Meet the team
MEET OUR TEAM
Luca De Cristofaro
Luca is our President and Project Manager. He’s an Italian-Brazilian guy navigating how Europe actually works through the technicalities of its funding. While he still speaks five languages, he’s now more focused on translating the complexities of the RRF, Erasmus+, and Cohesion funds into things people actually care about. Whether he’s behind the mic for our podcast, crafting social media campaigns, or disseminating project results, Luca ensures UCoE’s impact is heard loud and clear. When he’s not online, you’ll find him curating events and engaging the public in the real world. He is an expert in EU funds, focusing on the RRF, Erasmus+, and Cohesion funds to turn the European vision into concrete action.
Daniele cazzato
Daniele Cazzato is the lead Web Developer at United Citizens of Europe, where he has been contributing since 2024. He is responsible for the organisation’s website and plays a key role in supporting its broader digital and technical initiatives. With a strong focus on usability and reliability, he helps ensure that ideas are effectively translated into impactful online experiences.Originally from Southern Italy, Daniele brings an international perspective shaped by several years working remotely as a digital nomad. Now based in Australia, he combines technical expertise with a global mindset, adapting quickly to new challenges and environments.
Giacomo bubba
Giacomo is an Italian-Argentinian Machine Learning Engineer based in Turin, bringing a rigorous analytical perspective to the United Citizens of Europe. He holds an MSc in Physics Engineering, a background that fuels his technical approach to solving complex problems and building intelligent systems. Giacomo spent two years living as a digital nomad in Southern Italy, an experience that deepened his appreciation for the country’s diverse regional identities and the potential of remote work to bridge communities. Now working at the intersection of technology and innovation in Milan, he combines his global heritage with a passion for the evolving digital landscape of Europe.
Lucia Carlino
Lucia is an Italian professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Languages and Intercultural Communication in the Euro-Mediterranean area. She is fluent in English and Spanish and has experience in the economic sector. She currently works for a multinational metalworking company with international subsidiaries, reflecting her commitment to cross-cultural dialogue and European cooperation.
Gustavo GD Drones
Gustavo is an Italian-Brazilian all-around creative specializing in videography and photography. With a professional background in product design and a lifelong passion for music, he brings a creative but structured eye to every project he captures. As a true citizen of the world, Gustavo speaks Italian, Portuguese, and English, and is fueled by his love for traveling and discovering new cultures. Whether he’s navigating a drone over a new landscape or exploring a hidden corner of the continent, he is dedicated to documenting the diverse beauty of a connected Europe.
Pier Andrea Vincenti
Pier is our lead Graphic Designer, bringing a refined creative vision to the United Citizens of Europe. He holds an MA in Editorial Design. , a degree that underpins his thoughtful and intentional approach to visual storytelling and design. Deeply influenced by a passion for classic and contemporary cinema, Pier’s aesthetic is shaped by the silver screen. He is a proud advocate for physical media, rejecting the "digital feudalism" of streaming platforms in favor of a curated personal collection of Blu-rays and CDs. Pier brings an iconic energy and dedication to every design project he touches.
MEET OUR AMBASSADORS
Theodosis Pipis
Theodosis holds a BA, MA and MPhil in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean history and is currently working towards his PhD at Leiden University. He is from Cyprus and shares a huge passion for his broader region. He grew up in Cyprus and is now living in Brussels, having also spent 7 years London.
Branislav Ženčuch
Anton does the design here. Throughout his MA studies, Anton explored the connections between culture and politics. In his home country, Russia, Anton acquired a BA in Middle Eastern studies with a focus on Arabic culture and its connections to Europe. Anton is an alumnus of the Iowa University writing program.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
Luca De Cristofaro
Luca manages the podcast. He's an Italian-Brazilian guy trying to understand how the world works. He grew up bilingual, speaking Italian and Portuguese (Brazilian) at home and he learned English, Spanish and French at school. Luca holds a BA in International Relations and an EMJMD in European Studies. He is a Model United Nations lover, as it sums up his interests in diplomacy, international cooperation and human rights.
Hannah Bludau
Hannah manages our articles and written contributions. Hannah holds an Erasmus Mundus Master of Arts degree. After growing up near Boston, Massachusetts, Hannah moved to Germany for her studies in 2014 and has lived in numerous European countries ever since. Hannah speaks English, German, French fluently and basic Chinese.
Anton Meshkov
Anton does the design here. Throughout his MA studies, Anton explored the connections between culture and politics. In his home country, Russia, Anton acquired a BA in Middle Eastern studies with a focus on Arabic culture and its connections to Europe. Anton is an alumnus of the Iowa University writing program.