Steinmeier & Van der Bellen Urge Europe to “Reinvent Itself” Amidst Geopolitical Shifts
Table of Contents
Europe must adapt to a rapidly changing world, strengthening its security and unity in the face of new threats, according to a joint appeal issued by the Federal Presidents of Germany and Austria. the call for a renewed European Union comes ahead of Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s state visit to austria, beginning Tuesday.
The two leaders emphasized the remarkable peace and stability Europe has enjoyed for seven decades, a “miracle” built on economic cooperation and a shared vision. “After two devastating world wars,millions of deaths and unprecedented destruction,there has been continuous peace and stability for seven decades between the states that took part in the European project,” they stated. This journey began with securing economic survival and evolved into a broader commitment to “growth and prosperity, freedom, democracy and the rule of law for around 450 million people.”
A Double Epochal Break
However, this progress is now challenged by what the presidents termed a “double epochal break.” The February 24, 2022, Russian invasion of Ukraine reintroduced war to the continent and concurrently exposed vulnerabilities in the transatlantic security framework. This shift demands a fundamental reassessment of Europe’s role in its own defense.
“We Europeans can no longer rely on others,” the statement asserts. “We must ensure our own protection and credibly strengthen our own defense capability and deterrence. Europe must guarantee its own security, also in order not to be seen by others as weak and controllable.”
Beyond the EU: A Broader European Vision
The concept of “Europe” extends beyond the boundaries of the European Union, encompassing nations like Great Britain and Norway, which play “central roles.” A unified approach, leveraging the strengths of all European nations, is crucial. “We as europe must and will make a greater contribution to this goal,” the presidents declared.
The need for reinvention stems from a broader recognition that the geopolitical landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation. “In the geopolitical turning point we are experiencing, Europe must reinvent itself,” they wrote. “We need new confidence, new courage and the firm determination to preserve the achievements of the European project for future generations.”
Solidarity as a Shield
The leaders warned that internal divisions pose a critically important threat to European cohesion. “Every bombing of Ukrainian cities by Russian missiles, every provocation by drones or cyber attacks tests our European cohesion,” they emphasized. Maintaining solidarity and resisting attempts to sow discord are vital to safeguarding the European way of life.
Failure to act decisively risks extinguishing the “fire of the European idea.” However, the presidents expressed optimism, citing Europe’s ancient resilience. “We Europeans have shown often enough that we can overcome crises if we act as one,” they stated. “We can and will – we are both convinced of this – overcome the challenges of our time to let this fire flare up again and pass it on to the next generation.”
president Steinmeier’s visit to Austria,from Tuesday to Thursday,centers around the opening of the new German embassy in Vienna. He is also scheduled to meet w
