Union of European Federalists | Meetings and debates

by UEF Secretariat

This is the podcast series of meetings and debates of the Union of European Federalists.

The Union of European Federalists (UEF) is a pan-European, non-governmental political organisation dedicated to the promotion of European political unity.

It was founded shortly after World War II, in the belief that only by uniting into a European Federation could the states of Europe overcome the divisions of the past and e ... 

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Podcast episodes

  • Season 1

  • #7 | PC 1 LIVE DEBATE | The AFCO Report and the Process for Treaty Reform

    #7 | PC 1 LIVE DEBATE | The AFCO Report and the Process for Treaty Reform

    On the basis of the results of the Conference on the Future of Europe, which highlighted citizens' awareness of the need for a strong and democratic Europe, the Constitutional Affairs Committee of the European Parliament has drawn up a draft reform of the Treaties that takes up the demands of citizens and federalists and paves the way for the creation of a true federal state. LINK DOCUMENTThis is a unique opportunity to transform the Union from an organisation still hostage to the member states into a democratic and federal union, an opportunity that we Federalists must not miss. The debate focuses on the main features of the AFCO Report and on the possible outcomes of the opening of a Convention and it is introduced by:Giulia Rossolillo, Professor of the European Union Law at the University of Pavia (Italy) and Rapporteur of the Political Commission 1 of the Federal CommitteeHelmut Scholz, MEP and Co-Rapporteur of the AFCO Report on the proposed reform of the EU Treaties

  • #6 | PC3 & PC5 JOINT LIVE DEBATE | Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Democracy

    #6 | PC3 & PC5 JOINT LIVE DEBATE | Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Democracy

    This event wants to investigate such issues and create awareness on these topics. Moreover, the challenges represented by new technologies embody a growing concern for international security: from the safety of the electoral process, to the new usages of the A.I. for new warfare technologies represent matters of study and policy for elected officials and stakeholders in Europe.The cybersecurity discourse became a central citizens' experience: from the protection of private data, the relationship with hi-tech giants, to the protection of fairness of the electoral system, our societies, national and European institutions are called to extra efforts to guarantee a safe environment for citizens' life and secure environment.It opens new frontiers in protecting personal liberties and domestic security (e.g. public institutions and company safety). A.I. and cybersecurity constitute new challenges for contemporary societies.Distinguished speakers:Brando Benifei MEP, Rapporteur on AI regulationEva Lichtenberger, former MEP, Vice-President of UEF AustriaKnut André Sande, Member of the Executive Board of JEF-EuropeModerated by Carlo Maria Palermo, Chair of the PC3 on Foreign and Security Policy

  • #5 | 12.02.2023 | The EU's rule of law mechanism at work: the sharpest tool in the box?

    #5 | 12.02.2023 | The EU's rule of law mechanism at work: the sharpest tool in the box?

    The EU's rule of law mechanism at work: the sharpest tool in the box?During the UEF Federal Commitee meeting in Brussels, the Political Commission 2 proposed a Panel Debate about the current state of play with special regard to the case of Hungary and the possible scenarios for implementing the rule of law mechanism.This exchange was the occasion to assess the relevance of the rule of law mechanism in the European Union’s endeavours to safeguard democracy.Panellists has presented the political state of play in the member states in light of the exercise of the mechanism and propose an outlook on the (near) future for democracy in Europe.Finally, participants have tried to identify solutions to reverse the democratic backslide at play in some member states, drawing examples from Hungary. Panellists include:Simona Constantin, Deputy Head of Cabinet of Vice-President Věra Jourová, European CommissionGwendoline Delbos-Corfield, Member of the European ParliamentPeter Heil, Policy Director for the Hungarian Democratic Coalition Delegation (S&D), European ParliamentModerator: Eszter Nagy, President of the UEF Hungary and rapporteur of the UEF’s Political Commission on Rule of Law.--------------

  • #4 | European Convention: The momemtum to give rise to a shared and democratic European sovereignty?

    #4 | European Convention: The momemtum to give rise to a shared and democratic European sovereignty?

    The Union of European Federalists, in collaboration with the European Parliament's Intergroup The Spinelli Group, is delighted to invite you to an Evening Debate on European sovereignty. The very concept of sovereignty has become problematic in an interdependent world where many issues are beyond the control of states. Therefore, the question of where sovereignty rests and how to guarantee it to citizens is intertwined with the European project. States show to be unable to act effectively in many fields of public life. Their desire to maintain exclusive control of sovereignty at the national level has become obsolete and contradictory. It becomes even clearer as the idea of empires re-emerges on the world stage and considering the attempts against democracy in the Western countries, as recent American and European political events show. How can Europe ensure that its citizens can “take back control” over their destiny and the governance of major issues? What is the federalist approach to sovereignty? Can new European Treaties change the way sovereignty is shared? Ultimately, where does European sovereignty lie? To answer these questions, we invited:Gabriele BISCHOFF MEP (S&D), board member of the Spinelli Group;Gwendoline DELBOS-CORFIELD MEP (Greens/EFA), Board member of the Spinelli Group ;Sandro GOZI MEP (Renew), President of the UEF, Chairman of the Spinelli Group;Nicolas LERON, Associate researcher at the Cevipof and OFCE, Sciences Po Paris. Author of Souveraineté, l'obsession des nations;

  • #3 | 25.11.2022 | Is there a German EU policy? And where is it heading?

    #3 | 25.11.2022 | Is there a German EU policy? And where is it heading?

    The Union of European Federalists is delighted to invite you to our joint event Is there a German EU Policy?, co-organised with the local sections Europa Union Frankfurt, UEF Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes & Lyon, MFE Sezione di Milano. When the three parties of the German "Traffic Light Coalition" joined to form the current government last year, they agreed to push for a federal Europe. Looking at the reality of 2022, this seems forgotten. Germany faces criticism by many observers who see it focused on pursuing a supposed national interest, while ignoring European partners.Input by Dr. Johannes LindnerCo-Director of the Jacques Delors Centre at Hertie School of Governance