Ventotene, September 3, 2024

On the 1st and 2nd of September 2024, in the municipality of Ventotene, representatives of the Union of European Federalists, Association Jean Monnet, the Young European Federalists, the Spinelli Group, as well as significant political figures signed the Partnership Agreement for the re-launch the Action Committee for the United States of Europe.

The first action committee, founded in 1955 by Jean Monnet, was an organization dedicated to promoting European integration and the concept of a united Europe. Established in response to the failure of the European Defence Community, the committee, often called the “Monnet Committee,” aimed to gain the support of major European political forces, both in government and in opposition, and of the social partners, to support the community ideal.

The partnership was signed by Domènec Ruiz Devesa (former MEP, UEF Europe President), Sandro Gozi (MEP, Chair of the Spinelli Group), Thijs Reuten (MEP, Spinelli Group), Christelle Savall (JEF Europe President), Philippe Laurette (Association Jean Monnet President).

The partnership was endorsed by Josep Borrell (High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission), Klaus Welle (Former Secretary-General of the European Parliament, Martens Centre’s Academic Council Chair), Stefano Castagnoli (Altiero Spinelli Institute President), Guy Verhofstadt (former MEP, European Movement International President), Luisa Trumellini (Secretary General of Movimento Federalista Europeo), and Giulia Rossolillo (UEF Europe Vice-President).

Also present was Martì Grau Segu, Head of Service and Curator House Jean Monnet, where the new Action Committee plans to undertake a number of activities.

“It’s better to be prepared for the next crisis, be pro-active instead of just waiting for the next event.” said Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.”We need a powerful network of high profile personalities to support the process of federal reform of the Treaty.” stated President of the Union of European Federalists, Domènec Ruiz Devesa.

“This is an action committee, which will focus on actions so that we can hasten the construction of the enlarged federal Europe.” said Christelle Savall, President of the Young European Federalists.

“We have to be critical of what the Union lacks, in order to improve it. Enough hiding behind the idea that criticizing the EU leaders only helps its enemies.” stated President of the European Movement International, Guy Verhofstadt.

The first meeting of the new Action Committee, after its launch back in May, took place on the 2^ndof September 2024, with the presence of the representatives of the Jean Monnet House, European Movement Italy, Movimento Federalista Europeo and Istituto di Studi Federaliasti Altiero Spinelli, additional to the signing organizations.

Read the Press Release about the launch of the Action Committee HERE