Tübingen – ESI discusses how young people can defend Europe

Tübingen. Photo: ESI

ESI’s Gerald Knaus travelled to Tübingen and Saarbrücken to discuss ESI’s recent research with local high school students.

In these meetings, Gerald argued that free Europe is in danger and democratic values can no longer be taken for granted. He explained that renewed authoritarian nationalist movements, supported by actors such as Vladimir Putin, are actively trying to destabilise Europe, including by increasing pressure through migration from Ukraine. These developments have strengthened far-right parties such as Alternative für Deutschland and Rassemblement National, which have proven particularly successful in shaping debates online and influencing younger audiences.

Addressing pupils directly, Gerald underlined that the future of democracy depends on their generation. He stressed that Europe’s achievements – peace, prosperity, and strong institutions – are not permanent, but must be actively defended and renewed. Young people, he argued, have a central role to play: by questioning information, resisting manipulation, and engaging in public debate, they help protect democratic values. Using digital tools responsibly and confidently sharing Europe’s success story, they can ensure that openness, cooperation, and freedom remain at the core of Europe’s future.

Saarbrucken Event. Photo: JEF Saarbrucken.

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