The COVID-19 pandemic poses enormous challenges for EU cohesion. While euroscepticism has gained momentum in some of the member states particularly hard hit by the pandemic, a large majority of Germans are satisfied with the European measures against the pandemic and its consequences.

The Eurosceptic Alternative for Germany (AfD) has not yet been able to make any political capital out of the crisis. Against this background, Germany and France agreed on the historic reconstruction fund, which would have been unthinkable only a few months ago. Nevertheless, euroscepticism will remain an important political force in Germany that must be reckoned with in national and European policy making.

On the occasion of the publication of the book “Euroscepticism and the Future of Europe – Views from the Capitals” we will discuss the following questions: How does the AfD influence Germany’s ability to act within the EU and the German perspective on the future of the EU? What influence does the pandemic have on Euroscepticism in Germany and Europe? How can the EU counter Euroscepticism in times of COVID-19?

We are delighted Daniel Freund, member of the European Parliament for the Bündnis 90 / Die Grünen party since 2019, as a guest and Michael Kaeding, co-editor of the book “Euroscepticism and the Future of Europe – Views from the Capitals” as moderator of a joint discussion to welcome.

The event will take place on October 8, 2020 at 2 p.m. as an online event via the Zoom platform.

Learn more here.

This event is linked to the release of the TEPSA Book “Euroscepticism and the Future of Europe: Views from the Capitals“, edited by Paul Schmidt, Michael Kaeding and Johannes Pollak. One of the book’s chapters focuses in on the topic of Euroscepticism in Germany.