The European University Institute's State of the Union marks its 10th anniversary

“Europe in a Changing World” will be the topic discussed between 6-8 May

The State of the Union 2021 will be held in Florence from Thursday, 6 May to Saturday, 8 May 2021. The upcoming edition will mark the tenth anniversary of the European University Institute's flagship conference, which has firmly established itself as a central platform for discussion and debate on the most pressing issues confronting Europe and Europeans over the last decade.

The hybrid event will bring together world leaders, ambassadors, policymakers, scholars, and members from civil society to discuss and reflect on the topic ‘Europe in a Changing World' in front of a global audience.

The conference will discuss the continent's challenges and opportunities in the context of growing concerns about global commons and the climate emergency, changing economic and geopolitical power balances, significant challenges to multilateralism, and the ongoing global fight against COVID-19.

From Artificial Intelligence and geopolitics to peace and human rights

Artificial Intelligence, climate, geopolitics, the global economy, multilateralism, peace and human rights, public health, and strategic autonomy will all be discussed as part of Europe's position on the global stage.

Dedicated youth and civil society events will be held on Europe Day to supplement the two-day meeting. The European Parliament is co-funding the live show taking place in Fiesole, a small town overlooking Florence.

For the first time in its history, The State of the Union would feature an “event inside an event”, also co-funded by the European Parliament, and called: #SOU4YOU – Bringing the State of the Union Closer to People. It will commemorate Europe Day, an annual celebration of peace and unity on the continent. On 8 May 2021, a spectacular display with music, theatre, and debate will take place on the ancient steps and stage of the Roman Theatre, in the charming setting of the Archaeological Area of Fiesole.

The European University Institute (EUI) is a postgraduate teaching and research institute in the Tuscany region of Italy. It was established in 1972 by the six founding Member States of the European Communities with the goal of providing advanced academic training for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers and fostering research in fields of particular interest to Europe's growth.