dynamics of the European institutions. Therefore, the meeting that took place today in Turin can provide a useful push in this direction.

Is an initiative by a vanguard of countries possible? After all, both Schengen and the euro began with a smaller group that later expanded.

That would be absolutely necessary. There are already some small steps in this direction, such as the Spanish initiative among finance ministers to launch a core group of the six main economies. We will see whether it manages to produce interesting proposals.

The problem is always to keep in mind that things are not as simple as they are sometimes described. The difficulty in major European issues is very often the difficulty of finding agreement among the large countries. We often take refuge in the idea that the obstacle is this or that small reluctant country recklessly using its veto power. Certainly, this has happened.

Orbán was a specialist in this, but in many cases the real problem is that getting France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain to agree is far from simple. That is what has often blocked us. And before, when the United Kingdom was also involved, even more so. Therefore, we need to work to create stronger cooperation among the major countries. In my opinion, this could act as a driving force for the entire Union.

France, Italy, and Spain will go to elections in 2027. With the current governments in the final phase of their legislatures, is it possible that they could take the initiative? Or will the window of opportunity come immediately after the elections, during the honeymoon phase of the new governments?

That depends on how the elections go. It could even be the opposite. Clearly, the French situation could be crucial, because France currently has a very pro-European president and executive. I do not think the same can be said about Italy at the moment. We shall see. Every country has its own story. I insist that there must also be pressure from politics, parliaments, and citizens to move towards a greater phase of integration. It is not enough simply to hope that governments will change.

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