Enthusiasm for Europe
Bürger Europas (Citizens of Europe) is an initiative that aims to increase people’s enthusiasm for the European ideal. An interview on the initiative’s goals.
Bürger Europas has dedicated itself to the task of increasing people’s enthusiasm for the European project. Since 2001 the association has been working to make the advantages of European integration tangible and to increase knowledge about the EU.
Mr. Wolf, your maxim is a saying of Victor Hugo: “Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.” How difficult is it to persuade people that the time is ripe for Europe?
It continues to be very difficult. During the last ten years there have been a series of problems that have prevented the majority of people becoming enthusiastic about Europe. It began with the introduction of the euro and then came the eastern enlargement of the EU, which was followed by the failed constitution and soon afterwards the financial crisis.
How do you counteract that? What are your three strongest arguments for Europe?
The best argument is reflected in the motto of the EU: “Unity in diversity”. The diversity that the 28 members contribute is something we must draw much greater attention to. The second argument is that there is no alternative. One European country alone cannot play a role in the orchestra of world powers. I always look for a third argument in the relevant target group. I tell older people, for example, what Europe does for their security. You have to explain Europe in very personal terms.
Your most important target group is probably young people. How do you approach Europe’s youth and how well do you get your message across?
We refuse to explain Europe in terms of bureaucracy. Instead we rely on a combination of entertainment and information to initiate dialogue with young people – for example, on the EU’s mobility programmes.
One often gets the impression that “Europe” sounds good to young people, but the EU does not.
That’s true. Europe is primarily something positive, which young people associate with travelling and greater opportunities. But they tend to know little about the concrete work of the different institutions. The EU is relatively unknown to them and – I must admit – also relatively unpopular.
Associations like yours are trying to change that. Shouldn’t the EU make a stronger effort itself?
The EU does a lot in this area and provides a great deal of support for civil society efforts like those in which we and others are engaged. I think it’s good that the EU doesn’t attempt to secure a monopoly on its presentation, but supports diversity in that field too.