Current challenges in the EU politics: A perspective from North Rhine-Westphalia

Summary:

Far be it from me to join the ever-present chorus of “doom and gloom!” when it comes to Europe’s future. Times of crisis have always also been times of growth and development for the European Union. I therefore see this crisis as a chance for bringing us all closer together, and letting us go forward on the way to greater unity.

But bringing this about requires a sustained effort not only from the political elite, but from of all of us.

I remain convinced that the European idea will prevail, because it is a necessity: without it, Europe would be a place of less promise, less ideas, less hope and less future for its citizens.