Many Europeans are looking ahead to the next elections with great concern, whether they be regional, national or European. And the prospect of nationalist, anti-European and undemocratic parties gaining further ground is making quite a few people's hair stand on end. Ave Europa, a new European political movement, wants to prevent another victory for anti-European and undemocratic parties. It wants to offer conservatives, liberals and centre-right voters who are dissatisfied with current economic, energy and migration policies a European and democratic alternative. Below is an interview with Nikodem Skrobisz, co-founder of the German branch of Ave Europa, who is also responsible for the organisation's communications.
Nothing is more difficult for me than writing a few lines about myself. Yet there is quite a lot to report, especially in a small online magazine with a European focus. During the 2009 European elections, I had the privilege of representing the trans-European citizens' movement Newropeans at the top of the list in Germany. Politically speaking, it was the most exciting time of my life, but also the most exhausting. It was, so to speak, my political ‘great achievement’, which cost me a lot of time, energy, nerves and money. I have no regrets.
Stop whining about Europe falling further and further behind in terms of innovative companies! The Europe-wide introduction of EU Inc. offers the chance for a unique breakthrough: The so-called ‘28th regime’, a legal form for companies valid throughout the EU, allows start-ups to overcome the fragmentation of the European single market, drastically digitises and simplifies the process of setting up a business, facilitates their growth, demonstrates the political will to reduce bureaucracy, promotes economic development in general – and fills many creative and committed young Europeans with confidence for a successful career on their own continent! Hello, politicians in Brussels and at national government headquarters: take the plunge and ‘just do it’, get rid of many problems in one fell swoop – make a difference – and turn the tide for us in Europe!
Europe is not just in Brussels. Europe is everywhere where Europeans meet, where they talk to each other or do business with each other. When it comes to products from European soil such as grain, there has been a truly European ‘institution’ for 65 years – the European Commodity Exchange. Every year, it organises exchange days in different European cities with the aim of bringing market participants together and promoting economic success. In 2025, the European Commodities Exchange will be coming to Berlin on 15 and 16 October.
We should be grateful to Trump. No other American president before him would have been so blatant in publicly demonstrating the powerlessness of the Europeans. This power imbalance angers many committed Europeans. But this is precisely where a great opportunity lies. Now the last ones in Europe should understand: Firstly, unity counts, and secondly, those who cannot defend themselves are dependent and will not be taken seriously. This almost inevitably leads to the realisation that Europeans are best defended together. Even if defence remains a national responsibility, the EU serves as the most important vehicle for pooling national efforts and giving Europe a voice on the global stage. The goal must be an independent Europe and peace in Europe (Pax Europaea). (1)