Friedrichshafen – ESI on Europe’s future at the Zeppelin Universität

30 January 2026
A Zeppelin in Friedrichshafen. Photo: flickr/Stephen Mason
A Zeppelin in Friedrichshafen. Photo: flickr/Stephen Mason

ESI’s Gerald Knaus’s gave a speech in Friedrichshafen, Germany at the Zeppelin Universitat, a major local cultural institution. There, he described findings from his recent book, Welches Europa brauchen wir?, on what needs to be done to preserve the European integration project. The event was organized by the Europa-Union Bodensee-Oberschwaben, and Gerald was joined by CSU MdB Axel Müller.

Gerald reflected on Europe’s post-Cold War, highlighting both prosperity and recurring crises. He drew two key conclusions: first, European integration has been a peace-building project, transforming former rivals into close partners; and second, NATO’s deterrence has been critical in allowing the EU’s Eastern members like Poland and the Baltics to thrive. He argued that Europe must therefore continue strengthening cooperation with its neighbours, for example in the Balkans, and reinforcing its internal collective defence.

Gerald also looked at the threats facing Europe today. Russia, for its own imperial purposes, aims to undermine European stability by fostering nationalism and political division, including through migration waves caused by its attacks on Ukraine. This has contributed to the rise of far-right parties in the EU, such as the AfD and FPÖ. In this context, Gerald stressed the need for clear, confident support for European integration and the transatlantic partnership, addressing today’s challenges with optimism and determination.