Commentary
Stiftung Wertebündnis Bayern
Commentary: April 10, 2024, from SWB’s website about their current events, MSC Side Event
Head Winds Facing the West in Transition to a Multipolar World
The goal of the side event at the Munich Security Conference (MSC), which took place on February 16, 2024, at Occhio on Lenbachplatz in downtown Munich, was to involve young people in foreign and security policy debates and connect them with decision-makers. Prof. Dr. Katarzyna Pisarska, Chair of the Warsaw Security Forum, for example, spoke about "Three major international 2024 events that will be game changers for Europe and the Transatlantic Alliance." She emphasized the urgency of protecting our liberal democracy through joint and decisive action. Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg discussed with Anna Rosenberg (Amundi) and young people "How to reach the middle ground in democracies, avoid extremism, and prevent an American polarization scenario in Europe." Other topics included "Under the radar risks," "The Geopolitics of AI," and the issue of dealing with the "Changing nuclear order."
In live-streaming sessions, young participants were able to experience the atmosphere of the security conference venue. Experts from politics, think tanks, foundations, and academia were available for in-depth discussions.
The side event was a collaboration between the Stiftung Wertebündnis Bayern, Charlotte von Bomhard (MunichYoungForum), UnternehmerTUM, and the MSC, supported by Occhio and Schottenhamel.
Powering a sustainable future
Munich – ESI at Munich Security Conference side event on threats to liberal democracy
14th of February 2025
ESI’s Gerald Knaus was invited to participate in a panel discussion on “Walls versus Open Doors: Fear, Migration, Human Rights, and the Fragility of Liberal Democracy in a World of Disruption” organised by the Munich Young Forum Munich Security Conference Side Event.
Gerald warned against the dangers of weaponizing the fear of migration. He pointed out that populists from the US and Europe are exploiting such fears to undermine democratic values, from Trump’s restrictive asylum policies to the AfD’s tactics in Germany.
He argued that mass deportations and asylum bans pose a direct challenge to the European Convention on Human Rights, threatening not only fundamental principles but also the stability of the Schengen area and the Single Market. He advocated for practical solutions such as safe third country agreements, similar to the 2016 EU-Turkey deal, and establishing legal migration pathways. These steps, he emphasized, would reduce irregular migration, save lives, and adhere to international law.
Gerald urged decisive action to address the rising anti-immigration sentiment in Europe. He stressed that Europe‘s policies should be humane and effective, protecting those in need while ensuring efficient border management...