Candidates for Directly Elected Members of the Federal Committee
On this page we publish candidates for the 16 directly elected members of the Federal Committee

Cyprien Bettini
Please introduce yourself
Hi ! My name is Cyprien Bettini. I am fellow JEF France member for 4 years now. Since I’ve joined the network, I’ve had the opportunity to get involved as the Vice-president of JEF Strasbourg for 2,5 years. This experience led me to attend many political events around the European Parliament, with different partners such as JEF Europe, the UEF, the European Movement and the Spinelli Group. The epitome of my career was the organisation of the third edition of Y-FED, a Model European Federation, that we had the very luck to organize in the European Parliament premises !
Aside from my local activities, I was also involved at JEF France level as the Head of the Political Commission (CoPO).
Throughout my journey, I participated in several campaigns such as EurHope, l’Europe pour de Bon or Don’t Touch my Schengen.
As an hardcore federalist, my main goal is to make sure that our message is getting louder in the public debate.
Motivation for the position
Since the European elections, the radical and far right have gained an increasingly worrying momentum whether in national governments and in European institutions. This is the result of a decade old trend of normalization of far right ideas and policies and brutalization of national politics. Some JEF sections have already been targeted by those groups and it is not a coincidence. If we don’t act, our inaction could lead to dramatic consequences: funding cuts, lots of necessary resources, even violent actions against our members. To address this issue we need to have an understanding of those groups and begin to develop the tools to resist those attacks.
My vision for the future of JEF
JEF Europe should reconnect with one of its historical values which is antifascism. We can observe nowadays the progression of forces which hold the exact values of our movement. As a collective, we should work on a new narrative that would address both the danger of radical and far right groups but also the legitimate concern of citizens towards the transparency of European institutions.
What should be the Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Groups for the mandate 2025-2027 and why?
With my fellow candidate Konstantin Petry, we want to form a new working group inside the FC to work solely on those questions both from an intellectual and activist perspective, in cooperation with FC members and sections who are interested in those topics.
My contact information
+33651377470 / IG: cygprien

Tiberia Cercea
Please introduce yourself
🇪🇺🇷🇴 I was born on 16.12.1999 in Deva, a town located in Transylvania, surrounded by cultural diversity, just like the city where I chose to continue my studies – Sibiu.
📚 After completing my Bachelor in Law and Master in Criminal Sciences, I entered a 𝑷𝒉𝑫 programme in 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏’𝒔 𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 at the same university – ULBS.
🗺️ The ability to speak multiple languages (Romanian, Italian, French, English, Turkish, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Chinese) facilitates my integration into various environments.
🎙️ From Co-Editor-in-Chief, PR Officer, IO, VP, to 𝑪𝒐-𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕, I’ve always promoted dedication & inclusivity within my section, cooperation with foreign JEFers.
Motivation for the position
ᴘʀᴏᴘᴏꜱᴇᴅ ɪɴɪᴛɪᴀᴛɪᴠᴇꜱ
🌈 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒏 𝑫𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑯𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑹𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 (December 10)
👩🏽🤝👩🏻 𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝑱𝑬𝑭 – 𝑷𝒂𝒔𝒕, 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑭𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 (March 8)
💐𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑬𝒖𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆 (September 2)
I am an altruistic, ambitious, and friendly person that could foster stronger communication, collaboration and cooperation between the national sections and JEF Europe. I will use my 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦 (acquired both academically and in JEF), and 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴 to promote a Federal Europe in which all citizens feel represented (regardless of gender, identity, or background), just as our founding parents – Altiero Spinelli and Ursula Hirschmann – dreamed of at Ventotene.
My vision for the future of JEF
📣 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – ensure that women and other under-represented groups from all geographical areas of Europe have a visible and active role in JEF.
🫱🏻🫲🏼 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – foster stronger communication, coordination and cooperation between the national sections and JEF Europe.
🚀 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 – increase JEF’s involvement in the field of human rights and freedoms (gender equality; the rights of LGBT+ community, national minorities; migration et al.)
What should be the Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Groups for the mandate 2025-2027 and why?
I am interested in joining the Diversity & Empowerment TF because of my vision, dedication, experience and creativity. Definitely, I could also help in the Communication TF since I am strongly passionate about creating designs for different social media campaigns and editing videos made by JEFers on crucial topics.
My contact information
tiberia1612 (IG)

