The Forum

ABOUT
THE FORUM

THE VENTOTENE FORUM

The Ventotene Forum Cádiz 2026 was an international initiative organised by the Free State of Saxony in cooperation with the Young European Federalists of Andalusia (JEF Andalucía) and Saxony (JEF Sachsen). It provided a space for young people from across Europe to discuss today’s political and social challenges and develop solutions from a European federalist perspective.

Inspired by the Ventotene Manifesto (1941), written by Altiero Spinelli, Ernesto Rossi and Eugenio Colorni, the Forum promoted the vision of a united, democratic and peaceful Europe. Since its creation, the Ventotene Forums have brought together hundreds of young Europeans, political leaders, academics and experts to debate the future of Europe.

ABOUT THE CITY

Cádiz, the oldest city in Europe

Cádiz was not just the host city. It was a symbol. In 1812, under the siege of Napoleon, the city gave birth to one of Europe’s pioneering liberal constitutions: the Spanish Constitution of 1812. Its legacy of constitutionalism, popular sovereignty and resistance to foreign invasion remained deeply relevant, especially as Ukraine continued its courageous defence against Russia’s full-scale military invasion.

The Forum also coincided with the 40th anniversary of Spain and Portugal’s accession to the European Union, the XXX Ibero-American Summit, and the UK–EU Agreement in respect of Gibraltar, offering a powerful moment to reflect on Europe’s past, present, and future.

PREVIOUS EDITION

Ventotene Forum Previous Edition

Europe at
crossroads

Today, Europe faces major external and internal challenges: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, growing geopolitical instability, and threats to the rule of law within the Union itself.

In this context, the Ventotene Forum Cádiz 2026 was a meeting point for young Europeans committed to defending democracy, European values and a stronger, more federal Europe that is useful to its citizens.

KEY INFORMATION

What happened at the Forum?

Debates

Panels with young Europeans, experts and decision makers.

Workshops

Interactive sessions to exchange ideas and build solutions.

Cultural activities

We discovered the culture, history, and spirit of Cádiz.

Federalist scavenger hunt

A Gymkhana around the city to experience Cádiz as a local.

Youth Activism

A local initiative promoting European values in action.

The Forum concluded with

the collective drafting and presentation of the Cádiz Manifesto, a youth-led declaration advocating for a more federal Europe. The document will be submitted to local, national and European institutions.

Cádiz, Europe
and the world

Ventotene Forum Cádiz 2026 will position Andalusia as a key actor in building a Europe more engaged with its international partners, particularly Latin America.

By building on Cádiz’s historic role as a transatlantic bridge, the Forum connected European federalist youth dialogue with the broader context of the EU–Mercosur Agreement and the upcoming 30th Ibero-American Summit in Madrid.

Cádiz, Europe
and the world

Ventotene Forum Cádiz 2026 will position Andalusia as a key actor in building a Europe more engaged with its international partners, particularly Latin America.

By building on Cádiz’s historic role as a transatlantic bridge, the Forum will connect European federalist youth dialogue with the broader context of the EU–Mercosur Agreement and the upcoming 30th Ibero-American Summit in Madrid.