JEF Belgium

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.

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.