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According to the leader of the conservative European People's Party (EPP), Manfred Weber, Europe should once again believe in its internal market and generate growth on its own. This included a capital union so that around 200 billion euros would not flow out of European banks, particularly to the USA, as well as an energy union between Germany and France, the Czech Republic, Poland or Austria and an innovation union not only for technological innovations, but also to defeat diseases such as cancer, for example. Weber held the traditional European speech at the Berlin Alliance Forum on Monday evening. The CSU politician outlined his ideas about the future of the European Union. The EPP is the largest group in the EU Parliament and, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Parliament President Roberta Metsola, the most important leading positions.

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If the USA and China became increasingly difficult as trading partners, Europe would have to look for new partners, Weber urged. “Europe has a crazy chance of becoming the center of a rules-based trade order again.” Anyone who is disappointed in Donald Trump must vote for contracts such as the Mercosur Agreement with Latin America, which will bring 750 million consumers together in one market. Such agreements are “the best anti-Trump agreements,” he explained to the applause of the audience.

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The long-standing European politician only briefly touched on the issue of cutting red tape in the EU. Brussels is taking business concerns about over-regulation seriously. For example, the EU Parliament wants to vote again on a defused supply chain law on Thursday after a compromise broke in October. The law, which is extremely controversial in business, aims to raise awareness of environmental protection and respect for human rights through extensive reporting requirements. Until now, it has applied to companies with 1,000 employees or more; in future, according to the wishes of the EPP (and the Social Democrats and Liberals), it should only apply to corporations with 5,000 employees or more. The EPP leader said he himself was in favor of applying the law only to large corporations, but not to medium-sized industries. He hoped to find a majority in Parliament in favor of this.

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Europe must think big, he continued. The question is whether the Union has the courage to continue the success story of enlargement. Weber campaigned for the Republic of Moldova to join the EU as well. He has the greatest respect for their President Maia Sandu — whose party is a member of the EPP — who managed to organize pro-European majorities against Russian influence before the recent election. The country is passionate about European ideas. “In my opinion, it would be the worst historical mistake if we shut the door on these people.” The EU must provide historic answers before the end of this legislative period. There is also much disillusion and disappointment in the Western Balkans. The Union could either export European stability to these countries or bring instability in the Western Balkans to Europe. However, the EU could not only think about enlargement, but must also recognize its own limits. Weber does not see Turkey as a future member of the EU, but, like Great Britain or Switzerland, it must be offered close cooperation opportunities.

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Strengthen European defense and fostering “healthy European patriotism”

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According to the EPP group leader, Europe should also invest more in its defense capabilities. In a world of turmoil, the continent is militarily quite vulnerable. “We now need the courage to say a clear yes to the European defense pillar. Now is the right time to do so.” This includes more efficient procurement, as well as joint defense through a drone wall or missile defense on the EU's eastern border. And when Switzerland, for example, asks Germany for data on drone risks, why isn't there also a joint European picture of the situation, suggested Weber. Or why couldn't European troops also assume joint responsibility abroad? Europe currently has no competence in military issues. However, Europeans must think about how to invest in European structures in addition to the strengths of national defense power.

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Europeans, Weber insisted, should be proud of the “European way of life.” And the members of the EU must also be able to give Europe success. Compared to countries such as Switzerland, the EU has achieved good results in customs disputes with the USA, as well as in limiting migration across the Mediterranean or the Balkan route. “We must stop saying that the sun is shining in the national capitals and that it is constantly raining in Brussels.” Until now, Europe has only ever been functionally justified; in future, it should see itself more as a community of fate with “healthy European patriotism.” “For us, regional, national and European identities belong together. ”

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He assured critics who had recently accused Weber of fooling with right-wing fringe parties in the European Parliament that the Christian Democrats would only work with parties that were pro-European, pro-Ukrainian and pro-rule of law. “Our clear distinction from those who fight and hate Europe is beyond doubt. ”

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The annual European event is organized by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. Its chairman, former Bundestag President Norbert Lammert, presided over it for the last time. On December 16, the party foundation will elect a new leader. Former Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has thrown her hat into the ring. ‍

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