(L-R) Anne Calteux, Head of Representation of European Commission in Luxembourg; Jean-Claude Juncker; Christoph Driessen;
Credit: Jazmin Campbell, Chronicle.lu
On Friday 13 June 2025, the Representation of the European Commission in Luxembourg held an evening of dialogue and reflection at the Abbaye de Neumünster (neimënster) in Luxembourg-Grund to mark the 75th anniversary of the Robert Schuman Declaration.
The conference, titled "From Schuman to Polycrisis: Perspectives on a Union in Transition", also acknowledged the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement, celebrated with a commemorative video. The event was held in German, with simultaneous French translation provided.
Following an introduction by Anne Calteux, Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Luxembourg, Christoph Driessen, historian, journalist and author, read excerpts from his book Griff nach den Sternen. Die Geschichte der Europäischen Union - inspired by the frustration he felt following Brexit. His research, much of it carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic, retraced the history of the European Union from its post-war origins to current challenges, including Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
Jean-Claude Juncker, former European Commission President and former Luxembourg Prime Minister, joined Christoph Driessen to discuss the current and future state of the EU. He reflected on the reintroduction of border controls (particularly during the pandemic and now again in Germany) and lamented their impact on cross-border workers in particular. He stressed that Schengen remains a global symbol of freedom.
The speakers addressed various other key topics, including: the EU as an enduring peace project, despite discussions around rearmament and increased military spending; the rise of far-right populism, with Jean-Claude Juncker warning that people increasingly seek simplistic answers to complex problems; the importance of reaffirming European values and unity, especially in times of crisis; a call to positively educate young people about Europe's history and achievements, rather than instilling fear or pessimism for the future - according to Mr Juncker, they should be encouraged to do better than previous generations; praise for successful EU initiatives such as the Erasmus programme and the Euro.
The evening concluded with an engaging Q&A with the audience, followed by a cocktail reception.
Among the dignitaries present were Luxembourg MEP Charles Goerens and the Irish and Romanian Ambassadors to Luxembourg.
(Photo credit: Alexandre De Muyser; first photo depicts Irish Ambassador Jean McDonald speaking with Jean-Claude Juncker and Anne Calteux)