Stefano Chiesa
Please introduce yourself
Hello! I’m Stefano, 24 years old, from a small town in northern Italy called Treviolo. I recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Data Science for Economics. I gained early experience as a Research Assistant, both in academia and at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. At nineteen, I moved to Milan to continue my studies and joined the local JEF section, where I focused on what I believe is at the core of JEF’s mission: creating federalist awareness among young people.
Motivation for the position
I’m running as a member of the Federal Committee and as co-chair of PC1 because I believe that strong and democratic institutions are key to unlocking Europe’s full potential. Despite the progress made, we still face a fragmented internal market, an incomplete banking union, and limited fiscal and political integration. These are problems that undermine Europe’s ability to act effectively, both internally and on the global stage, making it even harder to tackle the economic, social, and security challenges ahead.
As co-chair of PC1, the Political Commission on Institutional Affairs and Governance, I want to help advance the federalist vision of a more united, democratic, and capable Europe. I am eager to bring my academic background to the disposal of the PC, to reinforce our debates on governance structures, economic integration, and institutional reform
My vision for the future of JEF
My vision for the future of JEF focuses on three core priorities: pushing for institutional reform and Treaty change, defending the Schengen area and the right to free movement, and advancing a federal approach towards European security and defence. To remain true to our federalist identity, JEF must continue to push for Treaty change. The current framework of the European Union no longer matches the political and global challenges we face. We need stronger democratic institutions, more efficient decision-making, and a real political and fiscal union.
What should be the Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Groups for the mandate 2025-2027 and why?
I reckon the Political Commission should focus on key areas where federalist reform is both necessary and realistic. First, it’s essential to revisit and update previous resolutions addressing core topics such as multi-speed integration, the creation of a fiscal union, the completion of the banking union, the protection of the rule of law, environmental challenges, and Treaty reform. These issues constitute the backbone of any functioning society: ensuring economic stability, safeguarding the rule of law, and promoting sustainability.
My contact information

Alberto Gasparato
Please introduce yourself
I’m Alberto, an Italian federalist from Verona. I joined JEF Italy in 2018 in Gorizia, becoming Secretary of the local section. After moving back to Verona for my Master’s in European Policies, I joined the local section and currently serve as Treasurer. I have been active at all levels of JEF and UEF, as a Board member of JEF Veneto, a member of the JEF Italy Federal Committee, and a regular participant in statutory events. I also sit on the Board of L’Unità Europea, the newspaper of the Italian Federalist Movement. I now live in Brussels, working in EU energy policy. Over the years, I have organised and spoken at events on federalism, international trade, positive peace and regionalism.
Motivation for the position
I am running for FC member and co-chair of PC2 because I want to contribute my experience in federalism and EU policies to JEF. In my professional role, I manage an association and coordinate working groups on EU legislation. I believe that strong internal debate is essential to prepare our members intellectually and politically for the federalist struggle.
My vision for the future of JEF
On advocacy, we must clearly state that Europe cannot face global challenges while rejecting federal solutions. With the MFF under negotiation and rising expectations from citizens, we must show how deeper integration brings concrete benefits. Treaty Change is not optional, but the only path to face an unstable and increasingly autocratic world. Internally, JEF must grow its membership and support sections according to their needs.
What should be the Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Groups for the mandate 2025-2027 and why?
Task Forces should strengthen JEF’s organisational capacity, training activists in federalist theory and practical skills, especially in newer or smaller sections. Within PC2, debate must focus on core European achievements such as the free movement of people—one of the EU’s greatest successes, now facing renewed challenges. PC2 should also address Europe’s industrial competitiveness, a central concern for policymakers. As global competition intensifies, JEF must offer a federalist vision for Europe’s strategic autonomy and economic future.
My contact information

