Lukas Fabian Goslar

There is a phrase I often say in political discussions to explain my perspective on Europe: „I am a grandchild.“ What do I mean by that? My grandparents and the elders among us have had to learn painfully where the abandonment of democratic values and the division of society into extreme positions can lead. I, as a young person am very grateful for the gift of being born in the midst of a continent that has learned from its war-torn past and formed a union of peace and exchange. But this learning process must be preserved, continued and lived. I see this as my responsibility to my grandparents and to my continent.

I am convinced that European decision-makers must once again become role models and bearers of responsibility in maintaining the open democracy that we have achieved on the stony and bloody path that our grandparents’ generation has walked in the past – and in holding our society together and bringing it together, across different backgrounds, imprints and realities of life.

It is time for social innovation, social progress, far-sighted diplomacy internally and externally, and a new rapprochement, a coming together of different positions based on our common values as human beings.
I personally feel obliged to the European Union to stand up for cohesion, and togetherness and against division in the face of rising populism. Europe has set an example for the whole world in terms of international understanding and cooperation. This exemplary position must be strengthened and cultivated.