Candidates for member of Executive Board

Picture by the Federalist Peace Forum Communication Team

Dvir Aviam Ezra

Please introduce yourself

I am Dvir Aviam Ezra, 28. I am a lawyer, an activist, and a federalist. Currently, I am a PhD Student for Law/Economics at the Institute for Sustainable European Financial Architecture in Frankfurt, Germany.

I was born in Tel Aviv as a third generation to holocaust survivors. From a young age I was drawn to politics by my disgust from war, oppression, and discrimination. From the age of 12, I protested, wrote, marched and argued while fighting for my values. I held various positions and, from working in a human rights NGO for torture victim to leading an interreligious dialogue society in my campus, I engaged various levels for peace, justice, and equality.

I joined JEF in 2021 through a picnic organised by JEF Brussels. I quickly joined field activities and infostands, before being co-opted to the national board of JEF Belgium, and later elected as policy officer. I represented JEF Belgium in JEF Europe’s Federal Committee, contributed to PC3 discussions and ran advocacy and political campaigns at the heart of the EU.

In parallel, sparked by my interest in journalism, I joined The New Federalist (TNF) as a writer and advanced to the editorial board. In the last two years I am the Senior Chief Editor of the magazine and led its rejuvenation. I never lost my passion for writing, and I kept contributing, publishing 30 articles. I also regularly advocate for our ideas on mass media, and published on Politico EU, Guardian, Tagesspiegel, and Brussels Times.

My JEF activism also included co-organising of flagship national JEF events, such as the Training Days of JEF Belgium, the International Berlin Seminar of JEF Germany, and playing a leading role in JEF’s engagement with peace activists in the Middle East, which led to the launch of the Federalist Peace Forum and the awarding of a COE grant.

What is your motivation for the role?

Europe and the federalist movement are under threat by rogue actors aiming to reverse the European integration that brought peace, prosperity, and freedom. We must counter these trends while building a Federal Europe, one step at a time.

This is why I am running to become a member of the next Executive Board of JEF Europe.

I want to make our federalism heard loud and clear. JEF, in its core, is a political organisation, and our ideas are enshrined not only in our political resolutions but also in our statutes, the Manifesto of Ventotene, and our platform. As an EB member, I would ensure that our political ideas are heard and reflected, within all levels of the movement and the public discourse outside of it.

In addition, I put strong emphasize on field activism. JEF should be present on the streets, in the protests in Serbia and Georgia where activists are fighting every day for Europe, holiday celebrations, pride parades, and in rural areas. Local and national sections are already doing it- in every given week there are inspiring actions, from protests to meetings in bars to educational activities. They must receive full backup from the European board.

I also invite you to read my full candidacy letter to review how I plan to achieve these goals and additional priorities motivating my campaign (Outreach to Europeans with Migration Background, Governance within JEF, and Global Engagement for a Safer World).

What is your vision for the future of JEF?

JEF Europe should keep being one generation ahead and make sure that the European path remains on the table in a future treaty change. We have to mobilize our networks, including wider coalitions and allies, to make sure youth have a sit at table in this process and that meaningful reforms are undertaken to make Europe viable for the 21st century. This will be achieved by having a coherent political advocacy strategy on the one hand, while also strengthening the movement financially and organizationally.

What should be the Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Groups for the mandate 2025-2027 and why?

Most existing PCs and TFs are necessary and should continue operating, but I propose setting up additional ones to match the political situation and our priorities as a movement.

Task Force Against Extremism – the rising threat of political anti-European extremism calls for a concrete response from JEF Europe. Several FC candidates are working to establish such a task force which will launch campaigns and educational activities to protect European democracy.

Task Force on Internal Statutory Reform – several sections believe JEF Europe should be reformed. Concretely, elements regarding the relationship between the FC and the EB remain unresolved, while the sizes of these statutory bodies may warrant changes. The process will be long, but it is time to start it and review what our activists want to change regarding JEF structures.

