The State of the Union 2020
The special edition of SOU took place in unprecedented times, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The theme of the entirely online event was ‘Europe: Managing the COVID-19 Crisis’ which fostered reflection on three key policy areas profoundly impacted by the pandemic: public health, the economy and global cooperation.
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The State of the Union 2019
With the European elections taking place just weeks away, the focus of the ninth edition was on “21st-Century Democracy in Europe”. Panels assessed the related challenges of democracy in law, society, the economy and global governance and featured a live Spitzenkandidaten debate.
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The State of the Union 2018
“Solidarity in Europe” was the overarching theme of the 2018 edition and was explored through discussions about European economic, monetary and fiscal policies, social investment, defence and security strategies, migration, climate change and energy programmes.
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The State of the Union 2017
In light of Brexit, rising populism and the global refugee emergency looming on Europe’s horizon, speakers including Michel Barnier, Werner Hoyer, Jean-Claude Juncker and Federica Mogherini discussed the meaning of European citizenship in the 21st century.
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The State of the Union 2016
The 2016 edition was dedicated to “Women in Europe and the World,” bringing a valuable gendered perspective and a plethora of female voices to discussions about the refugee crisis, employment and social affairs, violence against women, conflict and peace-making and sexual and reproductive politics.
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The State of the Union 2015
The conference’s fifth edition was defined by a more global outlook as it assessed the future of Europe. The establishment of the Alcide De Gasperi Research Centre, Europe’s place in the world, a new Schuman Declaration for the 21st century and the impact of surveillance in Europe were the four main topics discussed.
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The State of the Union 2014
The focus of the 2014 conference was on the upcoming European elections and the social and political model of Europe. The event included a televised Spitzenkandidaten debate between European Commission presidency candidates and counted Karel De Gucht, Federica Mogherini, Mario Monti and Matteo Renzi among the prominent speakers.
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The State of the Union 2013
Institutions, democratic governance, migration and citizenship were the central themes of the third edition signifying a shift towards the diversification of topics and participants. High-level international speakers included José Manuel Barroso, Emma Bonino and Mario Monti and Rosen Plevneliev.
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The State of the Union 2012
Against the backdrop of the global recession, speakers including José Manuel Barroso, Mario Monti, Pedro Verona Rodrigues Pires and Javier Solana took to the stage to debate the challenges of globalisation, economic governance and the failures, successes and future of EU energy policy.
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The State of the Union 2011
The first edition, established under the umbrella of the Festival d’Europa, welcomed EU leaders, heads of states, politicians, opinion leaders, renowned academics and journalists to Florence to discuss the Lisbon Treaty, the implications of globalisation and financial stability during the Eurozone crisis.
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