UEF.be general assembly – June 2025

Président: Michele Ciavarini Azzi; Administrateur Délégué: Lucian Onisei; Secrétaire Général: Domenico Rossetti di Valdalbero; Trésorier: Christian De Bruyne

The General Assembly of UEF.be was held in person on June 7, 2025, at the College of Europe in Bruges.

The meeting was chaired by Mr Ciavarini Azzi, who recalled the memory of Paul Frix and Giuseppe Ciavarini Azzi, as European federalists.

The new UEF.be Bureau for 2025 was elected unanimously:

* Michele Ciavarini Azzi, President
* Domenico Rossetti di Valdalbero, Secretary-General
* Lucian Onisei, Executive Director, in charge with Communication
* Christian De Bruyne, Treasurer

Robert Verschooten, Jean Marsia and François Mennerat are appointed ‘Political Advisers’ to UEF.be.

During this excellent assembly, the members had the opportunity to listen to a clear and realistic presentation by Federica Mogherini, Rector of the College of Europe and former High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on the major geopolitical challenges facing Europe.

Mogherini emphasized that the European Union is facing a rapidly changing world, with major powers challenging the global system of governance and questioning the effectiveness of multilateralism. She noted that the EU is uniquely positioned to promote cooperation and shared rules, and that its history has shown the value of working together to prevent conflict and promote peace.

The EU’s strengths, including its economic power, normative power, and soft power, were highlighted as key assets in promoting European integration and cooperation. Mogherini also emphasized the importance of the EU’s ability to adapt and innovate, citing the example of the EU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a demonstration of its capacity to act in times of crisis.

The discussion also touched on the challenges facing the EU, including the need to stay competitive in a rapidly changing world, the threat of rising nationalism, and the importance of leadership in promoting European integration.

The assembly was a great success, and the organizers would like to thank Federica Mogherini for her insightful presentation and the College of Europe for hosting the event. The members of UEF.be left the assembly with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to promoting European integration and cooperation in the face of global challenges.

Il est urgent de fédérer l’Europe pour assurer notre sécurité

Le plan Rearm Europe vise à adapter les critères de convergence budgétaire européens afin de permettre aux États membres d’emprunter quelques 650 milliards d’euros. ©AFP/Archives

 

En dépensant la moitié du budget de la défense américaine, les Européens n’ont qu’un dixième de leurs capacités militaires. Il n’est pas trop tard mais il est temps d’agir.

Une opinion de Jean Marsia, Domenico Rossetti di Valdalbero et Philippe Van Damme, pour l’Union des Fédéralistes Européens

 

Les récentes cyberattaques, l’invasion de l’Ukraine par la Russie et l’arrivée au pouvoir de Donald Trump incitent l’Union européenne et ses États membres à considérablement augmenter leurs budgets et leurs moyens de défense et de sécurité civile.

Mais la passation de marchés, le développement de capacités opérationnelles et la coordination des organismes nationaux en charge de la cybersécurité doivent s’européaniser. L’industrie européenne de la défense est sous-dimensionnée et organisée en fonction des États. L’UE dispose d’outils limités pour la production industrielle de matériel de défense, pour développer des systèmes de surveillance réseau, pour protéger les infrastructures critiques et pour encourager la recherche et l’innovation en commun et pour promouvoir la passation conjointe de marchés.

Le plan Rearm Europe présenté par la présidente de la Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, vise à adapter les critères de convergence budgétaire européens afin de permettre aux États membres d’emprunter quelque 650 milliards d’euros. Le plan propose en outre que l’UE emprunte 150 milliards d’euros qui pourraient être mis à la disposition des États. Ce plan n’envisage pas de procéder via une autorité européenne pour les achats d’armements comme cela avait été le cas pour les vaccins durant la crise du Covid. Ce sont les États membres qui garderaient la maîtrise de la passation des marchés publics. Le Commissaire européen Andrius Kubilius avait pointé le besoin d’accélérer et de dépasser l’incrémental, de générer des économies d’échelle et de donner à l’industrie les moyens d’accroître sa production.