Working Group on Migration – this working group existed until 2023, but the issue of migration only gained in relevance since. Formulating a policy on migration while also developing outreach to migrants and European with migration background is a political necessity. A dedicated working group on the topic will harness the required expertise and discuss this contentious topic in an open and democratic manner.

My contact information

ig: dvir_in_motion

Contact Dvir

Elion Kollçaku

Please introduce yourself

My name is Elion Kollçaku, a committed European federalist from Kosovo, and a proud member of the JEF family for the past six years. I joined JEF because I deeply believe in its mission — to bring Europe closer to its citizens and to make the idea of a Federal Europe not just a vision, but a political reality. Over the years, JEF has been more than an organisation to me; it has been a space of belonging, learning, and empowerment.

Throughout my journey, I have served as a trainer, organiser, and advocate within JEF Europe, contributing to numerous projects that link federalism with youth engagement, reconciliation, and democracy. I have been part of two pools of trainers for JEF Europe, facilitating seminars that encouraged young Europeans to engage in policy debates, understand EU institutions, and act as changemakers in their local communities. This experience has given me a deep understanding of JEF’s internal processes — from project design and implementation to advocacy and communication.

I also co-founded the Federalist Society at the College of Europe in Natolin, together with a fellow JEFer, to promote the spirit of European unity in academic spaces. Through this initiative, we invited inspiring speakers such as Robin Mudry and Antonio Argenziano to discuss the future of Europe and federalism with students from across the continent. This project remains one of the most meaningful experiences I have led, as it merged my academic background in European studies with my activism in JEF.

In the Western Balkans, I have organised numerous youth dialogues and public events, such as Youth Talks and Let’s Talk about the EU, often in cooperation with European embassies. These events explored topics like EU integration, human rights, and reconciliation, while providing young people from Kosovo, Albania, and Serbia a platform to exchange ideas about Europe’s shared future.

Coming from a region that is still outside the EU, I have always sought to act as a bridge — connecting the Western Balkans with the European federalist movement. I believe that the Executive Board of JEF Europe benefits from having a strong voice from this region, to ensure that our advocacy reflects the aspirations of all young Europeans, both inside and outside the Union.

In short, my JEF journey has been one of passion, dialogue, and action — rooted in the belief that Europe’s unity will only be complete when every young person, from Lisbon to Prishtina, feels part of our shared European story.

What is your motivation for the role?

I am running for the Executive Board of JEF Europe because I want to contribute to building a more inclusive, united, and federal Europe — one that listens to the voices of all its young citizens, including those from the Western Balkans. My motivation comes from six years of active engagement in JEF, during which I have seen how this organisation can shape ideas, connect young Europeans across borders, and turn dialogue into real political advocacy.

Coming from Kosovo, a country that still stands outside the European Union, I have experienced firsthand what it means to believe deeply in Europe while being left in its waiting room. This experience drives my determination to make EU enlargement not just a technical process but a real political priority. If elected, I want JEF Europe to take a clearer stance on enlargement — framing it as a project rooted in solidarity, democracy, and European values. The Executive Board should use its voice to remind policymakers that Europe’s story is incomplete without the Western Balkans.

Beyond enlargement, my campaign is built on three main priorities:

Revitalising the federalist vision by positioning JEF as a stronger political voice — one that openly advocates for a truly Federal Europe with a common defence policy capable of protecting its citizens, democratic institutions that are transparent and accountable, and decision-making that reflects the will of all Europeans.

Bringing inclusivity and diversity into our structures — making sure that smaller sections and underrepresented regions have a voice in JEF Europe’s decision-making.

Strengthening our communication and outreach, ensuring that our federalist message reaches beyond our circle, inspiring new generations of activists who might not yet identify as “federalists” but believe in the same values.

In my six years within JEF, I have been a trainer, organiser, and advocate. I’ve led and contributed to projects that promote European values, reconciliation, and civic engagement, and I’ve seen the power of JEF in transforming how young people see themselves as Europeans. I want to bring that same energy, creativity, and sense of purpose to the Executive Board.

