Paris – ESI at the European Union Institute for Security Studies: Europe’s past, present and future

Paris, Photo: flickr/Rolf Schotsch

ESI’s Gerald Knaus gave a presentation at the EU Institute for Security Studies in Paris. There, he presented findings from his upcoming book ‘Welches Europa brauchen wir?’.

Gerald reflected on Europe’s trajectory since 1945, noting that the continent has seen both remarkable prosperity and violent conflict. This history, he argued, offers two central insights. The first is that European integration has been a remarkably successful project for peace. Although violence has erupted on Europe’s margins, from Kosovo to Ukraine, relations within the European Union have been transformed: countries that once fought each other, such as Germany and Denmark, now cooperate closely as allies and partners. The second lesson is the importance of transatlantic deterrence. Because of NATO’s security guarantees, Eastern European EU member-states have been protected from Russian aggression, giving them the security needed for decades of stability and economic growth.

Yet, Gerald also argued that these achievements face mounting pressure. Vladimir Putin, together with other illiberal actors, aims to push Europe back towards an era of nationalism and confrontation. These efforts include both direct military threats and hybrid warfare, with Russia seeking to destabilize our societies by causing mass Ukrainian migration. Putin’s plan has born some success, contributing to the rise of pro-Russia, anti-Europe parties such as the AfD and the RN. In response, Gerald emphasised that we must speak clearly about the successes of the European Union and NATO, confronting present challenges with resolve and confidence rather than nostalgia or despair.

Before leaving Paris, Gerald had the chance to visit the home of one of his personal heroes, Jean Monnet, who is widely considered one of the founding fathers of modern European integration. While there, Gerald met with Eric Roussel, Monnet’s biographer, as well as with Monnet’s grandson. 

Gerald visiting Monnet’s home. Photo: ESI

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