Konstantin Petry
Please introduce yourself
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Western Slavonic Studies, Master of Arts in Classical German Philosophy at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena
2019 till 2022 President of the JEF section in Jena
2019 till 2022 member of the board of the state section JEF Thuringia
2022 till 2025 member of the Federal Board of JEF Germany
Chair of the Bundesarbeitungsgemeinschaft zur Aufklärung und Prävention gegen Rechtsextremismus (APRex) of JEF Germany since its foundation as informal working group in 2023
Motivation for the position
In the past years, I have developed an expertise on far right politics as well as organizing structures within JEF that are able to monitor the activities of the enemy. The BAG APRex has as well worked on several projects in political education of this topic. Since some JEF sections are already targeted by such groups, I would like to contribute my experience to better prepare our organization for such attacks.
In addition, I see the FC as a supervisory body that critically and cooperatively monitors the work of the EB. My often direct manner of expressing criticism is helpful in this context in order to further anchor a culture of discussion on an equal footing within our organization.
My vision for the future of JEF
As an organization stemming from antifascism, I propose a JEF that is operating as an activist organization on the basis of a clear set of principles. European Federalism is hereby a nonpartisan political framework in which new political ideas are developed that can produce a renewed trust in democratic procedures.
What should be the Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Groups for the mandate 2025-2027 and why?
With my fellow candidate Cyprien Bettini, we want to form a new working group inside the FC to work solely on those questions both from an intellectual and activist perspective with FC members and sections who are interested in those topics.
My contact information
+49 1517 3054696; IG: konstis_beauty_palace

Abdullah Siddiqui
Please introduce yourself
As a founding member of JEF Estonia, serving as VP & Secretary General, I’ve helped build a section known for its rapid rise & organisational excellence. I also co-led the team that organised JEF Europe’s well remembered Spring Federal Committee 2024 in Tartu.
I’ve worked close with Nordic, Baltic, & Eastern European sections, leading projects to strengthen regional cooperation & our shared political voice. I’ve also been active in PC3.
I’m a pragmatic, principled federalist guided by facts & justice. My approach is structured & impact oriented. I believe in acting with courage, building unity through shared values, & shaping Europe to what we want it to be.
Motivation for the position
My focus is for PC3 to shape Europe’s global role in democracy, justice, & solidarity, free from colonial & neoliberal legacies.
I would:
1. Make PC3 a hub for expert-informed, fact-based debate
2. Turn difficult topics into opportunities for unity & learning
3. Bridge internal divides through equal commitment to international law, human rights, & federalist principles
JEF must connect ideals to action through informed & purposeful activism. We must be diplomatic in approach but radical in commitment, ready to question power, engage critically, & act with reasoned conviction. This balance between diplomacy & courage is, to me, what defines meaningful leadership & what we need for PC3.
My vision for the future of JEF
JEF must remain Europe’s youth voice for federalism, democracy, & justice while
regaining the courage to act. Next mandate, we must prioritise:
1. Impactful activism to turn ideas into visible results
2. Stronger unity between sections to build resilience & inclusion
3. Credibility abroad by ensuring the EU lives up to its principles, especially toward the Middle East, Africa, & our allies
To be federalists is to challenge hypocrisy & demand coherence between Europe’s words & actions. We must have difficult conversations & focus on building constructively from them.
What should be the Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Groups for the mandate 2025-2027 and why?
Political Commissions must work more closely, using their strengths to produce
coordinated, substantive policies. PC3 should focus on international engagement with decolonised cooperation & the defence of international law as the backbone. I also support building upon the Federalist Peace Forum project as a means for effective peace building.
Our political work must stay principled & evidence-based, grounded in solidarity & universality. Systematic coordination will allow JEF to not just be a commentator but a shaper of Europe’s moral & political direction.
My contact information
Whatsapp: +372 5859 3500, IG: abdllhsddqi

