Vienna – ESI presentation on a realistic strategy to defend peace and freedom in Europe

Wien Museum. Photo: flickr / Sandor Somkuti

ESI’s Gerald Knaus spoke at Wien Museum in Vienna in a conversation with museum director Matti Bunzl. In front of a full house, Gerald presented arguments for a new, realistic vision of Europe at a time of profound uncertainty – asking what kind of Europe we need to defend peace, democracy and freedom.

He warned that Europe’s post-Cold War order is under threat as never before: from Russia’s war of conquest in Ukraine, from polarising fears over migration, and from rising illiberalism across the continent. Trust in the European Union is eroding, especially among younger Europeans. What is needed, Gerald argued, is a politics that can inspire – rooted in history, backed by values, and capable of mobilising democratic majorities.

Drawing on historical examples and recent crises, Gerald put forward the case for a Europe without war, political prisoners or torture. He outlined how such a vision can be turned into concrete policy – and why it is essential to act now to preserve Europe’s greatest achievement: a continent of peace.

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