Former German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer (Greens) saw a “historic crisis” in Europe and warned against Putin’s success. José Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission, was optimistic in the face of critical voices.
Not only is war back in Europe, the same applies to “power politics” and “nationalism” – as a “terrible threat” from within, said Fischer, who was Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister in a red-green coalition from 1998 to 2005. The former top German politician warned urgently against a Russian victory in Ukraine. “It is time to open the history books,” said Fischer. Putin would not stop in such a case. Europe must be able to defend itself and “deter aggressors before they attack.” Overall, it needs “convinced Europeans” who “fight” for the ideals and are also prepared to take risks.
Putin’s “imperialist behavior” is “unacceptable,” stressed James O’Brien, US Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia: “Ukraine must win.” The time before the election in his home country must now be used to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. A new US president will then build on this, O’Brien hoped – regardless of who wins the election. “In the end, we always did the right thing,” stressed the American.
Strengthening of “anti-European forces”
Forum President Andreas Treichl saw a strengthening of “anti-European forces” and warned that Europe was falling behind economically: “We must accept that Europe is neither an economic nor a political leader.” This is the responsibility of both the EU and the nation states. Now it is time to make a “choice.” Instead of allowing nationalism to run rampant, nation states must give up powers in order to emerge from this united and stronger: “Together we can create a Europe that knows exactly what it wants and how to achieve it.”
Barroso appeared as an optimist and defender of the EU. The EU is often a “whipping boy” and politicians “Europeanize mistakes and nationalize successes.” But Europe has also achieved decisive things in the past, Barroso recalled, for example, the course of the euro crisis or the joint purchase of vaccines during the corona pandemic: “What previously seemed impossible has become possible.” Although they are sometimes “slow,” that is the price they pay as a democracy. Autocracies, on the other hand, “seem strong, but they are not,” Barroso recalled the collapse of the Soviet Union. Ultimately, democracies are superior. However, for Europe to have a good future, the young generation in particular must “fight,” concluded the Portuguese ex-Commission President.
Seize “opportunities” instead of prioritizing “regulation”
Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President of Nigeria, urged cooperation with Africa in the event hall in the Alpbach Congress Center, which was packed despite the bright sunshine. European Parliament member Svenja Hahn (FDP) demanded that Europe seize “opportunities” instead of prioritizing “regulation.”
A video link to Pope Francis was originally planned for Saturday. However, this was cancelled by the Vatican at short notice and without giving any reasons. The organisers told APA that they regretted the cancellation. Treichl said at the start of Saturday with a wink that the Pope had said that he was “responsible for the good weather”. Francis had previously addressed the participants in a letter. In it he identified, among other things, a “populist wave” as a result of a crisis in Europe. We must continue to protect “human dignity” and “brotherhood”.
The European Forum Alpbach will take place this year from August 17th to 30th and will focus on the key areas of climate, economy and finance, security and democracy. It is divided into five modules. The “Europe in the World Days” that have now opened and are scheduled to run until Tuesday are intended to bring together more decision-makers from European politics, economy, science and culture. The concluding “Austria in Europe Days” (27th to 30th August) will focus on Austria’s role in Europe.
