Copenhagen – ESI: Integration has transformed relations in Europe for the better

14 November 2025
Copenhagen. Photo: flickr/barnyz
Copenhagen. Photo: flickr/barnyz

ESI’s Gerald Knaus led a discussion at the European Debate Initiative in Copenhagen on the findings of his new book, Which Europe Do We Need.

Opening the talk, Gerald reflected on Europe’s development since the end of the Second World War, arguing that the continent’s recent history offers two important lessons. First, European integration has been a peace project. While conflicts have erupted on Europe’s periphery—from Kosovo to Ukraine—relations among EU member states have been transformed, with former rivals such as Germany and Denmark now cooperating as close partners. Second, transatlantic deterrence has played a key role in preventing conflict, allowing Denmark’s eastern neighbours like Poland and the Baltic states to enjoy security and economic development.

Gerald then warned that these achievements are now under growing threat. Leaders such as Vladimir Putin or Trump, he argued, seek to push Europe back toward a more nationalist and conflict-prone order. This strategy involves not only Russia’s naked military aggression, but also includes its attempts to provoke mass-migration through continued missile attacks on western and central Ukraine. These developments, Gerald noted, have very purposefully contributed to the rise of far-right parties such as the AfD in Germany. In response, Gerald stressed the importance of speaking more clearly about the successes of the EU and NATO and speaking out for the modern democratic order which has done so much to create a stronger, freer, and better Europe.