Federico Tosi
Please introduce yourself
I am currently the co-chair of PC3. I began my journey in JEF in 2014. Over the past two years, I have had the opportunity to experience the importance of the global dimension of our political work. As an example, I contributed to the organization of the Ventotene International Seminar and of the Federalist Peace Forum. Outside of JEF, I work in international cooperation, mostly living abroad in the MENA region.
Motivation for the position
I am running for a second mandate in the FC because there is still much work to be done, and I would like to continue contributing. After having built a solid theoretical base in the PC3, I would now like to further develop the more practical experience of the FPF and help bring the global dimension of federalism to the core of JEF’s priorities. As Europeans, we often focus on internal issues, sometimes losing sight of where the world is heading, and how people outside the Union perceive us. The global network of federalists it could be a key resource in this. At the same time, as Europeans we must also commit to decolonizing our thinking through a constant process of critical reflection. Only by doing so can we build a genuine strategy that gives soul to our inherently internationalist political vision. For this reason, I believe that a TF entirely dedicated to this action, working in close cooperation with the EB and PC3, is important to begin this ambitious work.
My vision for the future of JEF
In my opinion, the priorities for JEF in the next mandate should be both political and strategical. On the political side, I believe we should focus on treaty reform as a key step toward the federal project. At the same time, I believe that including the European people in these struggles is fundamental. That means working on citizen engagement and building a Europe capable of tackling socio-economic inequalities.
From a strategic perspective, I believe we must focus on arriving outside our bubble, supporting our sections in their efforts to become more representative of society and to reach people regardless of their socio-economic and cultural background.
What should be the Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Groups for the mandate 2025-2027 and why?
I believe the three PC are essential. I also think that all three PCs should address the issue of overproduction of resolutions. The focus should shift more towards involving members in the drafting process and ensuring proper external dissemination once resolutions are approved. As for the TF I believe they should be created according to the political project that will emerge from Congress, starting from the international action.
My contact information
+39 3296343867 (Whatsapp)

Michael Gatt
Please introduce yourself
I’m Michael, a 4th year law student at the University of Malta and Trainee at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Throughout my life in JEF, I have served as Projects Officer, then President of JEF Malta, working to strengthen youth participation in democracy and promote European integration through advocacy.
I’ve had the opportunity to take on several leadership roles, currently serving as Director General of Europe’s most successful simulation, Model European Union Strasbourg, Director for Civic Engagement and later Public Relations Officer within the Maltese National Youth Council (KNŻ), and Executive Secretary of the MaltMUN Society. My involvement with the European Union extends through my role as EU Careers Ambassador for UM for 2 years, and represent Maltese youth as a YEA and as a One Young World Ambassador.
My journey in youth engagement began with the National Student Travel Foundation, where I served as Project Lead Coordinator, organising 3 editions of the Mini European Assembly. I also contributed to the Law Students’ Society as Leisure Officer, later serving as Secretary-General for MaltMUN 2024, handling both logistics and academic for Malta’s largest MUN, having chaired and organised over 10 MUNs beforehand.
Through these experiences, I’ve developed a deep commitment to fostering youth participation and European unity.
Motivation for the position
I am running for FC Member because I believe strongly in the power of
capacity building to strengthen our organisation from within. My experience
leading JEF Malta has shown me how strategic planning and a focus on
member engagement can completely transform a section. When I took on
the role of President, we were experiencing a decline in active
membership, but through targeted outreach and improved internal
communication, we managed to double our active membership within a few
months.
My vision for the future of JEF
I believe JEF should prioritise sustainability and especially building on our
existing core to drastically improve our membership situation. Our strength
lies in our members and sections, and to ensure the long-term impact of
our movement, we must invest in capacity building. This means providing
sections with the tools, training, and guidance they need to grow effectively,
ensuring that even smaller/newer sections can thrive.
What should be the Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Groups for the mandate 2025-2027 and why?
JEF should maintain key Political Commissions on Democracy and Rule of
Law, Foreign and Security Policy, and Environment. I suggest
strengthening the Task Force on Capacity Building with Section
Development to support sustainable growth.
My contact information
@gatt.michael (Instagram), +356 79548715

