Europe’s role in the world and Germany’s responsibility in the context of global crises were the focus of a public meeting organised by the European Democratic Party on Monday 15 December in Bitburg Town Hall. The event, hosted by MEP Joachim Streit at the invitation of the EDP, brought together over 300 participants interested in discussing the future of the European Union and the concrete contribution that European politics can offer citizens.
Joachim Streit opened the evening by presenting the European Democratic Party, its role in the European Parliament and the work carried out by the EDP in Brussels and Strasbourg. His introduction clarified the party’s centrist and liberal vision, which is geared towards strengthening the Union as a credible global player, capable of combining economic growth, social cohesion and respect for the rule of law.
The debate quickly moved on to two key issues on the European agenda: the possible use of frozen Russian state funds as collateral for new loans and the controversial rules on the end of combustion engines by 2035. These issues directly call into question the responsibility of German politics and its impact on European decisions, highlighting the need for pragmatic and coordinated choices at EU level.
In his speech, journalist and commentator Jan Fleischhauer offered a critical reading of Germany’s role in Europe, also focusing on the political legacy of Angela Merkel’s years in office. Fleischhauer stressed that Germany, as Europe’s leading economic power, must decisively address its internal difficulties in order to return to exercising constructive and credible leadership within the European Union.
The discussion between Fleischhauer and Joachim Streit, which lasted over two hours and was enriched by numerous questions from the audience, highlighted the importance of open dialogue between European institutions, political forces and citizens. The initiative confirmed the role of the European Democratic Party in promoting a Europe that is closer to local communities, capable of being understood and experienced on the ground. The strong turnout and enthusiasm of the audience point to a clear path forward: strengthening Europe’s presence at the local level is one of the keys to building the future of the Union, and it is a direction in which the EDP intends to continue investing.
