The State of the Union (European University Institute)

The State of the Union
Formation2011
FounderEuropean University Institute
TypeConference
HeadquartersFlorence and Fiesole, Italy
Official language
English
Websitestateoftheunion.eui.eu

Since 2011, The State of the Union (SOU) is an annual conference on European affairs, organized by the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy.[1] The conference provides a platform for discussion on issues affecting the European Union, attracting political leaders, policymakers, and experts from EU institutions.[2]

Each SOU conference[3] focuses on a specific theme, which is determined by a Scientific Committee composed of EUI scholars. The agenda is designed to address contemporary challenges facing the EU.[4] The event is typically held around May 9, coinciding with the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration,[5] a milestone in the history of European integration.[6]

History

The inaugural State of the Union conference was held in 2011 as part of the Festival d'Europa in Florence.[7] Following this, the European University Institute assumed sole responsibility for organizing the event, which has since taken place at its campus in Florence.[8]

Editions

  • 2011: The inaugural edition focused on political and economic issues in the EU,[9] including Treaty of Lisbon reforms and post-2008 financial stability.[10]
  • 2014: Addressed Europe's social and political future, featuring a live Spitzenkandidaten debate for the European Commission presidency.[11]
  • 2016: Emphasized gender equality, with women making up 66% of the speakers and 62% of the Scientific Committee.[12]
  • 2017: Focused on European citizenship in light of Brexit, addressing topics like direct democracy and the refugee crisis.[13][14][15]
  • 2020 (Special Edition): Held online due to COVID-19, with discussions on public health, the economy, and global cooperation.

References

  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. ↑ "SOU Past Editions: 2011". 27 March 2012.
  10. ↑ "SOU Past Editions: 2011. Summary". 12 February 2015.
  11. ↑ "SoU2014 - EU Elections - Presidential Debate". YouTube. European University Institute. 15 May 2014.
  12. ↑ "SOU Past Editions: 2016. Scientific Committee". 26 February 2015.
  13. ↑ (2017). State of The Union 2017 Studio Riprese Firenze. Retrieved 17 March 2021
  14. ↑ (2017). The State of the Union conference European Investment Bank. Retrieved 17 March 2021
  15. ↑ (2017). The Latest: Merkel vows fair, constructive Brexit talks Fox News. Retrieved 15 March 2021
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