Jump to content

The State of the Union (European University Institute)

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Not to be confused with State of the Union (European Union).
The State of the Union
Formation2011
FounderEuropean University Institute
TypeConference
HeadquartersFlorence and Fiesole, Italy
Official language
English
Websitehttps://stateoftheunion.eui.eu/

The State of the Union (SOU) is an annual conference on European affairs organized by the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy, since 2011.[1] The conference serves as a forum for discussing critical issues impacting the European Union, attracting political leaders, policy-makers, and experts from EU institutions.[2]

The thematic focus of each SOU conference[3] is shaped by a rotating Scientific Committee of EUI scholars, who tailor the agenda to address contemporary challenges facing the EU.[4] The event generally takes place around May 9th, aligning with the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration,[5] which symbolizes the progress of European integration.[6]

History

[edit]

The inaugural SOU conference took place in 2011 as part of the Festival d'Europa in Florence.[7] Afterward, the European University Institute adopted the event, holding it on its own premises.[8]

Format

[edit]
Salone dei Cinquecento in Florence's town hall during the State of the Union

The three-day event is typically held across various EUI venues in Florence, such as the hilltop campus in Fiesole and Palazzo Vecchio. The program includes:

  • Day 1: Parallel sessions and fringe events at the EUI’s Badia Fiesolana campus.
  • Day 2: Main panels and discussions at Palazzo Vecchio.
  • Day 3: Open Day at Villa Salviati, the home of the Historical Archives of the European Union,[9] which includes educational talks, guided tours, exhibitions, and cultural activities.[10]

Notable editions

[edit]
  • 2011: The inaugural edition focused on political and economic issues in the EU,[11] including Treaty of Lisbon reforms and post-2008 financial stability.[12]
  • 2014: Addressed Europe's social and political future, featuring a live Spitzenkandidaten debate for the European Commission presidency.[13]
  • 2016: Emphasized gender equality, with women making up 66% of the speakers and 62% of the Scientific Committee.[14]
  • 2017: Focused on European citizenship in light of Brexit, addressing topics like direct democracy and the refugee crisis.[15][16][17]
  • 2020 (Special Edition): Held online due to COVID-19, with discussions on public health, the economy, and global cooperation. A YouGov survey accompanied the event, and EUI launched a podcast with session highlights.[18]
  • 2023: Under the theme "Building Europe in Times of Uncertainty," the event attracted over 700 in-person participants and 10,000 online viewers, hosting more than 35 sessions with 130 speakers.
  • 2024: The latest conference welcomed over 850 participants and 11,000 online viewers. It featured over 150 speakers and was held just before the 2024 European Parliament elections.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ (2011). May 2011. Florence, capital of Europe Comparing Europe at Palazzo Vecchio Festival d'Europa. Retrieved 10 March 2021
  2. ^ (2017). State of the Union 2017 conference by the European University Institute: Building a people's Europe European Union Newsroom. Retrieved 15 March 2021
  3. ^ "The 2019 EUI State of the Union will take place in Florence, 2-4 May 2019 (RSCAS, EUI, Italy)". Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA). 25 February 2019. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  4. ^ "SOU Past Editions: 2019. About".
  5. ^ (2012). The State of the Union 2012 edition to take place on 9-10 May 2012 Istituto di Ricerche per la Pubblica Amministrazione (IRPA). Retrieved 17 March 2021
  6. ^ Kevin Manley (2013). Florence is ‘capital of Europe’ The Florentine. Retrieved 15 March 2021
  7. ^ (2011). May 2011. Florence, capital of Europe Comparing Europe at Palazzo Vecchio Festival d'Europa. Retrieved 10 March 2021
  8. ^ "SOU Past Editions: 2012". 11 October 2012.
  9. ^ (2019). Open Day at Villa Salviati The Florentine. Retrieved 10 March 2021
  10. ^ "SOU Open Day 2018 - Historical Archives of the European Union". YouTube. 11 July 2018.
  11. ^ "SOU Past Editions: 2011". 27 March 2012.
  12. ^ "SOU Past Editions: 2011. Summary". 12 February 2015.
  13. ^ "SoU2014 - EU Elections - Presidential Debate". YouTube. European University Institute. 15 May 2014.
  14. ^ "SOU Past Editions: 2016. Scientific Committee". 26 February 2015.
  15. ^ (2017). State of The Union 2017 Studio Riprese Firenze. Retrieved 17 March 2021
  16. ^ (2017). The State of the Union conference European Investment Bank. Retrieved 17 March 2021
  17. ^ (2017). The Latest: Merkel vows fair, constructive Brexit talks Fox News. Retrieved 15 March 2021
  18. ^ (2020). European University Inst. Soundcloud. Retrieved 17 March 2021
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_State_of_the_Union_(European_University_Institute)&oldid=1256295520"