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A conversation about freedom and peace
06-05-2025

A conversation about freedom and peace

8 May 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. In the months before, there had been fierce fighting in many places. Europe had been disrupted. Finally, there was peace in Europe and freedom for its people. But what exactly is freedom? How important is freedom for people, for countries and for Europe? This we asked the chairman of the Euregio Rhine-Waal and mayor of Nijmegen, Hubert Bruls, the vice-chairman of the Euregio Rhine-Waal and mayor of Alps, Thomas Ahls, and our secretary, Andreas Kochs.

Freedom and peace - what does that mean to you, Mr Ahls?

    ‘’Freedom is primarily the ability to express yourself unhindered and to be whoever you want. In society, for me this means personal, intellectual and political freedom. However, freedom is also the ability to cooperate with whoever you want. This in turn ensures peaceful coexistence - be it between neighbours, cities or countries. In short, Europe in miniature.‘’

How do you see that, Mr Bruls? 

    ‘’I concur with that and that is why cross-border cooperation is so important. It is enriching to work together across borders and be allowed to learn from each other. By engaging in cooperation between the Netherlands and Germany, the Euregio Rhine-Waal contributes to a united Europe.‘’

What does a united Europe have to do with peace and freedom, Mr Kochs? 

    ‘’In my opinion, peace and freedom are the basis for cohesion in the European Union. This in turn affects the economic situation in the individual countries and also ensures that mutual relations between EU member states remain stable and good. A united Europe is thus important for togetherness. Peace and freedom are closely linked - they are important cornerstones of our society that we must always protect and should never take for granted.‘’

Thank you to Mr Bruls, Mr Ahls and Mr Kochs for this talk.

#WeInvestInFreedom

 

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

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