Contribution to the fundamental debate of the EUROPA-UNION Germany

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Post photo: Information material

In discussions with members of the EUROPA-UNION Germany and our youth organization, the Young European Federalists, we have had to state for several years that some members have little or no knowledge of our own association (UEF / EUD).

We have also recently noticed with great astonishment that, despite clear decisions by the Federal Congress (last time in 2010), attempts are still being made to "bury first class" the explicit basis of our association, the Hertensteiner Program of September 21, 1946.

Despite the reference to the Hertensteiner program, this fear is strengthened by the "start signal for a new basic program of the EUROPA-UNION". In contrast to 1995, no “charter” should be created, which was also recognized by the other UEF associations. Rather, a “new basic program” should expressly be introduced into the EUROPA-UNION – not into the UEF. One is tempted to speak of a “national solo effort”. This assumption is also reinforced by the fact that the debate is not about the role of the UEF, but about the role of the EUD.

The Heilbronn district association is committed to the values ​​and goals of the Union of European Federalists (UEF), whose subdivisions in Switzerland and Germany bear the name "EUROPA-UNION", without any "ifs or buts", as represented by representatives of at least twelve countries Europe in Hertenstein in Switzerland in 1946 and were confirmed in subsequent conferences in Luxembourg, Basel and Paris.

The Heilbronn district association states that the EUROPA-UNION Germany (EUD) can neither unilaterally bury, unilaterally replace or unilaterally change the Hertenstein program.

The Heilbronn district association also notes that, in addition to the EUROPA-UNION, there are other "European associations" that offer alternatives to the Europe idea of ​​the UEF / EUD: the spectrum goes from associations that shape a centralistic Europe in an arch-conservative manner and from "top to bottom". want to create for selected nations to apolitical and value-neutral European advertising associations.[1]

The UEF / EUD counters these ideas with the Hertensteiner program with its own political concept with the following main goals:

  • creation of a world union
  • Creation of a democratic peace Europe on a federal basis from the bottom up
  • Binding definition of European values ​​in human and civil rights
  • Opening of Europe to all peoples who profess European values ​​(European character).[2]

Of course, the Heilbronn District Association also stands by the Charter of European Identity, as adopted by the Federal Congress in 1995.

The Heilbronn district association assumes that a "fundamental discussion" conducted at federal level should not serve to change our values ​​and convictions or our goals. There are already other "European associations" that occupy these niches. That's why we find it more than incomprehensible to want to discuss Europe's "limits", "prospects for enlargement" or the importance of Europe in a global world. Here, Hertenstein has already specified clear goals, which have also been undoubtedly and successfully represented by the UEF / EUD in recent decades.

The Heilbronn district association assumes that the basic discussion should be conducted more about the possibilities of achieving goals and about deepening our values ​​(e.g. solidarity, subsidiarity, civil rights and participation); and the basic discussion means that our strong and proven values ​​and goals can not only be better communicated to the outside world, but will also find general acceptance among as many members of our association as possible.

The Heilbronn district association therefore sincerely hopes that no "new basic program" will be created and that the Hertenstein program will disappear as a "historical document".[3], but with this fundamental debate, in addition to the "Charter on European Identity", another charter is being created that gives new impulses for deepening the European unification process and helps to better solve the problems and conflicts that are currently occurring within the European Union.

The Heilbronn district association regrets that fundamental discussions about the most fundamental values ​​and goals are not necessarily brought into the EUROPA-UNION and that the association is thus severely weakened both internally and externally.[4]

The Heilbronn district association demands that the Hertensteiner program continue to be recognized as the valid basic program of the UEF / EUD and that existing and future "charters" are viewed as supplements.

The Heilbronn district association demands that the EUD conduct fundamental debates that are better coordinated at European level in the future.

The Heilbronn district association demands that the federal congress only decides on "basic documents" if these have also been agreed in advance at European level within the UEF.

The Heilbronn district association demands that the Hertensteiner program be integrated again throughout Europe both in information material (flyers) and when welcoming new members.


[1] With better knowledge of the values ​​and goals of the UEF / EUD, one or the other could find that he is better off in another association (plurality).

[2] editorial Note: In the original version I had mistakenly way Robert Schuman a quote attributed, but which by Pierre Bertaux (Human mutation 1963:166, "One is not European by birth, one becomes one through education.")

[3] HE would then be logical for the EUD to leave the UEF.

[4] One can only speculate about the reasons for this; but every member should agree with the principles of an association and not want to change them afterwards.


"The illegal we do immediately. The unconstitutional takes a little longer."

Henry Kissinger, in the New York Times (October 28, 1973)
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