Domènec Ruiz Devesa re-elected by acclamation as President of the Union of European Federalists.
Former Spanish Member of the European Parliament Domènec Ruiz Devesa has been re-elected by acclamation as President of the Union of European Federalists (UEF) during the XXIX European Congress held in Barcelona from 20 to 22 March 2026, co-organised with UEF Spain and UEF Catalunya Federalistes d’Esquerres.
This re-election comes at a particularly symbolic moment, as 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the organisation, founded in 1946 to promote the political unity of Europe. Ruiz Devesa is the first Spaniard to lead the UEF in its history.
A High-Level European and Institutional Congress
The opening session brought together prominent European, national, and local political figures, including the President of the Generalitat of Catalonia Salvador Illa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares,
the Mayor of Barcelona Jaume Collboni, former EU High Representative and Commission Vice President Josep Borrell, Vice-President of the European Parliament Javier López, and former President of the European Parliament Enrique Barón Crespo.
Notably, both President Illa and Minister Albares emphasised the importance of the federalist path as a response to today’s challenges, highlighting the role of a more integrated Europe in ensuring peace, social justice, and international stability. To watch the welcoming speeches, please find here below
Debating the Future of European Federalism
A key highlight of the Congress was the Spinelli Group debate titled “Is Draghi’s Pragmatic Federalism enough to face current challenges?”, which gathered leading federalist figures such as Gabriele Bischoff, MEP and President of the Spinelli Group, former HR/VP Josep Borrell, and Guy Verhofstadt, former Prime Minister of Belgium, Former MEP and ex-officio Board Member of the Spinelli Group. The discussion underscored the need for a method to strengthen political ambition in European integration to address current geopolitical, economic, and security challenges. While the necessity of deeper integration is widely acknowledged, the focus must now shift to concrete actions to achieve it.
Celebrating 80 Years of Federalism
The Congress also marked the 80th anniversary of the UEF with a cocktail reception featuring an art exhibition by Lorenzo Epis, symbolising the connection between culture, European citizenship, and the federalist project.
Another important moment was the event bringing together former UEF Presidents—Jo Leinen, Mercedes Bresso, Andrew Duff, Elmar Brok, and Sandro Gozi—who reflected on the evolution of the European federalist movement. By acclamation, they all became Honorary Presidents.
A Political Agenda for a More United Europe
Throughout the Congress, which continued over the weekend, delegates debated and adopted key political resolutions outlining an ambitious vision for the future of the European Union. Key priorities include:
- overcoming unanimity in key policy areas such as foreign affairs, defence, and taxation;
- advancing towards a credible and operational European Defence Union;
- developing a common fiscal capacity, including instruments such as eurobonds;
- promoting deeper integration through coherent enhanced cooperation;
- advancing Treaty reform and strengthening the role of European citizens.
New Leadership Elected
The Congress also elected the new statutory bodies of the UEF. Alongside President Ruiz Devesa, the following Vice-Presidents were elected: Daphne Gogou, Giulia Rossolillo, Markus Ferber MEP, and Alin Mituta former MEP 2019-2024. Antonio Argenziano was elected Treasurer.
The Executive Bureau also includes Eszter Nagy, Liubba El Hadi Hamed, Roberto Castaldi, Simina Tulbure, Michael Montag, José Luis Salazar, Sebastian Camarero, and François Leray. The Secretary General Mathilde Baudouin is confirmed in her charge.
A Mandate for European Political Union
Following his re-election, Domenec Ruiz Devesa stated:
“Europe is at a moment where it must take a qualitative leap towards political union to ensure its security, prosperity, and global relevance.”
He further stressed that European federalism “is no longer an option, but a practical necessity,” calling on European institutions and national governments to act with greater ambition.
The UEF Secretariat