I believe the Executive Board needs a strong voice from the Western Balkans — someone who can bring in new perspectives, bridge experiences, and ensure that our federalist message resonates across all parts of Europe. My aim is to strengthen the link between JEF Europe and its sections in the region, while continuing to work closely with our established partners across the EU.

If elected, I will work to make JEF Europe not only an organisation that talks about Europe’s future but one that shapes it — through fresh ideas, inclusion, and real advocacy. I will bring my background in European studies, my experience in civil society and media, and my strong belief in youth participation to help JEF grow as a movement that is both visionary and accessible.

For me, this is more than a candidacy. It’s a continuation of a journey that started years ago with a belief that Europe can be better — fairer, stronger, and truly united. And JEF, with its unique history and spirit, is the best place to make that vision real.

What is your vision for the future of JEF?

Over the next two years, I believe JEF must focus on four interconnected priorities that reflect both our values and the challenges facing Europe:

Revitalising the federalist vision with security at its core: JEF should be a bold and confident political actor, advocating clearly for a Federal Europe that is capable of protecting its citizens. A strong common defence, combined with accountable democratic institutions, is essential to ensure stability, safeguard democracy, and respond effectively to internal and external challenges. Federalism should be presented as a concrete solution to issues such as security threats, democratic backsliding, and political fragmentation.

Making EU enlargement in the Western Balkans a real political priority: Young people from the region must feel included in Europe’s story. JEF should actively connect sections in the Western Balkans with peers across the EU, promote dialogue on shared values, and advocate for tangible progress in enlargement.

Supporting small sections: Every JEF section, no matter its size, should feel included and empowered. Small sections must have opportunities to contribute to JEF Europe’s activities, be heard in decision-making processes, and receive support to increase their visibility, membership, and local impact.

Strengthening communication, visibility, and outreach: Our message of democracy, federalism, and unity must reach beyond our immediate circles. This requires a creative, multilingual, digital-first approach, highlighting the work of all JEF sections across Europe, amplifying our positions in public debates, and making campaigns accessible and engaging for all young Europeans.

To achieve these goals, I would focus on:

Encouraging youth participation from underrepresented regions and smaller sections.

Promoting events, campaigns, and training that combine federalism, civic engagement, and practical political advocacy.

Fostering cross-border cooperation and dialogue so that all young Europeans feel connected to both JEF and the broader European project.

In short, JEF should be inclusive, bold, and action-oriented, shaping the European debate while empowering the next generation of federalist leaders and ensuring that every section — large or small — has a voice in Europe’s future.

What should be the Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Groups for the mandate 2025-2027 and why?

For the 2025–2027 mandate, I believe JEF Europe should focus its Political Commissions and Task Forces/Working Groups on areas that directly respond to current European challenges, youth priorities, and the need to strengthen our federalist vision. In particular, I see the following as crucial:

Security and Common Defence Commission: Security is one of the most pressing concerns for Europe today, from external threats to internal democratic backsliding. This commission would focus on promoting policies for a common European defence, resilience against hybrid threats, and the role of youth in shaping a secure Europe. As a federalist organisation, JEF must articulate how a unified Europe can better protect its citizens.

EU Enlargement and Western Balkans Working Group: The next mandate must prioritise Western Balkans integration. This group would work on strategies to connect youth in the region with their peers across Europe, advocate for tangible progress in enlargement, and ensure that sections from the Western Balkans have a strong voice within JEF.

Political Communication Task Force: Clear, innovative, and inclusive communication is essential for JEF to reach beyond its existing circles. This task force would focus on multilingual campaigns, digital-first strategies, and storytelling that highlights the work of sections across Europe, promotes federalism, and engages young people in meaningful dialogue.

Human Rights, Democracy, and Reconciliation Commission: Reflecting JEF’s values, this commission would focus on human rights advocacy, reconciliation initiatives, and youth-led projects that connect communities across borders. It would build on my experiences with reconciliation projects in the Western Balkans, fostering dialogue and cooperation between young people from diverse backgrounds.

Small Sections Task Force: Every section, regardless of size, must feel included and empowered. This task force would:

Provide guidance and support to strengthen local projects, increase membership, and enhance visibility.