Visvaldis Knuts Bērziņš
Please introduce yourself
I am Visvaldis Knuts Bērziņš, currently serving my second term as President of JEF Latvia. Over the past four years, I have worked to build a section that is visible. Under my leadership, our membership has doubled, our advocacy efforts have expanded nationally and internationally, and we have brought youth perspectives directly to ministries, embassies and EU institutions. JEF Latvia has also contributed to the Ministry of the Interior’s working group on NGO crisis response, reflecting our commitment to strengthening democratic resilience during hybrid threats. My work in the Parliament of Latvia has provided first-hand experience in legislative processes, coalition-building and rule-of-law issues that are essential for advancing a federal Europe.
Motivation for the position
I am running because Europe is facing hybrid threats that do not respect national borders. Growing up in the Baltics, I understand that peace is not a given – it is safeguarded through unity and collective action. Disinformation, coercion and cyberattacks must be treated as European threats requiring a European response. My goal is to ensure that JEF acts as one strategic organisation capable of anticipating challenges, and shaping policy, not as separate national sections reacting individually. Federalism must be understood not as ideology, but as a necessity for protecting democracy.
My vision for the future of JEF
In the next two years, JEF must prioritise Europe’s resilience. We are in a hybrid war where institutions, media and trust are under attack. JEF should lead efforts to strengthen European defence cooperation, counter foreign influence and promote democratic integrity. Our organisation must be disciplined, building strategies across sections and amplifying our common voice.
What should be the Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Groups for the mandate 2025-2027 and why?
For the 2025-2027 mandate, I strongly support the creation of a working group on European defence and hybrid threats. This group should address information warfare, cyberattacks and the erosion of democratic institutions, drawing from the experience of both frontline and Western sections. In addition, JEF should deepen engagement with Ukraine and Eastern Partnership countries through a structure focused on long-term integration and security cooperation. When one member state is targeted, Europe is targeted. Our response must be united.
My contact information
+371 28384485 | @vkberzins (IG)

Aléxandros Apostolidis
Please introduce yourself
I come from a Greek Island, Skiathos, but am born and raised in Athens and a Berliner by choice. After a BA in International & European studies and a MA in Democratic Education & Social Competences, I am now a student again, this time in law.
I have been a passionate JEFer since I was 18 years old, in Greece, France, Germany and Europe-wide. After being JEF Europe’s treasurer the last 2 years and the International Officer of JEF Greece for 6 years, I look forward to work for our movement from this exciting position.
Privately: I am passionate about languages and history, and I believe profoundly in ecofeminism and constructivism. I love cooking and baking, while I am an aspiring plant daddy. I aim to learn how to make my own clothes, so I am learning to knit and plan to take up sowing.
Motivation for the position
I was involved in our campaigns EurHope, DemocracyUnderPressure & #DontTouchMySchengen. It was an honour to join the Ventotene Forum, while I represented us in activities of the Agency for Fundamental Rights, the Council of Europe, WFM, UEF and the European Parliament. I also oversaw our budget and fundraising, leaving us with a positive financial year, higher equity, and an operating grant that can be used everywhere in Europe and focus on youth.
In our FC I would like to co-chair TF Civic Education, my field of expertise. Firstly, I am convinced that we must be supporting our advocacy with at least 1 activity of civic education per campaign. Secondly, I want us to (re)create a so-called bank of ideas (for training methods, activities with transferability potential, and project concepts notes), as well as have an archive of implemented activities. Furthermore, I will pursue a JEF website dedicated to our civic education. Lastly, I will seek funding for trainings for trainers, to render JEF membership even more useful for the CV of JEFers.
My vision for the future of JEF
We must maintain our activist character, and continue our advocacy on enlargement, reforms, and Europe as a force for good in global politics. However, the following topics should be more central in our work for peace, democracy and rule of law:
1.Sustainability
2.Mental health of youth
3. Diversity
As an FC member, I will also push for JEF Europe to amend its statutes, which comes with a legal obligation to hold the European Congress in Belgium. Please, let us exchange our ideas about the statute’s potential for improvement.
What should be the Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Groups for the mandate 2025-2027 and why?
Among others, we need a WG Amendment of Statutes & Political Platform, for the procedure’s preparation.
My contact information
+4915258401059

