United Europe - competitive and diverse

Ensuring peace, freedom, and prosperity requires effective prioritisation in defence, security, and both foreign and domestic affairs. Yet, the true importance of the European Parliament often goes unnoticed by many voters. Brussels plays a pivotal role in shaping policies concerning the single market, the economy, freedom of movement, climate protection, sustainability and innovation, surpassing common perceptions.

Over the past five years, Europe has grappled with significant challenges such as the Green Deal, the response to the coronavirus pandemic, and the energy crisis. To bolster Europe's competitiveness , it is imperative to enact intelligent and sustainable economic and industrial policies for the future. This entails forcing an industrial pact, aimed at fostering economic growth and enhancing competitiveness.

Günther H. Oettinger
President of United Europe e.V.

The European idea is fundamental for our democracy, history and values. And Europe ist our only chance to maintain relevance in a world that is changing ever faster.

Thus, we must continue to develop the European idea and concentrate on few major projects like defence, energy, mobility or aspects of digital.

Dr Leonhard Birnbaum, CEO, E.ON SE

A strong, capable, and integrated Europe is not ‘nice to have’ – it is a strategic necessity!
But in times of geopolitical crisis, threats to the inner fabric of our democratic Europe have risen in step with its growing importance. Nationalism and populism across the continent weaken its very foundation. Only together, as a strong and united Europe, can we navigate the complex and interconnected global challenges that we are facing.

Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger, President of the Foundation Council of the Munich Security Conference

The ongoing transformation process in industry is currently being paralyzed by very high electricity prices. Including additional costs, we pay twice the European level in Germany. Throughout Europe, average electricity prices are significantly higher than in America and Asia. The competitiveness of industry is at risk and electricity prices are eating up the money that in many cases was earmarked for investment.

Dr Alexander Becker, CEO Georgsmarienhütte Holding GmbH

The European Union guarantees like no other region in the world the 5 core values: freedom, peace, wealth, human rights and social protection

However, Europe has completely relied on the help of others:

Outsourcing for defence and the digital revolution to the US
Industrial and high-tech core competences to China
and energy to Russia

Europe’s future depends on controlling and advancing these capabilities, so it is more than urgent for Europe to step-up its geo-political role and responsibility. Europe has the intellectual strength and a significant financial superiority to also become a super-power and to re-insource all these capabilities that are needed, especially in the actual globally challenging constellation.

So the EU needs to hugely invest in dual-use technologies in order to catch-up, and into infrastructure of our Southern neighbours, Africa, who can become our energy partners. This can re-spark significant growth in Europe and allow us to protect freedom, peace, wealth, human rights and social welfare for us and for others.

Martin Schoeller, CEO Schoeller Holding

Europe is the exit from our self-inflicted immaturity.

Klaus Welle, Chairman of the Academic Council of the Martens Centre, former Secretary General of the European Parliament

Europe needs the support of a high performing transport infrastructure in order to compete. Otherwise it will not be able to accomodate future transport growth.

Dr Richard Lutz, CEO Deutsche Bahn AG

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

As a supporter of promoting European diversity and innovation, I strongly endorse the notion of not just dictating regulations, but actively backing technologies that integrate environmental sustainability, efficiency, and economic feasibility. Decision-making should be based on experience and factual evidence rather than ideology. Our primary emphasis should be on guaranteeing a reliable provision of raw materials and energy, enabling us to produce 80% of our energy domestically, irrespective of its origin. This approach is pivotal in shaping Europe's future.

Wolfgang Moyses, CEO SURTECO GROUP SE

In these difficult times, we need a united Europe more than ever.

Antti Herlin, Chairman of the Board KONE Corporation

A united Europe ist stronger and more valuable for the European states, for European citizens and for the world.

Ignacio S. Galán, Chairman and CEO of Iberdrola

Our world is on fire. We live in a time of unpeace.

Moderation, respect, and international understanding seem to lose ground, aggression, populism, greed, intolerance and disrespect for international rules and law are in the ascendant!

In this world of uncertainty, Europe can and should be the continent of hope, but more than that: a haven of peace, stability and prosperity, rule of law and progress.

United Europe, our association, attempts to re-awaken the enthusiasm and foresightfulness of the founding fathers of the EU, Schuman, de Gasperi, de Gaulle, Adenauer, to name a few. We want Europeans, young promising people early in their career, as well as business leaders, to identify with European ideas and to actively bring them forward. While at the same time embracing diversity and competitiveness.

Dr. Jürgen Großmann, entrepreneur and founder of United Europe

Europe can take a leading role in shaping the economic and social future. We have to think about Europe as a whole, and present our unique strenghts confidently on the global stage.

Ralf Wintergerst, CEO Giesecke + Devrient

Dr Hannes Ametsreiter, former CEO Vodafone Germany

Europe finally needs an answer to the US digital model. Governments should therefore invest in digitisation and technology.

Dr Hannes Ametsreiter, former CEO Vodafone Germany

"Europe is our Business"

Why United Europe?

United Europe is a pro-European network working to keep Europe a force for peace, democracy and prosperity. Our mission is to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness – ideologically, politically, and economically – through targeted programs and initiatives.

Networking

United Europe organizes roundtables, panel discussions, Stammtische and networking events that bring together members from across Europe. Our community includes family businesses, SMEs, multinational companies and more than 350 individuals, all united by a shared vision of a strong and prosperous Europe.

Young Leaders

The Young Leaders Program empowers exceptional talents to become the leaders who will shape Europe’s future. By connecting emerging changemakers with senior decision-makers across Europe, the program fosters meaningful dialogue, diversity of thought, and intergenerational collaboration.

Working Groups

United Europe’s working groups bring together members and experts to develop ideas, recommendations and initiatives. They provide a platform for exchanging expertise, shaping strategic initiatives and strengthening a shared European perspective across different fields and sectors.