Facilitate cross-border cooperation by connecting small sections with larger, more established sections for mentorship, exchange of best practices, and joint initiatives.

Ensure representation in JEF Europe decision-making, so that the perspectives and needs of small sections are included in policy discussions and advocacy efforts.

Promote inclusivity, ensuring that all sections, large or small, feel part of the European federalist movement and can actively contribute to shaping JEF’s priorities.

Youth Participation and Inclusion Task Force: To make JEF truly representative, this group should focus on empowering underrepresented regions, creating opportunities for young Europeans to participate actively in decision-making, and ensuring that JEF remains diverse, inclusive, and connected to youth across the continent.

These commissions and task forces together would allow JEF Europe to respond to Europe’s most urgent challenges, support all sections — large and small — and ensure our advocacy reflects the needs and aspirations of young Europeans from every region. By connecting security, federalism, enlargement, human rights, small sections, and communication, JEF can become a stronger, more inclusive, and action-oriented movement in the next mandate.

My contact information

@elion_for_jefeb

Contact Elion

Achilles Tsirgis

Please introduce yourself

I grew up in a small Greek island and I have lived in Athens, Brussels, London, and now New York. I am currently working in Atlantic Council as a Visiting Fellow and pursuing an MPA in International Finance in Columbia University and LSE. In the past I have worked in econometrics, political risk, and public administration. My JEF journey began in 2021. I was one of the founding members of JEF Greece, served as Secretary General of the Piraeus-Athens local section, Policy Officer in the National Section, and finally President up until 2024. Then, I began a 1-year mandate as a Board Member of the Young European Ambassadors (YEAs), working in public communication of the EU in Eastern Partnership countries. I am excited to contribute in my fields of expertise to make JEF stronger.

What is your motivation for the role?

In February 2025, after the Vance speech in the Munich Security Conference, I felt a sense of imminency I had never felt before. Europe and what it stands for, liberalism, enlightenment, and democracy, is under attack from every angle. But above all else Europe is under attack by its internal contradictions: its rigid decision-making, its internal trade and movement barriers, its incomplete integration. Running for the EB was not an easy decision. But it was reinforced after discussions with friends and fellow JEFers, and ultimately solidified when the EU-US trade “deal” exposed our unpreparedness last July.

As an EB member I want to focus on the agenda of economic and fiscal integration. The IMF has estimated internal barriers to be equivalent to a 44% tariff. Incomplete integration is what has been driving sluggish growth, what led to the failures of austerity, what is fueling rampant populism. The dichotomy of “social welfare Europe vs competitiveness” is a false dilemma. Both can be achieved, with federalist solutions, and that’s why I want to lead a new campaign, titled “Federalist Bridge”. It will be the first massive attempt to communicate that competitiveness and social welfare are not mutually excludable under a federalist mandate.

I also want to support ongoing work on accession policy. JEF’s role is to mediate between citizens and EU institutions in accession countries. I want to expand the CompletEU project by creating an interactive accession tracker in our website. This will communicate in accessible terminology how enlargement reforms are proceeding, and why they are failing where they are. I also believe our sections in candidate countries should receive special training on EU enlargement.

Finally, I want to promote regionalism, twinning, and decentralisation, through the formalisation of Annual Mediterranean JEF Summits. These will create a platform to allow deliberation on the basis of subsidiarity, and will institutionalize interactions. The goal is to move away from the “personal connections” model of twinning.

What is your vision for the future of JEF?

The momentum that is building up across Europe in the recent months is historical, yet its manifestation in reform cannot be taken for granted. Our obligation, to the federalist movement, to our European values, and to our citizens, is to lead this wave.

We must lead with federalism. With a core ideology, that reflects our movement is simultaneously more than a political organisation and more than an NGO.

We must lead as a symbol of unity, working in a deliberative democracy framework to expand our common positions without losing sight of our diversity. These shared positions will guide our external representation, showing the world that our movement speaks with one coherent, principled voice, rooted in dialogue, inclusivity, and shared responsibility.

