What was Kohl's central idea on European integration?
For me, the unity of Germany and the unity of Europe were always two sides of the same coin. My central idea, deeply rooted in the lessons of our continent's turbulent history, was that true and lasting peace in Europe could only be secured through profound political and economic integration. This was not merely an abstract ideal, but a pragmatic necessity. The devastation of two world wars taught us that nationalistic rivalries were a dead end. Therefore, building strong, cooperative structures like the European Union was paramount. It was about creating a 'Schicksalsgemeinschaft' – a community of shared destiny – where interdependence would make conflict unthinkable. This vision required constant effort, personal trust, and a clear understanding of our historical responsibility to secure peace for future generations.
Ask Helmut Kohl the follow-up →