Foto: Johann Floeter
In the first week of June, Europe faced a landmark decision: nearly 65 million people in 27 countries were called to the polls. Where would the European Union head after the election? In times of anti-democratic movements, the war in Ukraine, and the possible re-election of Donald Trump in the United States, the European model was under more pressure than ever. European democracy urgently needed an update in order to regain the trust of its citizens.
What could long-term strategies look like that were solution-oriented and forward-looking? Milad Tabesch from the initiative “Ruhrpott für Europa,” Theresa Gröninger from “Best Politics,” and Anna Peters from the “Fiscal Feminist Hub” pitched their ideas for an innovative Europe and then discussed participation and the future shape of the European Union with author Martin Speer and Clara Föller, Federal Chair of the Young European Federalists Germany.
Startup profiles at a glance
Ruhrpott für Europa is an initiative that aims to mobilize and empower young people in the Ruhr area and other regions undergoing transformation to actively help shape the future of Europe and its politics. The initiator of the initiative, Milad Tabesch, loves the Ruhr area and is convinced that Europe can learn a great deal from the former coal-mining region in North Rhine-Westphalia. He wants to give the young generation in this important transformation region a voice. To this end, he is developing a European policy agenda for the young generation in the Ruhr area. In the upcoming 2024 election, young people aged 16 and above will be allowed to vote for the first time. Milad’s dream: a modern, cosmopolitan Europe of solidarity as a political home for all its citizens.
Fiscal policy across Europe must become fairer and more feminist — this is what Anna Peters, founder of the Fiscal Feminist Hub, stands for. The organization brings together feminist projects and their financial needs from across Europe, develops a joint list of demands, and connects research with activism. Its aim is to spark a debate on European fiscal policy and to show that the EU becomes fairer when gender equality is consistently considered and implemented in European financial policy.
Imagine if everyone with a passion for politics wanted and was able to get involved in political parties — out of conviction, because their realities were reflected, because participation was compatible with their lives, and because party work simply felt like a natural part of democracy, maybe even enjoyable. Our democracy would regain strength and appeal. Unfortunately, many people already encounter barriers when taking their first steps into party politics. This is where Theresa Gröninger’s non-partisan platform Best Politics comes in. The platform presents innovative approaches to party work and party structures that show institutional political work and party engagement are anything but outdated. By collecting knowledge, ideas, and best practices, Best Politics aims to empower people to engage in politics in a modern way, using concrete tools and methods.
Impressions
Anna Peters, Fiscal Feminist Hub Johann Flöter 
Milad Tabesch, Ruhrpott Europa Johann Flöter 
Theresa Gröninger. Best Politics Johann Flöter 
Panel Johann Flöter 
Martin Speer, Author und Clara Föller, Europaaktivistin JEF Deutschland Johann Flöter 
Johann Flöter 
Cornelius Gesing, Moderator Johann Flöter