Pour lire l’article en entier, cliquez ici :

https://www.lalibre.be/il-est-urgent-de-federer-leurope-pour-assurer-notre-securite

 

The European Union in a Changing World: Is Europe Ready for Global Challenges?

Federica Mogherini, the former High Representative of the European Union, recently participated in a debate on the European Union’s role in the global landscape. She emphasized that the EU is a major player on the world stage, and its unique blend of soft and hard power makes it an influential actor.

The event took place in the frame of the UEF.be general assembly on 7 June 2025 at the College of Europe which is not just an academic institution. Its mission is to contribute to European integration, making it unique among universities worldwide. Welcoming guests and holding debates in their auditorium continues the tradition of open discussion and critical thought.

According to Mogherini, the EU’s power stems from its large internal market, regulatory capabilities, and strategic position in global affairs. She highlighted the EU’s ability to set standards and norms, which are often adopted by other countries. Mogherini also noted that the EU’s soft power, including its cultural and educational influence, is increasingly recognized worldwide.

 

Mogherini acknowledged that the EU faces internal and external challenges, including competitiveness, migration, and security concerns. However, she argued that the EU has the instruments to address these challenges and find solutions. She emphasized the importance of creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to work together to achieve common goals.
One of the key strengths of the EU, according to Mogherini, is its ability to balance different interests and find common ground among its member states. She noted that the EU’s complexity can be an asset in understanding and interacting with external partners, and that the EU’s decision-making process, although complex, is a guarantee that many voices are heard, and decisions are stable and reliable.

During the debate, Mogherini was asked about the EU’s biggest power. She replied that the EU’s largest power is its internal market, which gives it significant regulatory and economic influence. She also mentioned the EU’s soft power and its ability to play a strategic role in global affairs.

A member of the audience asked Mogherini about the EU’s ability to make decisions quickly and effectively. Mogherini replied that while the EU’s decision-making process can be complex, it is also a guarantee that many voices are heard, and decisions are stable and reliable. She emphasized that the EU’s complexity can be an asset in understanding and interacting with external partners.

Finally, Mogherini was asked about the place of the European human in the future world. The questioner expressed concerns about the EU’s competitiveness, particularly in the fields of science, technology, and economics. Mogherini acknowledged these concerns but emphasized the EU’s strengths, including its highly developed education system, research capabilities, and commitment to innovation.

Conclusion: Europe’s Role in a Changing World

The European Union faces a world where the rules-based order is under threat. Yet, Europe has unique strengths—its market, its values, its capacity for consensus, and its influence on global standards. The EU’s complexity can be an asset, ensuring stable and inclusive decisions.
Europe must continue to invest in its people, its institutions, and its capacity for innovation. By doing so, it can remain a key player in shaping a more cooperative and stable world.

About the Speaker: Federica Mogherini

Federica Mogherini served as the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy from 2014 to 2019. She is currently the Rector of the College of Europe.

Acknowledgement

This article is based on a debate and Q&A session with Federica Mogherini at the College of Europe.

About the Author: Lucian Alexandru Onisei, UEF Belgium

Visite de l’UEF.be au Parlement européen

Très belle viste avec les Fédéralistes Européens y compris des JEFs en herbe lors de la session plénière de ce 21 mai 2025 à Bruxelles.

Débat animé et multilingue à l’assemblée de la démocratie européenne.

Europe Day on 9 May 2025 in Brussels

  • 11:00 – 12:00 – Tribute Ceremony to Robert Schuman and the Founding Fathers of a United Europe. Celebration of 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration next to the bust of R. Schuman at the entrance to the Parc du Cinquantenaire, on the Rue de la Loi side, in collaboration with the City of Brussels and the Municipality of Etterbeek (musical contribution). Greeting from the Mayor of Etterbeek, Vincent De Wolf, and the General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), Esther Lynch. More details on Avenir de l’Europe

 

  • 17:30 – 19:00A live panel discussion between Guy Verhofstadt, EMI President, Former MEP and Prime Minister of Belgium, the Mayor of Brussels, and Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament. This will take place in the courtyard of City Hall and be broadcast live on La Première radio. The public event (with prior registration) will gather stakeholders, citizens, and members of the EMI network to engage in a dialogue about the future of Europe. Listeners from home will also be able to participate by sending questions.

