"Not everything that comes out of Brussels is bad. Of course, mistakes have been made, and more will follow. But to describe Europe as a failed project is rubbish."
— Elmar Brok, Member of the European Parliament 1980 – 2019
Prominent Opinions
93 posts
Here you will find interesting opinions, articles and essays by prominent European personalities from business, politics and science on the subject of Europe, including all articles from the article series “Europa kann es besser” (“Europe can do better”), which was initiated together with the “Handelsblatt” in the run-up of the European elections 2019.
"Improving Europe in terms of employment, climate and social cohesion will only be possible, if we make joint constructive efforts. The Member States could do more to improve its competitive position for example in the field of artificial intelligence. I firmly believe we can seize opportunities in a united Europe."
— Frans van Houten, CEO Royal Philips
"Stable societies based on the rule of law ensure democracy, prosperity and peace. That is precisely why we believe in the European idea. We must make our voice heard and vote for the people who best represent our hopes and dreams for our children, so that they too can live in peace and prosperity."
— Karl Guha, CEO Van Lanschot Kempen
"I call for a strong European agenda that invests in its citizens, in sustainable socio-economic developments, in our environment, and in fair trade. Global competition requires a level playing field in which fair trade is guaranteed. We must strengthen our competitiveness and update European competition rules."
— Jean-François van Boxmeer, CEO Heineken
"Young people do not think too deeply about the European peace project, but they casually accept the benefits of the international community. However, they do not give the EU institutions good grades. A change process is urgently needed. Otherwise, the EU risks losing its most important electorate."
— Angelika Gifford, member of different Supervisory Boards
"Europe is a great collection of cultures, a community that is powerful in its union and one that has achieved – and can still achieve – a great deal."
— Simone Menne, Manager and multi Supervisory Board Member
"The EU represents itself as a peaceful resolver of conflicts and platform for continent-wide development. These are its best export products and worth both the effort and cost of maintenance."
— Antti Herlin, Chairman of the Board KONE Corporation
"Europe is lacking efficiency these days. Germany has every reason to act smaller on the European stage and needs to stop making solitary decisions."
— Dr. Jürgen Großmann, entrepreneur and founder of United Europe
"The generation of the Second World War is no longer there. Today's citizens of the EU must beware of nationalist tendencies."
— Reinhold Würth, Chairman of the Supervisory Board Würth Group
"It is not yet clear how Europe intends to position itself for the coming years and decades. Let us unite in ensuring that tomorrow's Europe will be an open Europe."
— Dr. Dieter Zetsche, former CEO Daimler AG
"What we lack are growth stars and starlets. We should therefore ask ourselves what needs to be done to get more European companies back into this league."
— Andreas Treichl, Chairman of the Management Board, Erste Group Bank AG
