The 14th edition of The State of the Union will take place in Florence on 23 and 24 May 2024. Global leaders and experts from across sectors, students, policy makers and journalists will gather in Florence to reflect on the most pressing issues on the European agenda.
The discussions will focus on the future enlargements of the European Union, demography, democracy and the rule of law, industrial policy, as well as the digital and green transitions, all of which will play a crucial role in the run-up to the European elections in June 2024.
In the context of the conference, the European University Institute, as in 2014 and 2019, will host a televised debate among the Spitzenkandidaten, the representatives of the different political families running for the post of European Commission President.
The State of the Union 2024 will feature exciting networking opportunities for all guests and engaging discussions amongst participants all taking place in stunning locations in Florence.
Venues and format
The event will start on Thursday, 23 May 2024, at the EUI’s campus on the hills overlooking Florence. The programme will centre on in-person sessions, which will explore the themes from an array of academic and policy perspectives. On this day, the EUI will try to host a televised debate among the Spitzenkandidaten. All sessions will be livestreamed on the SOU website.
On Friday, 24 May 2024, participants will reconvene, along with heads of state, EU and international leaders, representatives of the private sector and civil society, who will contribute their views on the themes of the conference through interviews and high-level conversations. There will be plenty of networking opportunities and social events to meet and interact with representatives of academia, industry and civil society, policy makers and officials from the EU and beyond.
On Saturday, 25 May 2024, the EUI will open the doors and the gardens of Villa Salviati, home of the Historical Archives of the European Union. The day is dedicated to art and culture, guided tours, and recreational activities. It aims to connect the local and European communities by opening the EUI to the public.
Media Partners
The EC supports the EUI
