Board 2024-2025

Elected Board Members

President
Kalojan Hoffmeister
kalojan.hoffmeister@jefbelgium.eu

Secretary-General
Gauthier Joyeaux
gauthier.joyeaux@jefbelgium.eu

Treasurer
Thomas de Cuyper
thomas.decuyper@jefbelgium.eu

Policy Officer
Veronica Micallef
veronica.micallef@jefbelgium.eu

International Offier
Gergely Kozár
gergely.kozar@jefbelgium.eu

International Officer
Jashim Konnengal
jashim.konnengal@jefbelgium.eu

Social Media
Nathan Doude
nathan.doude@jefbelgium.eu

Board Member
Benjamin Reuland
benjamin.reuland@jefbelgium.eu


Co-opted Board Members

Board Member
Daniel Schäfer
daniel.schafer@jefbelgium.eu

Board Member
Alejandro Cordero Rodríguez
alejandro.cordero@jefbelgium.eu


  • JEF Belgium Concludes Mandate with High-Level Debate on European Defence

    On June 23, 2025, JEF Belgium participated in a significant debate on the future of European defence, held at the NRW Representation in Brussels in cooperation with the Europaunion Brussels. This event marked the final major engagement of the 2024-2025 mandate.

    The discussion featured prominent figures including Commissioner Andrius Kubilius and his Head of Cabinet, Simonas Šat?nas; Nathanael Liminski, NRW Minister for Federal & European Affairs; MEP Hannah Neumann; and Professor Dr. Guntram Wolff from Bruegel. The debate was moderated by Ilka Wölfle of Europaunion Brussels.

    Key Commission proposals were examined, including the SAFE instrument, Defence Omnibus Simplification, joint procurement targets, and the ReArm Europe roadmap. The central question revolved around whether these measures would genuinely enhance EU cohesion, streamline procurement, and achieve strategic autonomy.

    As President of the Young European Federalists Belgium, Kalojan Hoffmeister emphasized that all current steps must serve as foundational elements for a genuine European political union. He underscored the critical importance of these developments for Europe to secure its position on the global stage, stating that the future of current and succeeding generations depends on these efforts.

    Kalojan concluded the evening by underlying: “Because if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. Let 2025 not become a new 1954, when the defence community failed. The future of our generation and those to come depends on it.”

  • JEF Belgium Joins European Movement Belgium for Europe Day Discussion

    On Europe Day, May 9th, 2025, JEF Belgium President Kalojan Hoffmeister participated in a panel discussion commemorating 75 years since the Schuman Declaration.

    The discussion focused on the future of European unity and included MEP Wouter Beke, UCL Professor Tanguy Struyde de Swielande, and representatives of the European Movement Belgium. The panel addressed the importance of building a stronger, more citizen-focused Europe in response to current challenges.

    JEF Belgium emphasizes that the European project requires continued commitment and active participation from all citizens. The organization reiterates its dedication to fostering European unity and integration.

  • JEF Belgium Hosts Experts on Digital Euro and Strategic Autonomy

    In April 2025, JEF Belgium’s President Kalojan Hoffmeister moderated a panel discussion in Brussels on “De-dollarization and Europe’s Monetary Autonomy.”

    The panel featured László Andor, Secretary-General of FEPS and former EU Commissioner, and Maria Demertzis, Director of Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board. Key questions addressed included the enduring influence of the US dollar, the potential for a “de-dollarization” trend, and how a greater international role for the euro or a future digital euro could enhance the EU’s strategic monetary autonomy. Discussions also touched on BRICS initiatives and other digital currencies.

    A notable insight from the discussion was that potential US hesitation regarding central bank digital currencies could provide Europe an advantage in setting global standards if it proceeds decisively with a digital euro. JEF Belgium extends gratitude to the speakers for their contributions and insights.

  • JEF Belgium Co-hosts European Defence Seminar at College of Europe, Bruges

    In March 2025, JEF Belgium co-hosted a seminar on the future of European defence with Nikolas Kockelmann and the Federalist Society at the College of Europe.

    The discussion featured UEF President and former MEP Domenec Ruiz Devesa, and Professor Dr. Frank Hoffmeister, Director of the Legal Department at the EEAS. Topics included overcoming vetoes within the current treaty framework and identifying concrete steps toward establishing a European Defence Union.

  • JEF Belgium Discusses European Defence Strategy with Belgian Special Envoy

    In December 2024, JEF Belgium President Kalojan Hoffmeister held a discussion with Willem van de Voorde, Belgium’s Ambassador and Special Envoy on Climate Change. The conversation focused on the evolving priorities of the European Commission, particularly the increasing emphasis on defense.

