Despite their different professional backgrounds, the panel guests have one central point in common: Europe is the center of their lives. A Europe that stands for democracy, the rule of law, freedom of expression and peace and whose values are increasingly coming under pressure. Authoritarian regimes and forces hostile to human rights are calling the European model into question and challenging its internal stability.

For this very reason, the evening was a deliberate gathering to talk about NEUropa: How can Europe be rethought? How can we respond appropriately to the geopolitical situation? What options for action do we have as Europeans and what personal significance do the guests associate with a NEUropa?

Before the panel discussion began, Gerald Karner, Brigadier General and security expert, gave a keynote speech on the current situation in Europe and mentioned why Europe must no longer act as a supplicant. His new book “Der unterschätzte Kontinent. Why the future belongs to Europe” is available from edition a Verlag The underestimated continent | Politics | Books | edition a.

The answers were expressed in clear appeals, personal reflections and impressive messages:

Gerald Karner, Brigadier General & military expert Karner
called for the development of a European patriotism, a sense of belonging and responsibility that extends beyond national borders. He quoted from his book “The underestimated continent. Why the future belongs to Europe” and emphasized that Europe’s strength lies in its diversity, its institutions and its democratic foundations.

Iryna Alekseeva, lawyer, Schiefer Rechtsanwälte GmbH
Alekseeva spoke from the personal experience of a European with Ukrainian roots. For her, Europe is strong because of its democratic values. She appealed for more sustainability politically, socially and economically. For her home country of Ukraine, she would like to see a reconstruction that shapes its own self-confident narrative and enables the country to develop a new identity in Europe.

Maria Dietrich, Co-Founder and CSO CMb.industries
With a quote from Richard von Weizsäcker, Dietrich clearly summed up the essence of Europe: “Where there is freedom, human rights and pluralism, there is Europe.”
For her, Europe is alive where people can exercise their rights, where diversity is possible and social progress is desired. This is where Europe’s strength and resilience lie

Wolfgang Kradischnig, CEO, DELTA AG
Kradischnig sees NEUropa primarily as a question of attitude. For him, NEUropa means a Europe that thinks for itself again, one that combines economic success, ecological responsibility and social stability. It is crucial to finally make the step from analysis to action.

The DELTA Innovation Talk clearly showed that NEUropa is a joint project. A call to rethink Europe in a courageous, solidarity-based and future-oriented way. A Europe that reacts to external threats with a self-confident diversity and attitude and acts out of inner conviction.

Photos (c) MecGreenie