Europe affects us all!

Discussions about the European Union often take a negative tone these days, whether it’s Brexit, discord among the member countries or the growing influence of populist and nationalistic forces. This is despite the fact that the European Union represents an unprecedented success story. European unification brought this continent a long phase of peace, stability and prosperity. Endress+Hauser @Endress+Hauser Gruppe, my own company, would not be the enterprise that it is today if we were not able to take advantage of the benefits that the EU offers. Though we are operating on a global scale, our hearts are strongly rooted in Europe.

A strong Europe means that we will maintain our global competitive edge and have a voice in shaping the global rules, e.g. concerning a sustainable economic development and climate protection. Only an ambitious climate and energy policy can strengthen our ability to compete, safeguard Europe as the basis of our operations and trigger innovations.

For this reason, it’s my opinion that Europe affects all of us. All of us benefit from a strong and united Europe. That’s why, when the inhabitants of the (still) 28 member states elect a new European Parliament at the end of May, we should oppose all forces who intend to weaken or destroy Europe. It’s up to us to preserve what has been achieved through European unification. We must strive to develop the European Union further, just as we would like to improve every day in our company.

A strong Europe includes the numerous medium-sized companies on our continent. Open markets and free trade are the foundation of our economic success. Our own competitive position depends heavily on being embedded in international production and value chains. Alone, none of the countries that form the EU would be in a position to negotiate free trade agreements, or structure international trade policies, to the extent that the 28 countries can as a group!

One of the European Union’s greatest achievements is the single European market, which ensures that instead of having to satisfy 28 different national standards, norms and approvals with our products, we can develop them with only one regulation that applies all over Europe. Our companies benefit from the free movement of persons, goods, services and capital; and as private individuals we also enjoy strong consumer protection.

All of this takes on even more importance when we look toward the future, because we can shape the digitalization era only if we do it together. Building the digital union is one of the core missions a forward-thinking Europe has to face. Data doesn’t stop at national or European borders. We therefore need global market-based and innovation-friendly frameworks.

Developing a uniform European data economy within the framework of the single European market provides the opportunity to help craft these rules at the global level. At the same time, a data and platform economy provides the prerequisites for artificial intelligence Made in Europe and digital business models, both of which are crucial for prosperity in Europe as well as for the future of companies like Endress+Hauser. Safety and trust are at the heart of digital transformation. Cyber security and protection within the digital world – for businesses as well as citizens – can only be provided by the European Union.

The world around us is changing at great speed. Digitalization and globalization call for openness, trust and transparency. And it requires a dialogue between all democratic and societal forces to invite people to a journey into an exciting future. This is why at Endress+Hauser I have encouraged all employees to give their votes in the European elections. There is only one Europe! And we should come to appreciate it and to actively take part in shaping its future. #EUElection, @WVIB, #EuropaMitUns