Europe is worth it!

In this article, published by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Elmar Brok and Frank Sauer explain why Germany cannot do without the EU.

In areas where money flows the question of how much the EU costs us and what it is useful for can be answered in euros and cents. But some of Europe’s greatest achievements, which are daily taken for granted in Germany, cannot really be expressed in euros: lasting peace in Europe, a strong partnership with our neighbours and the preservation of our values in a globalised world. These benefits of the EU must not be forgotten when we inquire about its costs. 

Now as well as in the future Germany can only find well-being and safety within Europe. With the eastern enlargement of the European Union, Europe, which was for decades torn in half by the border between East and West, has now found its centre of gravity. Germany, with Europe’s biggest population and national economy, is right in the heart of Europe. A peaceful and empowering relationship with the EU new members and old friends and partners is an element of good fortune for Germany. The fact that after centuries of war Germany can peacefully unite with its neighbours and friends to produce a Union of 450 million people is a unique and historic set of circumstances. 

To read the full version of the article in German click here.