To make it clear right away: we want a strong Europe. And we need a strong Europe. The elections to the European Parliament will not only determine how we are governed over the next five years. They will also clarify what future the EU has.
Less EU or, as some are demanding, even leaving it altogether – that is a dangerous mistake. A prosperous, democratic and secure future is only possible with the European Union. But one thing is also clear: the EU must change because the world is changing. The EU must become better, more capable of action and less technocratic in an increasingly complicated world. We believe that this can succeed.
That is why it is so important that as many people as possible go to vote on June 9th. And that they choose a pro-European party. A democratic party that is capable of making healthy compromises for the good of Europe. A party that wants to govern, shape the future and stabilize our economic location.
A party that does not want to make the EU unable to maneuver with cheap populism and dangerous extremism. This brutalization of political culture is damaging our country and Europe. History does not repeat itself – and yet the downfall of the Weimar Republic should serve as a clear warning to us about nationalists and extremists.
The European Union must be shaped by politicians who act constructively, openly and realistically. Who strive every day to find the best solution. By people who do not want to devalue and destroy the European idea, who do not always block and oppose it. Democracy is difficult, but it is worth every effort.
To put it just as clearly: we, the social partners, can partly understand the frustration with the EU that some voters feel. Much of what is decided in Brussels seems distant and technocratic.
Europe is a great opportunity, also for the future of Germany as a business location. Now it is a matter of strengthening Europe’s internal market and securing social prosperity as well as the foundation of high-performing companies and workforces. More must be done to secure growth, jobs and industrial value chains in the transformation and to facilitate investment. This is the only way we will be competitive in the global economic competition with the USA and China.
We social partners remain optimistic. We firmly believe that the EU can improve. That innovations can be supported and unnecessary bureaucracy can be reduced. And we will not tire of demanding this from the Commission and parliamentarians. Focus on the big issues – and get less involved in the small issues. Then people’s acceptance of Europe will also increase.
Geopolitically and geoeconomically, Europe is under massive pressure – at least since the start of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. Paralyzing the EU through national unilateral action would have fatal consequences. We can only tackle the challenges of the future in close alliance with our friends and partners. And there is a lot on the agenda: ecological transformation, migration, globalization, digitalization, preserving our prosperity and our welfare state – and, last but not least, securing peace within the EU and NATO.
We must not forget: There is a lot to be said for the EU. European unification, which began after the Second World War, is the greatest political success story of our time. The EU stands for democracy, economic prosperity, social stability – and peace. The European internal market with 27 member states and almost 450 million citizens is our home market. It forms the basis for our prosperity.
We only have to look at Great Britain – there you can see the catastrophic effects of a departure from the European single market. The numbers speak for themselves: 1.8 million jobs have disappeared in Great Britain as a result of Brexit. The country is losing 163 billion euros a year as a result of its exit from the EU, according to a study by Cambridge Econometrics. In 2023, the British will have an average of around 2,330 euros less per capita in their accounts. Economic output would be six percent higher if Great Britain had not left the EU.
Germany in particular, a country in the middle of the continent with eight direct EU neighbors, has benefited from the European internal market in recent decades like hardly any other country. Well over half of the products manufactured here are exported to other EU countries. If Germany were to leave the EU, high customs duties would have to be paid for this.
That would be poison for an export nation. 2.5 million jobs in Germany would be threatened after a Dexit, according to estimates by the German Economic Institute in Cologne. Anyone who is thinking of voting for an anti-European or extremist party should ask themselves: Is this my future?
We social partners do not see eye to eye on many issues, that is the nature of things. We debate a lot and intensely – and we argue hard when necessary. But we agree on our basic values and pull together.
This also applies to Europe: we will not allow the European idea to be destroyed by illiberal and anti-progressive forces. Protectionism and national unilateralism are not a solution. If we want to preserve democracy, the rule of law and prosperity and play a role on the world stage, we need a strong, united, competitive and independent Europe.
European unification is a success story, similar to that of the Federal Republic of Germany. In many respects, we are better off than our forefathers. Let us continue to write these stories instead of dismantling them. In this election, we have the chance to make Europe a better place with our vote.