 

  • 20:00 – 22:00:A live concert at Grand Place, with the square illuminated in EU colors. A Belgian DJ will perform, and attendees are encouraged to wear blue. EU flags will be distributed. In order to maintain a visually cohesive event, EMI Secretariat is asking participants not to bring any other banners or flags. Details at: https://europeanmovement.eu/event-list/europe-united/

For more information on the 9 May events: Giovanni Merlini, UEF.be – giovanni.merl1956@gmail.com

General Assembly & Debate Announcement

Union of European Federalists – Belgium (UEF.be)

📅 Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
🕚 Time: 11:00 – 14:00
📍 Location: College of Europe, Verversdijk 16, Bruges
📝 Registration Deadline: June 2, 2025

🗳️ General Assembly (11:00 – 11:45)

All members of UEF Belgium are invited to the Annual General Assembly to discuss key organizational matters, including:
✔️ Financial report & activity summary
✔️ Election of the new Board of Directors
✔️ Political reflections

🔗 More info & registration: Click here

📜 Convocation: Download in French

🌍 Conference-Debate with Federica Mogherini (11:45 – 13:30)

Topic: Can the European Union become a geopolitical power?

Former EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, now Rector of the College of Europe, will lead a debate on the EU’s future role in global politics.

🔗 Free Entry – Registration Required
📅 Register by June 2: Click here

📄 Event Details:

Proposal on a Common European Defence

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Union of European Federalists proposes a Common European Defence

As war rages on European eastern borders and transatlantic alliance is in danger, the Union of European Federalists releases a proposal for a Common European Defence System (EDS), in view of the upcoming meeting of the European Council on 6th March, the Plenary of the European Parliament of 10th March, and the publication of the White Paper on Defence on 19th March, 2025.

The EDS consists of the national armies of the Member States and a 28th European Army, coordinated in a common structure. The EDS would be compatible with NATO and could serve as its European Pillar.

The proposal calls for :

  • Massive joint defence investment, procurement, and research, as Russia’s military expenditure, calculated in purchasing power parity, has surpassed Europe’s combined defence spending last year
  • Extension of Common Security and Defence Policy missions to territorial defence and security in our immediate neighborhood
  • A Rapid Deployment Capacity of 60.000 soldiers, becoming a 28th European Army, complementary to the 27 national armies in charge of territorial defence
  • Europeanisation of French nuclear capabilities with shared financing from willing EU member states.

read more 

Prise en étau, l’Europe sera fédérale ou ne sera plus

* Domenico Rossetti Di Valdalbero
Secrétaire général de L’Union des fédéralistes européens

Le temps n’est plus à la coopération internationale, mais aux rapports de force entre puissances. Il s’agit désormais de garantir notre survie face à la soif d’expansion de la Chine, de la Russie et des États-Unis.

Un nouvel empire inattendu se profile à l’ouest de l’Europe.
Donald Trump a confirmé son ambition d’être un « président impérial ». Il a notamment indiqué qu’il ne refuserait pas d’utiliser la force pour annexer le canal du Panama ou le
Groenland et a réitéré son désir d’intégrer le Canada aux États-Unis. Plus symboliquement, il a proposé de renommer le « Golfe du Mexique » en « Golfe d’Amérique.» Ceci constitue un tournant.
Loin d’être isolationnistes, les États-Unis de Trump amorcent un dangereux tournant à vocation impérialiste.

Parallèlement, Elon Musk, depuis quelques mois son allié, multiplie les prises de position politiques offusquâtes dans les affaires internes des démocraties européennes. Avec les algorithmes de son réseau social, il nous enferme vicieusement dans nos certitudes. Il apporte officiellement son soutien à Reform UK au Royaume-Uni, l’héritier du parti pro-Brexit de Nigel Farage, qu’il souhaite financer à hauteur de 100 millions de dollars. Il fait de même avec Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) en Allemagne, en participant à un « débat » avec sa dirigeante sur son réseau social afin de lui offrir une exposition médiatique mondiale, alors que les médias allemands maintiennent le cordon sanitaire. Rappelons que ces partis sont ouvertement anti UE, qu’ils sont sympathisants de Poutine et que l’AfD possède une proximité inquiétante avec le passé et l’idéologie nazis.

