Vienna – ESI at the Vienna Museum: Europe’s achievements and the challenge of rising authoritarianism

21 October 2025
Vienna. Photo: flickr/Axel Kuhlmann
Vienna. Photo: flickr/Axel Kuhlmann

ESI’s Gerald Knaus presented the findings of his new book ‘Welches Europa Brauchen Wir’ at the Vienna Museum in Vienna, Austria.

Gerald began by stressing the remarkable achievements of European integration since the end of the Cold War. Above all, he noted, has been the historic peace it has brought to the continent. While violent conflicts have continued in parts of the continent outside the EU, relations among its member states have been fundamentally transformed, turning former rivals into close partners and creating an area of stability, cooperation, and prosperity unprecedented in European history.

At the same time, Gerald warned that this progress cannot be taken for granted. Authoritarian and nationalist forces are gaining strength both within and outside Europe, from Vladimir Putin in the east to movements inspired by MAGA politics in the west, aligning with far-right actors inside the EU. In this context, Gerald argued, it is essential for democratic forces to defend the European project. Rather than giving in to pessimism, Europeans should speak clearly and proudly about the achievements of integration and the risks that a return to nationalism would pose for peace and stability on the continent.