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The State of the Union (European University Institute)

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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/

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 9th, coinciding with the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration,[5] a milestone in the history of European integration.[6]

History

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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]

Format

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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

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  • 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

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  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
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