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. The conference provides a platform for discussion on issues affecting the European Union, attracting political leaders, policymakers, and experts from EU institutions.
Each SOU conference 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. The event is typically held around May 9, coinciding with the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, a milestone in the history of European integration.
History
The inaugural State of the Union conference was held in 2011 as part of the Festival d'Europa in Florence. Following this, the European University Institute assumed sole responsibility for organizing the event, which has since taken place at its campus in Florence.
Format
The three-day event is typically held across various venues in and around Florence, such as the EUI's hilltop properties in Fiesole and the central 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, which includes educational talks, guided tours, exhibitions, and cultural activities.
Notable editions
- 2011: The inaugural edition focused on political and economic issues in the EU, including Treaty of Lisbon reforms and post-2008 financial stability.
- 2014: Addressed Europe's social and political future, featuring a live Spitzenkandidaten debate for the European Commission presidency.
- 2016: Emphasized gender equality, with women making up 66% of the speakers and 62% of the Scientific Committee.
- 2017: Focused on European citizenship in light of Brexit, addressing topics like direct democracy and the refugee crisis.
- 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.
- 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.
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