Marcus Rüdiger (centre), Head of Sales and Marketing at Stadtwerke Tecklenburger Land Energie GmbH, presented a donation to the chairwoman of the Europa-Union in the Steinfurt district, Dr. Angelika Kordfelder, and her deputy, Bernd Weber. (Photo: Stadtwerke Tecklenburg Land GmbH & Co. KG)
Commitment is more relevant than ever after 75 years
“What is peace in Europe worth to us?” – this is the motto under which the Europa-Union in the district of Steinfurt is currently commemorating the 75th anniversary of the non-partisan and independent association, which is committed to a united Europe. On the occasion of the anniversary, the Europa-Union, which is deeply rooted in the Tecklenburger Land, is organizing two European evenings with songs and poetry on September 16th in Westerkappeln and on September 23rd in Ibbenbüren. “Your commitment is more relevant today than ever,” said Marcus Rüdiger, Head of Sales and Marketing at Stadtwerke Tecklenburger Land Energie GmbH, at the meeting with Chairwoman Dr. Angelika Kordfelder and deputy Bernd Weber. The regional energy supplier supports the cultural events in the region with a donation of 500 euros.
The Europa-Union is involved independently and non-partisan at the European, national and regional levels. Bernd Weber, who wrote the Time.news for the anniversary, explained how deeply the Europa-Union is rooted in the Tecklenburger Land. In 1947, Ernst Barschdorf from Ibbenbüren, as one of the leading minds, campaigned for the founding of a regional association of the Europa-Union and was elected the first chairman of the Westphalia-North district group. In Westerkappeln it was Ernst Hoffmann who promoted the European idea in his home town in the difficult years immediately after the end of the Second World War. “After the terrible experiences of the war, this spoke of a deep longing for peace and the resolution ‘never again’,” said Dr. Angelika Kordfelder.
European evenings with songs and poetry
The Europa-Union celebrates twice in the supply area of Stadtwerke Tecklenburg Land with songs and poetry on the European idea. On Friday, September 16, from 7 p.m. in the comprehensive school in Westerkappeln and on Friday, September 23, from 7 p.m. in the community center in Ibbenbüren, the cabaret artist Ingrid Helmer (known from the ensemble “Dietutnix”), the musicians Nobert Richter ( piano), Brigitte Beckmann (vocals), Hermann Richter (guitar), and Peter Ricken (violin and guitar) on stage. They present songs by Billy Joel, Hannes Wader, John Lennon, Silbermond and texts by Kurt Tucholsky, Erich Kästner and others. Interested parties can still register for the events.
Traveling exhibition “Hope for Generations”
The exhibition “Europe – Hope for Generations”, which has been on view in Westerkappeln and Ibbenbüren in recent weeks, reveals that a united Europe is a place of longing, especially for young people. To this end, during this year’s Europe Week in spring, the Europa-Union asked a graduating class at the Technical School in Steinfurt about their image of Europe. The results show that European values such as intellectual and democratic freedom, peace and security or the freedom to travel are valuable assets, especially for the younger generation. Funded by the NRW Ministry for Federal and European Affairs and International Affairs, the statements made by those surveyed were combined into a traveling exhibition and presented in schools and public places in the district, among other places.
Registration for all those interested in the events on September 16th and 23rd in Westerkappeln and Ibbenbüren at [email protected] or telephone 02551/ 692161. Admission free. Donations are collected for the Ukraine aid.