Book fair in Frankfurt: Habeck sees the EU as the only guarantor of the liberal constitutional state

According to Robert Habeck, the European Union is the only major power to guarantee the existence of liberal social models. The other major powers are clearly not interested in “liberal rule of law and limiting power through institutions,” said the former Vice Chancellor and Federal Economics Minister in an interview with ZEIT at the Frankfurt Book Fair. Russia and the USA under Donald Trump also used “war as a political tool”. "So they must want to destroy the EU, they must want to weaken this idea," he said.

The conversation was about Habeck's new book Arctic Meltdown. The remeasurement of the world. In it he deals with the Arctic and its growing importance for geopolitical interests. Among other things, it describes what role the USA, Russia and China play in the region and what consequences the competition for raw materials and trade routes can have.

For Habeck, the attractiveness of the EU lies in its political model. “You have to be clear about what the EU actually embodies,” said Habeck. The European Union was founded against fascism and authoritarian regimes and for peace on the continent. This “promise of peace and freedom combined with money and prosperity” is more attractive for many states than joining other major powers. "I believe that the EU still has more to offer than just money and raw materials," added Habeck.

The relationship with Canada shows that there is great interest in closer cooperation with the EU. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered Canada a privileged partnership, and the Canadian side said yes. "Nobody wants to become the 51st federal state, not the Canadians, not the Greenlanders," said Habeck, referring to US President Donald Trump's aspirations.

"The game of destruction of liberal, free rule of law"

The political dissatisfaction in Germany must also be viewed against this background, argued Habeck. It is understandable if citizens struggle with the political system. There is also justified criticism when it comes to justice and climate protection. "All people have a point here for their different reasons." Nevertheless, one has to ask which political forces would benefit from a weakening of liberal democracy.

"When you receive congratulatory letters from Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin on your election successes, you have to ask yourself whose game you are playing," he said. "And that is the game of destroying liberal, free rule of law."

Since retiring from politics, Habeck has worked in Copenhagen, including at the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS). He is also a visiting professor at the Copenhagen Business School.