And we must lead with courage. To confront the internal contradictions that threaten our union, to propose solutions, and to challenge populism with policies that unite. Now is the time to prove that we truly are “simply a generation ahead”.

What should be the Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Groups for the mandate 2025-2027 and why?

I believe in stability as a cornerstone of efficient work. Therefore, I prioritise institutional memory over an overhaul on the number of PCs. The priority is to ensure that current PC co-chairs can transmit their knowledge, and this is best done by preserving the structure. My conviction is strongly reenforced by the fact that the thematics are purposefully – and correctly – broad to allow flexibility for shifting priorities. On a personal capacity, as an economist, I will work closely with PC1 in issues like the creation of a common European stock market, fiscal integration, an actual MFF EU budget, public investment, and the Schengen area.

I am very fond of the work of the Task Forces, which provide the grease to run the gears of JEF. The work of the capacity building TF should be strengthened with a rejuvenated priority on twinning, and with respect to transmitting financial/grant application literacy to local sections. I am open to and will support incremental changes by fellow candidates to the number and mandate of Task Forces, recognising their long-term character.

My contact information

+30 6946619997 (Whatsapp) / @achllles (Instagram)

Contact Achilles

Reinis Giļs

Please introduce yourself

I’m ​Reinis Giļs, a passionate Latvian federalist with a deep commitment to JEF at every level. My journey began with JEF Latvia, giving me a foundational understanding of national section operations. Moving to the Netherlands, I focused on expansion, successfully establishing JEF Zwolle and subsequently serving as the President and Project & Program Manager of JEF Netherlands. This progression—from starting a local section to national leadership—is what I bring to my current role as a member of the JEF Europe Executive Board. For the past mandate, I managed crucial portfolios, including the Eastern Partnership, Internal Communications, and Youth Policy advocacy. I am running for a second term because I have the complete picture: the needs of the grassroots combined with the demands of strategic governance. I am ready to leverage this comprehensive experience to deliver stability and build a truly United, Empowered, and Impactful JEF.

What is your motivation for the role?

I am running for a second term because now is the critical time to translate hard-won experience into lasting structural change. My primary motivation is to be at the table from the start to form the priorities and internal structures of the next mandate, guaranteeing a smooth and efficient transition. We must consolidate current successes, leveraging my operational experience to make JEF permanently more efficient, structured, and capable of sustained growth. My background proves I can deliver this structure. I successfully rebuilt JEF NL’s internal capacity and structure, which directly led to significant growth. This ground-up expertise is what I bring to the European level. If re-elected, I will focus on strategic consolidation, making the central JEF Europe structure robust. I will drive internal efficiency by streamlining cooperation between the EB, FC, Secretariat, and national sections. Politically, I commit to making our Federal Committee resolutions the core engine for our advocacy. We will utilize these texts for coordinated, high-impact campaigns, directly targeting the far-right while proactively advocating for fundamental Treaty Reform.

What is your vision for the future of JEF?

I believe the next two years must focus on organizational stability paired with political ambition, solidifying JEF as the leading voice for young federalists. My priorities are built around my core vision:

1. A United JEF (Internal Efficiency & Cohesion)
– Ensure a smooth transition and be at the table from the start to form the strategic priorities and internal structures of the next mandate, improving on this term’s successes.
– Drive organizational efficiency by streamlining cooperation and accountability mechanisms between the Executive Board, Federal Committee, Secretariat, and the national sections.
– Advocate for a stronger central JEF Europe structure that can effectively consolidate and involve all national and local sections in the broader movement.

2. An Empowered JEF (Organizational Stability & Growth)
– Use my previous experiences to help sections improve their internal structure and capacity, enabling sustainable, long-term growth.
– Ensure the movement’s stability by securing multi-year funding for our core Secretariat staff, protecting JEF’s institutional memory.
– Focus shared financing and resources to the grassroots to strengthen genuine connection and unity across the entire JEF network.

