[1] The conference provides a platform for discussion on issues affecting the European Union, attracting political leaders, policymakers, and experts from EU institutions.

[2] Each SOU conference[3] focuses on a specific theme, which is determined by a Scientific Committee composed of EUI scholars.

[4] The event is typically held around May 9th, coinciding with the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration,[5] a milestone in the history of European integration.

[7] Following this, the European University Institute assumed sole responsibility for organizing the event, which has since taken place at its campus in Florence.

[8] The three-day event is typically held across various EUI venues in Florence, such as the hilltop campus in Fiesole and Palazzo Vecchio.