Durant sa conférence du 6 janvier, Trump a confirmé sa complaisance envers le régime de Vladimir Poutine. Ils adhèrent tous les deux à la politique de zones d’influence, voire d’espace vital, avec le Groenland pour le premier et l’Ukraine pour le second. Ceci renforce l’idée terrifiante que l’Europe est désormais prise dans un étau. En effet, l’Europe subit, depuis des années des tentatives de déstabilisation étrangères tant internes qu’externes orchestrées par la Chine et la Russie. À cela s’ajoute désormais une nouvelle menace provenant d’un État historiquement allié, qui s’inscrit dans un contexte déjà marqué par des ingérences russes répétées, telles que celles dans les élections roumaines et les sabotages de câbles de communication en mer Baltique fragilisant nos intérêts.
L’Europe est désormais cernée par des empires renaissants dépourvus de toute considération pour les Européens, dirigés par des hommes autoritaires animés par une soif insatiable de puissance et d’expansion.

Dans ce contexte, nous avons besoin d’un sursaut, un véritable saut en avant dans l’intégration européenne comme plaidé dans les rapports d’Enrico Letta, Mario Draghi et Sauli Niinistö, une action offensive. Il est désormais plus urgent que jamais de fédérer l’Europe et tous les pays européens qui le souhaitent dans une fédération solide capable de garantir la démocratie en son sein et de préserver son intégrité et son indépendance face à cette « internationale impériale» qui représente près de 2 milliards d’individus et un PIB annuel proche de 50.000 milliards d’euros, soit plus de deux fois et demie le PIB de l’UE.

Une question de survie

Que se passera-t-il demain si Trump passe des paroles aux actes ? Les États de l’UE sont-ils prêts à envoyer des troupes défendre le Groenland, les pays baltes ? Où va-t-on laisser l’Europe être partitionnée comme trop de fois dans l’histoire ?
Comme le disait Paul-Henri Spaak dans les années cinquante, «il n’y a plus que des petits pays en Europe, mais certains ne le savent pas ». Les États européens risquent d’être laminés s’ils restent désunis. En revanche, ensemble, nous sommes capables de défendre ce qui nous est le plus cher : la liberté, la solidarité, la paix, le respect des minorités, la coopération entre nos citoyens et nos États. Il ne s’agit plus seulement d’améliorer le fonctionnement de l’UE, de la rendre plus démocratique, d’assurer prospérité et bien-être à notre continent. Il s’agit désormais, aussi, de garantir notre survie face à des empires dont la marche en avant ne cessera que si nous nous unissons. Si nous ne prenons pas dès aujourd’hui la route de la démocratie fédérale, d’une véritable constitution européenne vers les États-Unis d’Europe, nous risquons de sombrer collectivement dans une époque sombre, où ces nouveaux empires joueront de notre division. Une période imprévisible dont l’histoire nous enseigne qu’elle peut finir très mal. Le processus de fédéralisation, d’union et de construction d’une défense européenne est notre ultime dissuasion contre ces empires. Il prendra nécessairement du temps. Or, ce temps sera mis à profit par nos opposants internes (les partis d’extrême droite et d’extrême gauche) et externes, pour avancer leurs pions à nos dépens.

Le principe de réalité nous amène à penser que le temps n’est malheureusement plus à la coopération internationale, mais aux rapports de force entre puissances. L’Europe doit prendre acte de cette nouvelle donne géopolitique. L’Europe doit changer de logiciel. Prise en étau, l’Europe sera unie, fédérale, ou elle ne sera plus.

 

* Article cosigné par d’autres membres de l’UEF.be:

François Mennerat | Jean Marsia | Philippe van Damme | Marcel Vanden Clooster | Francisco Vigalondo | Michele Ciavarini Azzi | Lucian Alexandru Onisei | Giovanni Merlini

 

 

Une place pour l’Europe

Save the date and Join us!

Together for Europe
Many cities, one voice

On the 15 March 2025, 3:30 pm in Brussels Place de l’Albertine, the Union of European Federalists, together with other organisations, will join the demonstration for Europe.