3. An Impactful JEF (Political Ambition & Advocacy)
– Defense & Reform: Lead the dual fight against the far-right while proactively pushing for fundamental Treaty Reform (e.g., abolishing the national veto) to make the EU stronger and more effective.
– Political Engine: Ensure that all politically agreed-upon Federal Committee resolutions are consistently utilized as the formal basis for our high-impact, coordinated advocacy campaigns across Europe.

What should be the Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Groups for the mandate 2025-2027 and why?

I believe the next two years must focus on organizational stability paired with political ambition, solidifying JEF as the leading voice for young federalists. My vision is built around three core pillars:

​A United JEF (Internal Efficiency & Cohesion)

​Ensure a smooth transition and form the strategic priorities and structures of the next mandate.

​Drive organizational efficiency by streamlining cooperation and accountability between the EB, FC, Secretariat, and national sections.

​An Empowered JEF (Organizational Stability & Growth)

​Use my previous experiences to help sections improve their internal structure and capacity, enabling sustainable, long-term growth.

​Ensure stability by securing multi-year funding for our core Secretariat staff, protecting JEF’s institutional memory.

​An Impactful JEF (Political Ambition & Advocacy)

​Defense & Reform: Lead the dual fight against the far-right while proactively pushing for fundamental Treaty Reform (e.g., abolishing the national veto).

​Political Engine: Ensure that all politically agreed-upon Federal Committee resolutions are consistently utilized as the formal basis for high-impact, coordinated advocacy campaigns across Europe.

 

​The structure must be streamlined to support effective advocacy, maintaining three PCs and consolidating to three TFs.

Political Commissions (PCs):

​PC on Democracy, Governance, and Federalist Reform: The core ideological engine. Mandate: Rule of Law, institutional transparency, and all efforts related to Treaty Reform (e.g., the abolition of the national veto).

​PC on Internal European Affairs, Social Justice, and Sustainability: Focuses on policy delivery (e.g., the European Green Deal, economic cohesion, migration, and social rights). This PC provides the material for constructive, solution-oriented campaigns.

​PC on External Affairs, Enlargement, and Global Security: Addresses the EU’s global role. Focus: EU Enlargement (Western Balkans, Ukraine), the Eastern Partnership, and common defense and security policy.

Task Forces (TFs):

​TF on Advocacy and Campaign Mobilisation: Operational mandate: translating resolutions into transnational campaigns and high-impact actions. This group ensures consistency and rapid political mobilisation when necessary.

​TF on Section Organizational Strengthening: Develops and distributes best-practice toolkits (governance, fundraising) and facilitates knowledge sharing between sections.

​TF on Inclusivity, Civic Education, and Internal Development: Ensures JEF’s events and opportunities are truly accessible (financial, geographic diversity) and manages the development of Civic Education materials for external training and internal ideological alignment.

My contact information

Instagram @reinis4eb

Contact Reinis

Benedetta Veneruso

Please introduce yourself

I’m Benedetta “Bee” Veneruso, a federalist activist and consultant in AI governance and digital ethics, with 15 years of experience in the NGO environment. I was born in Naples, I’m currently based between Tallinn and Rome, and was shaped by my life experiences in Brussels, Canterbury, and Istanbul. I identify as European, as no other identity would fully explain my multitudes. I believe the EU is the best beta project of our times… but, as any IT person would tell you, you never settle for the beta test.

My journey began at the intersection of law, politics, communication, and civic engagement. With a degree in Politics and Law (with a minor in Business) from the UK, and a Master’s in progress in Public Administration and e-Governance (Erasmus Mundus in Belgium, Germany, and Estonia), I’ve built my path across Europe — always focusing on democracy, digital transformation, and youth empowerment.

