Europe in a Changing World

#SOU2021

The next edition of The State of the Union will take place in Florence between Thursday 6 May and Saturday 8 May 2021. The forthcoming edition will mark the tenth anniversary of the European University Institute’s flagship conference which over the past decade has firmly established itself as a key forum for discussion and debate on the most pertinent issues facing Europe and Europeans.

We will celebrate this historic occasion with a dynamic hybrid event which will bring together world leaders, diplomats, policy makers, academics, and civil society representatives to debate and reflect on the theme ‘Europe in a Changing World’ before a global audience.

The conference will address the challenges and opportunities for Europe amidst rising concerns over global commons and the climate emergency, a shifting economic and geopolitical power balance, major challenges to multilateralism, and the ongoing global battle against COVID-19.

Europe’s role on the global stage will be tackled across sessions on artificial intelligence, climate, geopolitics, the global economy, multilateralism, peace and human rights, public health, and strategic autonomy.

CLIMATE

MULTILATERALISM

PEACE AND HUMAN
RIGHTS

GEOPOLITICS

GLOBAL ECONOMY

PUBLIC HEALTH

STRATEGIC AUTONOMY

The two-day conference will be complemented by a dedicated youth and civil society event celebrating Europe Day. The live show in Fiesole, a small town overlooking Florence, is co-funded by the European Parliament. #SOU4YOU – Bringing the State of the Union Closer to Citizens will take place on 8 May. Expect music, theatre, debate and much more!

Fringe Events programme coming soon!