Vive le MEP! Rede Christopher Lucht Eröffnung 61. MEP Europe in Grand Est

Straßburg 24.02.2025:

Esteemed Members of Parliament, distinguished guests, honorable friends, dear MEP Community.

Welcome to Strasbourg and to the 61st session of MEP Europe under the title: A Young Journey into the Heart of European Democracy. This week you will undergo not only one but at least three journeys into three hearts

First Journey: The European Parliament in Strasbourg

It is a great honour for me to stand before you today in Strasbourg in the Parliament of the Region Grand Est. Many speakers will likely emphasize the significance of Franco-German history and friendship as basis and fundament of the European Cooperation.  Naturally, I could do the same—after all, my wife is French, and she even comes from the Grand Est region, specifically the former Champagne region. Besides Berlin this Region has become my second home. And in a way, I am living proof of the Franco-German friendship, and our 21-year-old daughter is a wonderful testament to this bond.

Strasbourg is a symbol of European unity, a city where former adversaries became partners and friends. The European Parliament stands here as a beacon of democracy and cooperation, embodying the idea that dialogue and compromise are stronger than division and conflict. But this institution is only as strong as the trust and engagement of its citizens, especially the youth.

Exactly three years ago, Russia attacked Ukraine. This was not just an attack on a country; it was an attack on democracy, on Europe, on human rights, and on the fundamental values we hold dear. And it was an attempt to sow doubt—doubt in truth, in the European project, in our shared western human values.

Yesterday, Germany held a national election, and we see more and more nationalistic influence and how global powers seek to divide us in Europe. „Divide et impera“—divide and rule—has always been a strategy used by those who fear unity. They know that when we stand together, we are strong. But if we are divided, we fall.

This is why we need strong bonds—not just between nations and governments, but between people. And the best time to create these connections is in our youth, when emotions and experiences shape our worldview most profoundly. The ultimate goal is to build trust. Without trust, there can be no unity. Without unity, the European project cannot thrive.

Second Journey: Erasmus+ – Building Bridges Across Borders

This is where your second journey starts: It is the journey to the Erasmusplus programme. The programme with which the EU supports youth participation in politics.   Erasmus+ plays a key role in building bridges across borders. It is much more than an exchange program—it is an investment in the future of Europe. Young people are not just the next generation of citizens; they are already active shapers of European democracy today. Democracy thrives on participation, dialogue, and mutual understanding—and this is precisely what Erasmus+ fosters.

At a time when European values are increasingly being questioned, we need young people who see borders not as barriers but as points of connection. Those who have studied, worked, or participated in a youth project abroad no longer perceive Europe as a mere political institution but as a lived community.

Erasmus+ provides young people with the opportunity to look beyond national borders, experience different perspectives, and form friendships across countries. These personal experiences lay the foundation for a democratic Europe built on trust, solidarity, and diversity.

So I  would like to invite you to discover the wide universe of Erasmus and the opportunities you can use when you are back in your hometowns. Round about 50 % of our project budget comes from the Erasmus funding!

Third Journey: The Model European Parliament (MEP) – Democracy in Action

So in your third journey you turn the Erasmus theory into democratic action within the Model European Parliament experience.

Democracy begins with human connection—and MEP Europe creates these connections. That is why this program is not just an educational initiative but a vital cornerstone of European democracy. You, the participants of MEP, are the future decision-makers, lawmakers, and visionaries of Europe. You engage in debates, seek compromises, and craft policies—just as real MEPs do in this very city.

You are not just talking about European democracy; you are practicing it. In an era of increasing polarization, where misinformation threatens to undermine truth, your role is more crucial than ever. You bring fresh ideas, challenge outdated perspectives, and most importantly, demonstrate that youth engagement is not just valuable but essential for the survival of democracy.

Your participation in MEP shows that young people are not indifferent to politics. You are proof that the European spirit is alive, that democracy is not just about institutions but about people willing to listen, to argue, and ultimately, to find common ground.

As you engage in this session, remember: The future of Europe is not written yet. It is up to you to shape it.

Thank you, and I wish you a great time in France, Germany, and Europe! Vive l’Europe! Vive Erasmus! Vive le MEP!