Chemnitz – ESI on EU enlargement, migration and Europe’s unseen wars

20 May 2025
Gerald Knaus and Roland Löffler, director of the Saxon State Agency for Civic Education. Photo: Sächsische Landeszentrale für politische Bildung
Gerald Knaus and Roland Löffler, director of the Saxon State Agency for Civic Education. Photo: Sächsische Landeszentrale für politische Bildung

ESI’s Gerald Knaus spoke at a public event in the city of Glauchau near Chemnitz organised by the Saxon State Agency for Civic Education. The lecture was part of the new reading series “Europa quer gelesen”, launched in the context of Chemnitz being the European Capital of Culture 2025.

In his presentation, Gerald challenged the idea that war had only “returned” to Europe with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He reminded the audience that the continent had already witnessed violent wars, expulsions and genocide since the 1990s, particularly in parts of Europe not yet integrated into the European Union. He argued that the EU’s post-Kosovo enlargement had been a direct answer to these crises – a success story that should be recalled and built upon.

With a focus on migration and EU enlargement, Gerald advocated for a European policy that is both realistic and idealistic. He called for new incentives for the ten EU candidate countries, such as early access to the European Economic Area, recalling Austria’s own experience prior to its EU accession in 1995. He also warned of the dangers of political stagnation and urged the EU to revive its peace narrative as a unifying project for the future.

On the same day, Gerald also participated in an expert workshop on migration in Chemnitz. Organised by the Saxon State Agency for Civic Education, the discussion brought together around twenty practitioners, including integration officers, job centre directors and representatives of local immigration authorities. The exchange focused on practical migration challenges in Saxony and possible policy responses.