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At a recent panel discussion hosted in Miskolc, Ralph Schoellhammer emphasized the urgent need to restore the quality of European education and return to the politics of common sense. Schoellhammer, an assistant professor at the International Relations Department of Webster Private University in Vienna and an MCC visiting lecturer, engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue on whether Europe is truly facing a crisis. The discussion was moderated by Bence Béres, an MCC student and aspiring Member of the European Parliament.
Schoellhammer pointed to the widening economic gap between the United States and the European Union, attributing this trend to declining industrial competitiveness and flawed economic policies. Once a global leader, Europe’s automotive industry has been particularly affected by energy policies that have increased dependence on external energy sources, reducing efficiency and driving up costs.
“The European car industry, long a pillar of economic strength, is now struggling due to misguided energy policies,” he stated. “With 11 million jobs tied to this sector, any further downturn could lead to significant job losses.”
He also expressed skepticism regarding the EU’s Green Deal industrial plan, arguing that, like the Lisbon Strategy before it, it is unlikely to achieve its objectives. As Europe continues to demand more energy, Schoellhammer cautioned against relying on a single energy source. “They claim the economy will be much greener, but true industrial sustainability is far more complex than these policies suggest,” he added.
Beyond economic concerns, Schoellhammer underscored a broader crisis in European culture and education. “European universities were once the pinnacle of global academia, producing the greatest minds in history,” he remarked. “Today, however, many countries in Asia and the Far East have surpassed us in educational quality.” To counteract this decline, he advocated for restoring high educational standards and prioritizing intellectual excellence.
The discussion also touched on migration, a topic that remains central to Europe’s socio-political discourse. Schoellhammer warned of the long-term cultural shifts brought by mass migration from regions with vastly different social norms. “In fifty years, Budapest will still be recognizably Hungarian, but I’m not certain we can say the same about Vienna,” he observed. “Already, half of Vienna’s 15-year-olds are Muslim, which means that by then, a significant portion of the adult population will represent a different religious and cultural background.”
On the broader political landscape, Schoellhammer argued for a return to pragmatic governance. Reflecting on Donald Trump’s presidency, he noted that while Trump may not fit the conventional definition of a conservative, his policies align with what he termed the “politics of common sense.” He drew a parallel with Hungary, suggesting that both the Trump administration and the Hungarian government prioritize practical, results-driven decision-making over ideological rigidity.
“The natural order of things must be respected,” Schoellhammer emphasized. “Politics should be about what works, not about adhering to abstract ideals.”
Finally, Schoellhammer dismissed the notion that migration alone can resolve Europe’s demographic crisis. Instead, he highlighted the role of technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence, in mitigating workforce shortages. “AI will allow us to handle many challenges more efficiently and at a lower cost,” he concluded.
As Europe grapples with these pressing challenges, Schoellhammer’s insights serve as a call to action for policymakers and intellectuals alike to rethink current trajectories and embrace pragmatic solutions.