Ani Sulikashvili
Please introduce yourself
I am Ani Sulikashvili and I represent a generation that grew up believing in Europe not as geography, but as a choice. Coming from Georgia, I have witnessed how deeply the European idea can shape young people’s hopes, responsibilities, and sense of belonging.
I currently serve as Vice President and International Officer of JEF Georgia, where I work to strengthen cooperation between sections, manage EU-funded initiatives and build platforms for dialogue between youth from candidate and partner countries. Through this role, I’ve seen how inclusion and representation can transform enthusiasm into genuine participation.
Professionally, I have worked in both public and private sectors. My experience in project coordination, communication and policy implementation has helped me bridge institutional work with youth activism.
Motivation for the position
I am running for the Federal Committee to help make JEF a more inclusive and representative movement that bridges regional divides and gives real space to voices from candidate and partner countries.
Coming from Georgia, I understand how strongly the European idea inspires hope and responsibility among youth outside the EU. My goal is to contribute to a JEF that translates that aspiration into practical inclusion through more cooperation, shared advocacy, and political dialogue between all sections.
I aim to:
Strengthen JEF’s engagement with enlargement and neighborhood policies;
Promote equal participation and well-being through initiatives on gender balance and mental health;
Support stronger cooperation between local activism and European policymaking, so that members’ experiences inform JEF’s political direction.
I want to contribute to a Federal Committee that listens to every region and ensures that JEF’s federalist mission is reflected in both our values and our daily work.
My vision for the future of JEF
Over the next two years, JEF should consolidate its role as a youth voice for unity and democracy across Europe. The movement must continue advocating for European enlargement, not only as an institutional process but as a shared societal transformation that strengthens peace and democratic resilience.
At the same time, JEF should continue investing in youth participation, equality, and inclusion. Empowering young people to engage in civic life, addressing well-being and mental health, and ensuring fair representation within JEF’s structures are essential for the organization’s long-term strength.
JEF’s federalism is not only a vision of governance but a culture of solidarity, diversity, and shared responsibility. That culture should define our next mandate.
What should be the Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Groups for the mandate 2025-2027 and why?
For the coming mandate, I believe JEF should focus on areas where its political voice is most needed:
Political Commission on Enlargement and External Affairs (PC2): to deepen JEF’s engagement with the EU’s neighborhood, enlargement and partnership policies, giving young people from these regions a stronger role in shaping Europe’s future.
Political Commission on Institutional Affairs (PC1): to strengthen advocacy on democracy, transparency and civic participation within the EU.
Task Force on Mental Health and Inclusion: to promote well-being, safe spaces and equal access to leadership across all JEF levels.
Task Force on Climate and Sustainability: to ensure environmental responsibility and youth-driven climate advocacy remain part of JEF’s agenda.
My contact information
+995599443110
@ani_sulikashvili

