Green and Smart – The EU Must Build on Its Core Strengths

Eighty years after World War II – the largest and bloodiest conflict in human history – ended in Europe, the many commemorative events serve as stark reminders of where violence and terror can lead. Yet they also celebrate how the EU has become a unique peace project, bringing former enemies like Germany and France closely together. This living example of international cooperation is more vital than ever in an era of rising nationalism and Machiavellian politics.

The EU, whose achievements we celebrate on Europe Day, May 9, is needed not only as a haven of understanding, stability, and predictability. It stands as a prime example of how openness and interconnection drive prosperity. The European single market has grown by eight to nine percent on average over its three decades. In practical terms: Without the EU, GDP per capita would be notably lower across member states – four percent less in France, five percent in Germany, and nearly eight percent in the Netherlands.

Thinking Without Borders

A Europe without borders means much more than the free exchange of goods and services. For me, our community of 27 represents thinking without limitations. It stands for openness to new ideas and experiences, the joy of exchange and discussion, and the freedom of research and teaching. These achievements need protecting, especially when science and established media face mounting challenges elsewhere, along with climate and environmental protection.

This brings me from praising the European Union to addressing how it must evolve – precisely in these areas: sustainability, openness, and innovation. The future belongs to them!

Sustainability: 2024, as the warmest year on record, has starkly reminded us that climate change represents one of humanity's greatest threats – not least economically. If we don't act now, we'll pay a far higher price later. Studies suggest the global economy could suffer income losses of 19 percent by 2050 due to climate change – six times more than the cost of limiting global warming to two degrees.

The EU should therefore develop into a hub for what will become increasingly sought after: green technologies and products. With the Clean Industrial Deal, the EU Commission, after initial over-enthusiasm, is now on the right track – combining climate neutrality goals with increased competitiveness and support for strong industry.

Creating an Industry-Friendly Environment

Strengthening the industrial base is urgently needed. In the chemical sector alone – the EU's fourth-largest industry – over eleven million tons of production capacity had to be discontinued in the past two years, partly due to numerous unfavorable conditions. Yet the chemical and plastics industry is crucial for intelligent sustainability solutions.

This brings me to innovation. Here too, the Commission has recognized the signs of the times, aiming to strengthen research in Europe with another half billion euros and attract international scientists. Hopefully, they will find an intellectual climate where oversimplifying populism, us-versus-them thinking, and susceptibility to autocracy don't continue to spread.

Standing out as a think tank and maintaining course toward sustainability – that's already significant progress. With the right economic policy adjustments – lower energy prices, less bureaucracy and micromanagement, more international partnerships – Europe's industrial future looks promising.