Much more complex than expected, and important not only as a peace alliance

People often make jokes about the EU and the work of those based in Brussels, sometimes questioning the efficiency of their efforts and the entire institution itself. Yet very few people seem to know exactly which bodies make up the EU, what their responsibilities are, and, above all, what would happen if the EU suddenly ceased to exist. Dr. Jan-Marco Müller spoke to the 11th-grade class about all of this last Thursday. The fact that the EU official’s presentation took place on a morning when weather-related remote learning was in effect did not diminish the students’ interest in the slightest. The event was facilitated by Steinmühlen teacher Dr. Claudia Röder.

An introductory quiz quickly made it clear just how complex knowledge about the EU can be: “Ireland, Iceland, Switzerland—which one is not part of the Schengen Area?” That really made you think, just like the question, “Which one is not part of UEFA: Kazakhstan, Monaco, or Israel?” The guest also wanted to know whose application for EU membership had been rejected in the past: Turkey, Morocco, or Bulgaria. He also raised the question of the difference between the following bodies: the Euro Council, the Council of Europe, the European Council, and the Council of the European Union. – By then, at the latest, most people had to admit defeat.

European Elections: A Gift of Democracy

The late Henry Kissinger had already recognized that Europe isn’t all that simple: “Who do I call if I want to call Europe?” was the question he posed several years ago—one that has often been quoted in political circles. With 27 member states, half a billion inhabitants, 24 official languages, and three alphabets, it was a question that couldn’t be answered off the cuff. “United in diversity” is how the guest from Brussels described the situation for the member states, all of which share one very important advantage: they have enjoyed peace since 1945.

There are also several other solid reasons why countries want to join the EU: the free movement of people and the free exchange of goods, the rule of law, mutual solidarity, and subsidiarity. The guest went on to explain other responsibilities within the administrative apparatus, which comprises 25,000 employees. But he also promoted the European elections on June 9, calling them “a gift of democracy.”

A “compromise machine”

“There are 232 parties running for election,” Müller said, “but unlike in other elections, there is no 5 percent threshold.” This means that, contrary to usual practice, votes cast for small or very small parties are not wasted. Under the umbrella of the European Parliament, parties with similar platforms would find common ground through cooperation. Otherwise, it would include the governments of 27 nations—”a compromise machine.”

The students’ questions about the speaker’s presentation came one after another. They ranged from whether and how the shift to the right in Europe was becoming apparent, to why Ukraine’s accession to the EU was desirable, to questions about legislation for a climate-neutral continent. One 11th-grade student also wanted to know whether the EU was considering the creation of a European army. But there were also questions, like the one he asked, about how the speaker felt about Martin Sonneborn’s satire. Armed with the diplomacy of an EU official, Dr. Jan-Marco Müller replied accordingly: “You have to have jokers like that in Parliament, and privately, it’s actually quite nice. You can’t really do much politics there—we have to come up with solutions.”

Solutions are also the goal when it comes to all the world powers: “We have to make sure we have a voice on the world stage. It’s a long road ahead, but we’re well-positioned for it.”

“We need people with all kinds of backgrounds from all fields”

Dr. Jan-Marco Müller, who grew up in Cappel, studied geography in Marburg, worked in science management, and joined the EU through the scientific service, where he initially served as a scientific policy advisor. Currently, as a science diplomat, he is exploring how science can be used to improve diplomatic relations: “Scientists speak up when diplomats no longer do.” Müller adds: “I try to get politicians excited about science and convey the relevant facts.” This involves, among other things—though not exclusively—climate change and the technology race with China.

The speaker, who had an extremely interested audience, encouraged the students to consider pursuing a career in the EU: “We need people with all kinds of backgrounds, from all fields.”

Principal Björn Gemmer welcomed the speaker at the outset and took some time himself to follow the interesting presentation. There was likely no one in the lecture hall or watching on the screens who hadn’t expanded their knowledge that morning.