Nikos Chircop
Please introduce yourself
I’m Nikos, a 24 year old Member of the JEF Europe EB, who balanced my last two years at JEF Europe with working for an MEP and now with my role as an EU Policy Coordinator in the Maltese Foreign Ministry. Having started out with JEF Malta in 2019, I can now say that I know this network well, and humbly wish to continue playing a role in its growth.
Motivation for the position
In contrast to the far-right, which thrives on fear of the other, and defenders for the status quo who fear change itself, JEF’s political recipe is one that’s not just simply a generation ahead, but one that offers a hopeful narrative built on positive peace, rule of law, and human rights. This mission has offered me real-world tools to fight for a more equitable society where all people are treated as ‘autonomous living beings.’
It is in this context that I wish to present myself as a candidate for the FC, and as a candidate for Presidium. I firmly believe that my experience within the EB, as well as my 4 years of activism within a small section, provides me with the necessary experience to Chair real political debate, to facilitate compromise, and yes – to turn a page and foster more trust between the statutory organs, so we can present ourselves to the world as Europe’s foremost advocates for a federalist coalition of common sense.
My vision for the future of JEF
If elected, I would wish work with my two other colleagues on three key trust-building priorities:
BRIDGE-BUILDING: Facilitation is not just about allocating speaking time, but about ensuring that lively debate results in smart compromises which don’t just work for the majority, but consider and weigh the needs of all the Network.
OPEN & TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATION: The Presidium must remain the foremost body to push for communication between the different statutory bodies, while respecting any legal and statutory limitations.
ATTENDANCE AT EB MEETINGS: So as to ensure that we are one Team JEF, I pledge that I would exercise my statutory right to attend EB meetings, ideally in rotation with my other colleagues. This is a necessity to build one Team JEF where EB and FC work hand-in-hand.
What is your opinion on the needed Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Group?
I will work to see that PCs/TFs/WGs reflect the bottom-up consensus of the FC.
We are federalists, not proponents of recreating the same problems of the nation state at Union level. Therefore, I am in agreement with initiatives taken by fellow FC candidates to focus on tackling the far-right, and international action.
I pledge to continue my involvement in the Federalist Peace Forum.
My contact information
@nikoschircop
(+356) 79892756

Valentin Petri
Please introduce yourself
My name is Valentin, I’m 24 years old. I study History, Politics and Law in Berlin and work as a journalist. My JEF journey started in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic as part of a small group that started to rebuild our Berlin section after the lockdowns. From 2021 to 2023 I was Vice-President of JEF Berlin-Brandenburg in charge of Civic Education. For the past two years, I have been Co-Chair of JEF Germany’s Federal Committee, chairing our quarterly meetings and representing our 14 regional sections vis-à-vis the national Board. In this role, I also co-chaired the Federal Congress of UEF Germany in 2024 and 2025.
Motivation for the position
The FC is where federalism comes to life: JEFers from all of Europe come together to shape the policies and strategies that move us towards our European Federation. As Co-President of JEF Germany’s FC, I have gained valuable experience in consensus-building, chairing meetings through complicated debates, and managing disputes constructively. That is why, if elected to the FC, I would like to contribute to its work as a member of the Presidium. Over the last mandate we have seen a breakdown of trust, notably between FC and EB, but also between sections. I want to help to rebuild this trust.
My vision for the future of JEF
Diversity is our biggest strength. The FC is the place where we build the bridges between our sections, different political and personal backgrounds to work on our shared vision and ideas. If elected, I would aim to build a team spirit and an atmosphere that ensures constructive debates where every opinion can be heard properly. This implies good and direct communication within the FC and with the EB. I would make sure that the FC is represented at every EB meeting by a member of the FC Presidium to strengthen trust between the two bodies, improve information flow and increase transparency. The FC should, at all times, be aware of the developments relevant to the work and future of JEF.
What should be the Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Groups for the mandate 2025-2027 and why?
In planning the coming mandate, I believe two aspects should be reflected in the FC’s decisions on PCs and Task Forces: 1. In recent years, JEF has found itself operating in an increasingly hostile political environment, marked by attacks, populist or extremist governments, and funding cuts. The FC can help to develop strategies and tools for sections and members to deal with these circumstances. 2. In my experience, many local and regional sections feel that JEF Europe is distant and offers little added value to their work on the ground. While this is also a matter of communication within sections, I think PCs and TFs should be more visible to the membership in order to play their part in making JEF Europe more approachable – e.g. by more actively engaging local sections for their input.
My contact information
+49 1520 3317559 / valentin.petri@jef.de /@valentin.petri
