Karin Kneissl, former Austrian Foreign Minister and head of the G.O.R.K.I. Сentre at St. Petersburg State University, gave an
exclusive interview to TASS, sharing her views on the current situation in Europe, the possible reopening of the Russian market to European companies, and the potential changes in Eastern European borders.
Karin Kneissl pointed out that protest parties are gaining popularity across Europe, as more citizens grow dissatisfied with the current political leadership.
"This is not only about migration, but also a protest against high taxes, corruption and problems of a social system. For example, in Germany and Austria it’s difficult to make an appointment to see the doctor or to undergo surgery. These are well-known problems and it seems to me that the situation will continue developing in this direction."
Dr. Kneissl emphasized that the economy is a crucial factor in political processes in Europe. "When inflation is constantly growing, when people can afford less and less, when they realize that their children will live a worse life than they did, this undermines the main idea that is the foundation of the EU and national governments."
She pointed out that Germany is in a difficult economic situation, caught between sanctions against Russia, which it initiated, and US tariffs that are creating additional problems for German industry. "Germany is once again 'the sick man of Europe.' If we remember 2010-2012, then Berlin was telling Italy, Greece, and Spain what to do. Now, by purely economic indicators, countries such as Italy and Portugal are in a better position."
Karin Kneissl also expressed the view that Russia, despite all predictions of its collapse, has not only survived but adapted. "No mass riots that Europe expected or would like to see ever happened either. The population supports the government, and people are coping with the new reality. No one expected Russia to be so stable."
Finally, she expressed concern about Europe's forgetfulness of its history. "In Brussels and many other European capitals, people do not know much about history but rather have no interest in it. History doesn’t matter to them, only ideologies and markets matter. But in fact, history does matter."
Dr. Kneissl highlights the critical issues currently facing Europe, including political instability, economic difficulties, and potential changes in territorial borders. She believes the future of Europe depends on how effectively it addresses its internal challenges and how it interacts with the rest of the world.