Düsseldorf – ESI at “mittwochgespräch” on values, migration and Europe’s future

21 May 2025
Düsseldorf. Photo: flickr / Ruhrgebietskind
Düsseldorf. Photo: flickr / Ruhrgebietskind

ESI’s Gerald Knaus was invited to speak at the “mittwochsgespräche” in Düsseldorf, a long-standing discussion series jointly organised by Maxhaus – Catholic City House, the Düsseldorf Adult Education Centre, and EUROPE DIRECT Düsseldorf.

Under the title “Who do we want to be? Morality, migration and Europe’s values”, Gerald addressed the current challenges facing Europe’s asylum and migration policy. He warned that war, irregular migration and rising populism threaten the foundations of European democracy and called for policies that are both effective and humane.

Gerald argued that the EU must regain control over migration while upholding the rule of law and human dignity. He rejected authoritarian models and stressed the need for pragmatic, courageous approaches to defend Europe’s peace, freedom and prosperity.