Facing challenges together
'Only a united Europe can face global challenges', Luiza Bialasiewicz made clear right at the start of the panel. She sees a fundamental problem in Europe's internal divisions, which extend from governments to the social level. At the moment, it looks as if Russia's calculation to destabilise Europe could work.

Trump's re-election despite all the negative headlines is also worrying. Two of the three superpowers are dictatorships, and Trump and other authoritarian movements are challenging the very idea of democracy. 'If we don't defend our values, we will lose everything', says Friedman. These values are threatened in two ways: first, by double standards in trade practices – European companies also trade with partners who have fundamentally different values. Second, by a collective phlegm based on the mistaken assumption that our values and the European way of living can be taken for granted.

Team Europe
Europe must wake up from its slumber. The challenges are great, but Risch's Liechtenstein does not feel 'home alone' – the motto of this year's Lucerne Dialogue. Although Liechtenstein is not a member of the EU, it has a strong sense of belonging to the European family, says Prime Minister Risch. He sees the continent's diversity as an opportunity: 'Europe is not uniform, and that is our strength. Each country has its own talents and perspectives. We should see Europe as a team with a common goal.'

How to reboot Europe
Europe also needs to break the habit of reflexively looking across the pond to the US. 'We have to give Europe a new start together', says Risch. A strong Europe requires a strong centre, but also strong nations. Friedman warns against a one-sided focus on the EU debate: 'Europe is more than that, and Schengen countries like Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Norway are also indispensable players in Team Europe.'

The team faces major challenges, the most obvious of which is its own defence system. At the same time, says Bialasiewicz, governments must convince their citizens that investing in security and defence does not mean cutting back on other key areas. 'Fear of loss and insecurity drives people into the hands of extreme movements.' It is therefore essential to get citizens on board for the 'European project': 'Without engaging citizens in this discussion, we will have a very hard time in formulating a united European response.'

Friedman has faith in the younger generation. They have grown up in freedom and know that it is worth fighting for. He is convinced that 'the idea of freedom will grow'. But Europe must act now, remembering its values and strengths, to defend itself against the pull of authoritarian forces.

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