This initiative, started with “Una piazza per l’Europa” promoted in Rome from Michele Serra’s appeal and now arrived to Brussels.

“…Yet I do think that a demonstration with only European flags, with the sole goal (doesn’t matter how ambitious — what matters is the vision, the value) of defending the freedom and unity of the European peoples, would have a profound and reassuring meaning for those who take part in it…” – Michele Serra

You can read the full appeal of Michele Serra here: LINK.

We will gather with EU flags to reiterate the urgent need for the United States of Europe.

Currently, we are witnessing the excessive power of imperialism from China, Russia, and now the USA. Trump’s presidency is transforming the leading power of the free world and Europe’s undisputed ally into a nation that disregards democracy. In the name of extreme nationalism, the U.S. now operates solely on the logic of force and oppression.

Only united can we, as Europeans, protect ourselves from the dual threat already underway: against our security, which Trump views as a burden and is willing to sell, along with Ukraine’s; and against democracy, which hinders the rise of a new autocratic and populist international order.

Together, we can keep hope alive and fight for our principles and values. We can promote a different model of state and society, founded on freedom, democracy, justice, and solidarity.

Europe has the potential to embody these values and more, defeating nationalism. However, today’s fragmented and divided Europe is too vulnerable and weak. We need the federal Europe envisioned in the Ventotene Manifesto, one that can channel popular passions into a new mold of supranational democracy.

The dream of the United States of Europe has become a necessity for all. Let’s unite next Saturday to amplify the voices of citizens demanding a future of freedom and the creation of the United States of Europe.

Let’s do it! Everyone in Brussels or close is invited to join us! Saturday 15 March at 3.30 pm in Place de l’Albertine in Brussels.

Bring your European flag! Porta la tua bandiera europea! Amenez votre drapeau européen ! Breng je Europese vlag mee! Φέρτε μαζί σας την Ευρωπαϊκή σημαία! Tuo mukaan Eurooppa-lippusi!

Trump’s return and the need for a European Federation – Lessons learned from the Draghi, Letta and Niinistö reports UEF event, Maison des Associations, Brussels, 27/11/2024

The year 2024 has been marked by three important reports from Enrico Letta (Much More Than a Market), Mario Draghi (The Future of European Competitiveness) and Sauli Niinistö (Safer together: A path towards a fully prepared Union).

In the context of the return of Donald Trump to the White House, what lessons can be learned from those reports and for the future of Europe?

Domenico Rossetti di Valdalbero from UEF.Be moderated the debate that was introduced by Catherine Vieilledent from UEF Groupe Europe.

Four speakers were intervening:  Domenec Ruiz Devesa, former MEP and President of UEF, Eric Phillipart, Sherpa for the Letta Report and Senior Expert at DG GROW, Valeria Ronzitti, Secretary General of the Services of General Interest and Luca Visentini, former Secretary General of the European Trade Union Confederation.

Among the insights on the Letta, Draghi and Niinistö reports that President von der Leyen quoted on 27/11/2024 in Strasbourg before her second Commission being approved by the European Parliament, one can remind:

  • Europe should be more united to face Russian military threat, Chinese industrial competition and US led by D. Trump from 20 January 2025;
  • 300 billion € of European savings are flying on the other side of the Atlantic (Letta). Why not creating a 28th EU stock-exchange in Europe to attract innovative companies?
  • 800 billion € of EU bonds proposed by Draghi could relaunch the investments and the (cross-border) infrastructures in our Union;
  • Security and resilience are particularly important in a cyber-threat geopolitical environment (Niinistö).

Some quotes from the UEF event:

  • Corneille is back in Europe with the ‘CID’, the Clean Industrial Deal!
  • Let’s be proud of our ‘competitiveness à l’ européenne’;
  • Some ‘net-contributors to EU budget are great net winners in the Single Market’!
  • Well-being of European citizens should be the priority of new economic policy;
  • Efforts should be done in Europe to stimulate innovation and productivity gains.

A European Constitution as proposed by Altieri Spinelli 40 years ago (or at least a major Treaty reform abolishing unanimity as requested by UEF President) would allow the EU to look forward at the next decades. Stronger together!