Ravensburg – ESI at ‘Political Matinée’ on defending of European integration

31 January 2026
Ravensburg. Photo: CDU Ravensburg
Ravensburg. Photo: CDU Ravensburg

ESI’s Gerald Knaus gave a speech to the Europa-Union in Ravensburg, Germany, at a ‘Europa Matinée’. There, he shared with the assembled guests the ideas developed in his new book, ‘Welches Europa brauchen wir?,’ on the future of integration and liberal democracy in Europe. The event was organized by the Europa-Union Bodensee-Oberschwaben, and Gerald was joined by CSU MP Axel Müller.

Gerald noted that while conflicts have occurred regularly in the non-integrated parts of Europe since the Cold War, relations within the EU have transformed, turning former adversaries into partners. He also highlighted NATO’s role in deterring Russia, allowing the states in the EU’s East like Poland and the Baltics to thrive.

However, these achievements are now under pressure. Russia, along with other illiberal forces, is undermining the European order by fostering nationalism and political instability, especially through displacement linked to the war in Ukraine. This has contributed to the rise of far-right parties, such as the AfD and FPÖ. Gerald said that meeting this Russian threat and halting the far-right requires open, confident support for integration, facing today’s challenges with optimism and determination. To these ends, Gerald argued that Europe must continue strengthening European integration in the Balkans and Eastern Europe, pointing to EU proposals on the topic, while also deepening Europe’s own collective defence agreements.

The matinée also included a musical accompaniment, and Gerald met with interested audience members after the event to continue the conversation.

Gerald Speaking at the mattinee. Photo: CDU Ravensburg
Gerald Speaking at the mattinee. Photo: CDU Ravensburg