I discovered JEF in 2016 during my European Voluntary Service in Berlin — and I’ve been involved in different ways ever since.
In JEF, my journey started from the grassroots: from Communication Officer of JEF Belgium during the pandemic to Founder and President of JEF Estonia, which grew from a Facebook post in my Soviet-looking apartment into a thriving section of 60+ members that hosted the 2024 Federal Committee in Tartu, European Capital of Culture.
I currently serve as Chair of the Capacity Building Task Force, where I’ve helped sections grow stronger, trained members on governance, and supported resilience initiatives — including two missions in Ukraine with the Council of Europe, on wartime resilience and the environmental consequences of war.
I’ve been a youth worker and Erasmus+ trainer, and also through JEF, I’ve delivered political education trainings across Europe — from digital rights to capacity building and federalism — and represented JEF Europe in two Council of Europe missions in Ukraine, focusing on resilience during wartime and the environmental consequences of conflict. My journey in JEF has always been about building structures, empowering volunteers, and showing up where we’re needed most.

To make my vision transparent and accessible, I created a campaign website (https://benedettacandice.wixsite.com/beefortheeb) and even an AI chatbot — Bee4EB AI on Instagram — that answers questions about my candidacy, priorities, and plans for JEF Europe.

What is your motivation for the role?

I’m running for the Executive Board of JEF Europe to bring boldness, care, and strategy into our collective work and to make sure no young voice is left behind.

Having built a section from scratch, I know how hard it can be to turn passion into structure. As a consultant in AI governance and digital ethics, I also know how to turn ideas into systems that last. I want to use both perspectives to help JEF grow: politically and operationally.

My priorities in a nutshell are:

 

– Digital Democracy & Ethical Innovation – leading JEF’s reflection on AI, disinformation, and digital rights; establishing a Digital Democracy Lab for youth-led policy dialogue.

– Common Security & Real Solidarity – developing a JEF Security & Resilience Programme to support small, new, and vulnerable sections; while promoting activism in regions under pressure.

– Federalism as Strategy – bring the focus back to the f-word, supporting accessible educational formats, Erasmus+ trainings, and partnerships with UEF and other movements.

– Empowering the Next Generation – strengthening communication and cooperation between the EB and FC; strengthening our Capacity Building in all its forms; ensuring transparency and shared leadership.

What is your vision for the future of JEF?

JEF must be the European youth movement that shapes the future of democracy — not just reacts to it.
We are one generation ahead, so let’s act like it.

JEF should:

– Be politically bolder — taking a clear stance on defence, EU reform, and enlargement.

– Be digitally literate — leading discussions on ethical AI, data governance, and information integrity.

– Be present beyond Brussels — supporting activism in places where civic space is shrinking.

– Be federally connected — work creatively and locally to make federalism accessible and tangible. Mini-Ventotene seminars should be hosted in each region!

– Be sustainable and inclusive — investing in capacity building so every section can thrive.

Peace doesn’t protect itself; democracy doesn’t sustain itself. JEF must stand where it’s needed — from Brussels to the Baltic, from classrooms to shelters.

What should be the Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Groups for the mandate 2025-2027 and why?

Our structure should match our ambition: flexible, strategic, and relevant.
I propose for the Political Commissions:
– Federalism, Democracy & Enlargement: focus on EU institutional reform, governance, democracy and enlargement through federalist lenses.
– Rights & Society: Internal EU policies — digitalisation, climate, migration, mobility, and social issues.
– Defence, Security & Global Affairse: Common Defence, EU foreign policy, neighbourhood, and global cooperation.

Proposed Task Forces:

 

– Keep Capacity Building TF (continuity and proven impact).

– Evolve Advocacy TF into a broader Communications & Advocacy TF (to improve storytelling, campaigns, and digital reach).

– Introduce an Events & Partnerships to connect strategy, visibility, and implementation (bridging EB, FC, and sections).

– Inclusion, Equality and Intersectionality (focused on reviewing the current Code of Conduct and turning the current inefficient mechanism of protection into a proper strategy)

My contact information

Instagram @justatravelingbee

Contact Benedetta

Konstantine Gagnidze

Please introduce yourself

My name is Konstantine, the President and Founder of JEF-Georgia. I work as the Project and Grant Lead at Young Folks LV (Latvia) and as a Project Manager for organizations in Ukraine, Georgia, and Belgium. With a background in business administration, project and financial management, I have experience in both public and private sectors, including the U.S. Embassy and international organizations. Each year, I secure over €500,000 in grants for various initiatives.
As a trainer in project management, entrepreneurship, and non-formal education, I deliver consultations and trainings for youth, adults, and organizations. A dedicated youth worker and civic activist, I am passionate about empowering young people and advancing European values.
Although I have been in JEF for only two years, my team and I built JEF-Georgia from zero and supported the reestablishment of JEF-Ukraine, strengthening youth participation and European cooperation in the region.

