Amsterdam – ESI presentation at the Duitslaand Instituut on the success of European integration

9 October 2025
Gerald at the University of Amsterdam. Photo: Gerald Knaus
Gerald at the University of Amsterdam. Photo: Gerald Knaus

ESI’s Gerald Knaus gave a presentation to discuss his research for his upcoming book, Which Europe Do We Need, in Amsterdam. This discussion was organized by the Duitslaand Instituut, a research centre on German affairs associated with the University of Amsterdam.

In his presentation, Gerald placed Europe’s situation in historical perspective. Since 1945 the continent has experienced both remarkable prosperity and serious conflict. From this, Gerald drew two lessons. First, European integration is a peace project: while wars have taken place on Europe’s edges, from Kosovo to Ukraine, relations among EU member states have been transformed, with former rivals such as Germany and Denmark now close partners. Second, peace has depended on transatlantic deterrence. NATO has discouraged powers such as Russia from threatening the sovereignty of states such as Poland or the Baltic countries – enabling their remarkable political transformations and economic miracle.

Turning to the present, Gerald warned that these achievements are under threat. Vladimir Putin and other illiberal leaders seek to push Europe back towards nationalism and conflict, partnering with anti-European far-right parties. Gerald concluded that Europe must defend its achievements against these new threats with confidence and determination, building on its successes by further deepening its integration and strengthening its common defence.

In addition to his presentation, Gerald attended a master’s seminar on German and European refugee policy in Germany between 2014 and 2017, taught by head of the Duitslaand Instituut Prof. Hanco Jürgens. There, Gerald talked with students about ESI’s work in creating the 2016 EU-Turkey migration deal and the future of migration cooperation in Europe.

Podium Discussion. Photo: ESI
Podium Discussion. Photo: ESI