    The discussion highlighted the current geopolitical landscape and the growing necessity for a common European foreign and security policy, supported by shared military capabilities. President Hoffmeister underscored the urgency for Europe to strengthen its defense strategy and assert its role in global stability.

    JEF Belgium supports the call for decisive action in this domain, recognizing that a robust and unified European defense is crucial for the Union’s future security and influence

  • JEF Belgium Protests Reintroduction of EU Border Controls in Schengen

    In November 2024, JEF Belgium board members Gergely Kozár and Kalojan Hoffmeister traveled to Schengen to protest the reintroduction of internal border controls within the European Union. They joined other federalist movements from Germany, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.The demonstration took place in the village of Schengen, the site where the Schengen Accords were signed 38 years ago, establishing the free movement area in Europe. The action underscored the federalist commitment to preserving the principle of free movement, which is central to European integration.

    JEF Belgium President Kalojan emphasizes “Schengen is not just a village or a treaty . It is a promise. A promise of a free, united and borderless Europe ! Let’s keep fighting for

     it!

  • JEF Belgium Debates Youth Priorities for EU Future with Commission Director Di Bucci and MEP Scuderi

    In October 2024, JEF Belgium President Kalojan Hoffmeister represented Young European Federalists Belgium in a debate titled ‘Youth Priorities for the Future of the EU.’ The event was organized in collaboration with Stand Up For Europe and KMOP Policy Centre.

    Participants included Michaela Di Bucci, Director at the European Commission’s DG for Research and Innovation, and Benedetta Scuderi, MEP from the Greens/EFA group. Discussions covered key topics such as Treaty change, youth engagement and education, environment and climate, and security and defense.

    Kalojan emphasized the importance of concrete follow-up to initiatives like the Conference on the Future of Europe, particularly regarding proposals like a ‘President’s Youth Advisory Board.’ JEF Belgium stresses the necessity of tangible outcomes from such forums to ensure meaningful youth participation in EU policy-making.

    JEF Belgium extends its gratitude to Stand Up For Europe, KMOP Policy Centre, and all participants for contributing to this discussion on Europe’s future

  • “Meet the MEP” Event: Sabrina Repp

    In July 2024, JEF Belgium, in collaboration with Europa-Union Brussels, organized a “Meet the MEP” event at the Representation of the German State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern to the EU.

    The event featured Sabrina Repp, one of the youngest Members of the European Parliament, who discussed her initial weeks and experiences as an MEP. JEF Belgium President Kalojan Hoffmeister and JEF Germany President Melanie Thut both attended, providing input from a youth federalist perspective.

  • JEF Belgium Engages German Spinelli Group in the European Parliament for Federalist Future

    In July 2024, JEF Belgium President Kalojan Hoffmeister attended the reconstitution meeting of the German Spinelli Group in the European Parliament. The invitation was extended as the newly elected European Parliament commenced its new mandate.

    During the meeting, JEF Belgium emphasized the necessity of a robust federalist push within this new electoral cycle. JEF Belgium remains committed to advocating for deeper European integration and a more democratic, federal Europe. This engagement highlights JEF Belgium’s direct involvement with key federalist allies within the Parliament.

    We anticipate are looking forward to continued collaboration with the Spinelli Group and other pro-European forces to advance federalist objectives.

  • Strengthening Ties: JEF Belgium at Europa-Union Brussels’ General Assembly

    July 2024 – JEF Belgium was delighted to extend its greetings at the recent Annual General Assembly of our sister organization, Europa-Union Brussels! Our President, Kalojan Hoffmeister, had the honor of attending the assembly, which also saw the election of their new board.

    We congratulate the newly elected board of Europa-Union Brussels and look forward to a strong and fruitful cooperation in the year ahead. Events like these underscore the importance of collaboration between pro-European organizations to further our shared goals for a united and democratic Europe. We are excited about the potential for joint initiatives and continued partnership.

  • A New Chapter Begins: Meet Your JEF Belgium Board 2024-2025!

    We are thrilled to announce the newly elected JEF Belgium National Board for the 2024-2025 term! Following our elections in June 2024, a dynamic and dedicated team is ready to lead JEF Belgium into an exciting new chapter, advocating for a more united and democratic Europe.

    We are incredibly excited to see what this talented group will achieve together. Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming activities and initiatives!

    Meet Your New JEF Belgium Board:

    Elected Board Members:

    Co-opted Board Members:

    We look forward to a productive and impactful year ahead!