What is your motivation for the role?

JEF Europe is a powerful network, but it can only thrive when every section no matter how small or remote is empowered, sustainable, and financially independent. I’m running for the Executive Board to put my experience and energy at the service of the whole network. Having worked with many youth organisations, I’ve seen how great ideas often fail due to a lack of resources or access to funding and I want to change that.
A stronger JEF Europe starts with stronger sections and that’s exactly where I’ll focus.

What is your vision for the future of JEF?

I have a 5 points plan on which I will work during my mandate:
1. Capacity building for local and national sections
1.1 Building a JEF Grant Lab mentorship program to help sections access grants.
1.2 Offering customised consultations, mentorship for sections preparing project applications
1.3 Organising training weeks for board members, treasurers, and project teams
At least 20+ new successful project applications by national/local sections, 50+ JEFers trained in grant writing, reporting, and financial management, 5 fully functional resource packs for sections (project application, opportunities, budgeting, visibility, sustainability)

2. JEF enlargement and membership growth
2.1 Personally mentoring new JEF initiatives in Lithuania, Armenia, and Azerbaijan
2.2 Coordinating a new sections incubator program for national, regional and local sections
3 new national sections officially joining at least as candidates or reactivating under JEF Europe, 250+ new members across Eastern Europe and smaller sections.

3. “NEW JEF” campaign
3.1 Leading the “New JEF – Back to Our Roots” campaign: fighting nationalism, disinformation & radicalism
3.2 Promoting federalism education through roleplays, simulations, online content, and local actions
3.3 Organising a JEF Federalism Forum once per year in different European regions
Pan-European “New JEF” campaign rolled out in 20+ countries, Annual Federalism Forum with 50+ participants from across Europe, 10+ new JEF resources on civic resilience, media literacy, and democracy

4. Financial sustainability of the network
4.1 Establishing a JEF Europe fundraising task force
4.2 Working actively with secretariat for increasing budget, applying different operating and other grants
4.3 Supporting development of partnership proposals for private donors and institutions
4.4 ESC volunteers in secretariat
Minimum €150,000 in new grants generated for JEF Europe, 5 new long-term partnerships initiated, increasing JEF Europe’s budget with at least 10%

5. Internal democracy & section inclusion – “A Network That Listens”
Ensure that all national sections are heard, involved, and represented in JEF Europe’s decisions and direction. I will strengthen mechanisms for internal democracy, feedback loops, and collaboration across the network.

Key actions:
1. Launching a “JEF Voice” platform to gather bottom-up ideas and proposals from sections
Ensuring non-EU and smaller sections are visibly and consistently involved in working groups, campaigns, and project teams.
2. Organising quarterly open calls between the EB and national boards to strengthen dialogue.
3. Platform for meeting between presidents and EB and separate platforms for project teams and secretary generals of the national sections.
4. THE ROTATING SECTION ADVISOR TO THE EB
Every 3 months, a different national section is selected to serve as an informal advisor to the EB. The selected section will be invited to EB meetings, consulted on key topics, and spotlighted across JEF’s platforms. This empowers sections to bring their local perspective, raise specific challenges, and propose solutions directly to the leadership.

What should be the Political Commissions and Task Forces/ Working Groups for the mandate 2025-2027 and why?

I propose the following task forces and working groups:
WG on enlargement and new sections – supporting section development in new regions.
WG on fundraising and financial sustainability.
WG on inclusion and rural youth – ensuring balanced participation from small towns and underrepresented groups.
WG on partnership – working and connecting with other networks and groups in Europe and outside of it too.

My contact information

+995595997353 (WhatsApp), https://www.instagram.com/gagnidzekote/

Contact Konstantine