War in Ukraine: "NATO and EU must not show weakness," says Europe Union boss

Created: 05/05/2022, 14:49

By: Dominik Stallein

The war in Ukraine rages on.

The head of the Europa Union hopes for a strong EU to end the suffering.

© Alexei Alexandrov/AP/dpa

In an interview, the President of the Europa-Union talks about the Ukraine war and the lessons learned from it.

He sees Europe as a “community of destiny”

Wolfratshausen - For a long time it was unthinkable, for weeks it has been a cruel reality: war in Europe.

The chairman of the Europa-Union in the district, Alexander Lippert from Wolfratshausen, speaks in an interview about the commitment to a peaceful Europe, Putin's "appetite for more" and about the lessons that young people in particular can learn from this war.

Alexander Lippert Chairman of the Europa-Union in the district © Archive

War in Ukraine: "NATO and EU must not show weakness," says Europe Union boss

Mr Lippert, about four years ago you became President of the Europa-Union.

Did you think a war on European soil was conceivable?

Lippert:

No, of course not within the EU, but I wouldn't have thought such military aggression possible in our neighborhood either.

Up until the morning of February 24, I assumed the threat of a Russian threat, although the signs of an invasion were becoming clearer.

I think our wishful thinking was that economic constraints alone would keep Putin sane.

We were taught better.

"Putin has left the European peace order"

What are your thoughts on the cohesion of the continent when you see pictures of the war?

Lippert:

Putin's Russia has left our common European peace order that we have had since the end of the Cold War.

His attack on Ukraine raises difficult questions about future coexistence in Europe.

One of the few encouraging aspects of the development is that cohesion within the EU has been strengthened.

Nato and the EU must not show any weakness now, especially in order to dampen Putin's "appetite for more".

However, in combating species extinction and the climate crisis, we as humanity have much more urgent priorities that would require our full attention than satisfying the vanities of individual state leaders.

There is a risk that our ecosystem will be lost within decades.

How is the Europa-Union trying to get involved in this crisis situation?

Lippert:

We are well networked with the Eastern Europe Aid, which has been doing important work to strengthen Ukraine for many years.

What can people in Germany do to help Ukraine?

What can private individuals do?

Lippert:

The numerous private donations are a very valuable help for the victims of this war.

And there are many people who want to take in refugees, for which we should all have a lot of respect.

Do you think the current war is raising awareness of the need to work towards a peaceful Europe?

Lippert:

The European Union is the largest peace project in the history of Europe.

This war on our doorstep reminds us of the existential importance we should attach to living in peace and freedom.

The events are certainly particularly instructive for young people – especially for those who grew up after the Cold War.

As the Europa-Union, we are concerned with promoting European awareness among the population.

Of course, not everything is going as smoothly as we would like in the EU either.

But I think everyone should take a step back and look around the world map for regions with freedom of the press, respect for human rights and basic democratic values.

One quickly comes to the conclusion that we Europeans form a community of destiny,

which each one of us should strengthen through our positive perception.

Getting involved with Europe starts with very little effort, like voting in elections and giving your vote to forces that want to make Europe stronger.

We also welcome anyone who would like to get involved in an association.

You can read all further information on the Ukraine war and its effects in Bavaria here on our Ukraine refugees topic page.