The 2022 ‘State of the Union’ in Florence and Fiesole

Villa Salviati

Since the formation of the European Union in 1993, Florence has celebrated this historical event by hosting the Festival of Europe, which includes the State of the Union.

Held from May 5 – 7, 2022, the 12th edition of The State of the Union will focus on the future of the European Union. Titled “A Europe Fit for the Next Generation?”, the conference will take place in a hybrid format. Attendees from around the world will connect through an online platform, with a select group participating live. The event will be held at the Organized by the European University Institute in Fiesole, The State of the Union is hosted at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, with events taking place both in person and virtually.

Leaders and experts from around the world will address issues ranging from multilateral governance to sustainability and resilience, democracy and the rule of law, to the developments in attitudes to migration, the future of digitalisation, and how crises can stimulate change. Prominent speakers will discuss the recovery plan for damage inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking beyond Europe, the conference will feature panels on the future of transatlantic relations and Africa’s emerging role on the global stage.

A busy schedule of more than 35 panels and 130 speakers will be organized by the European University Institute (EUI), an international graduate research institute located in Fiesole. The events are hosted in partnership with institutions such as the Region of Tuscany, the City of Florence and the Financial Times. The selection of notable speakers includes the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Luigi di Maio, President of the Region of Tuscany Eugenio Giani, Director General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic. Dario Nardella, Mayor of Florence will also be speaking.

Open Day at Villa Salviati will invite guests to tour the villa and gardens on May 7 from 10 am to 6 pm. This year’s Open Day includes art exhibitions, guided visits to the Historical Archives of the European Union, and culminates in a big band concert by REMUTO.

The residence was formerly owned by the Salviati family during the Renaissance. The wealthy wool merchants and bankers were related to the powerful Medici and influenced much of the political and social life of the era. Villa Salviati, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, grottos and elaborate stonework, now houses the historical archives of the European Union.All Open Day events are free and open to the public.

Villa Salviati is accessible only on foot from gates at Via Bolognese, 156 and Via Faentina, 261.  Take bus 25 from San Marco and get off at the Il Cionfo 01 stop; alternatively, parking is available at the Stazione FS Salviati on Via Faentina.

The State of the Union is one of the most important annual events, as it provides a platform for political leaders, experts, and the public to engage in conversation about contemporary issues. The 2022 edition will discuss the future of the European Union and the problems, from COVID to climate change, that the next generation faces.  (sarah moats)