Together for Democracy

Europe needs citizens who are committed to democracy – especially now. Above all, citizens who vote, because an EU based on solidarity and freedom is not a guaranteed sustainable success.

LANXESS stands by Europe

May 26 is election day in Europe. This year there are particularly good reasons to cast your vote, because the major European issues of migration, climate, the economy and social affairs are important to all of us. Simultaneously, nationalistic populism weakens the EU’s cohesion and resources.

Together with other companies in the chemical industry, LANXESS is promoting a high voter turnout.

“We are an international company and benefit greatly from cross-border cooperation. A strong Europe is important, which is why I hope there will be a high turnout.”

Matthias ZachertChairman of the Board of Management of LANXESS AG

Six reasons for Europe – at the very least

The European Union is a success story – in spite of all justified criticism. In 1945, following the end of WWII, a new, peaceful and free political order was needed. Initially, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands jointly put this European idea into practice, and on January 1, 1958 the so-called Treaties of Rome were enacted, marking the birth of the European Economic Community. However, what began as a purely economic alliance has today grown into a European Union of 28 countries, based on such intrinsic values as freedom, human dignity and equality for all its citizens.

These are the main achievements of the EU in brief:

Peace: 70 years of peace, unprecedented in European history. Expanding from an economic community to a European Community to a Europe without borders, the EU has always worked to constructively and peacefully support the many changes. For its efforts, the EU was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012.

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Values: The EU member states are committed to the fundamental values of human dignity, equality, democracy and the rule of law. The EU protects minorities and other disadvantaged groups, and stands up for the oppressed. It demands equal rights for all, regardless of nationality, gender, language, culture, occupation, physical disability or sexual orientation.

Joint education: Young people can both learn together and seek employment across the EU. “Erasmus” is the name of the oldest EU educational program and it alone has so far provided support for some 4.5 million university students – more than 650,000 of them from Germany. “Erasmus+” also includes apprentices, trainees and working adults who want to continue their education abroad or participate in an international innovation project.

Single Market: The internal EU market is the most developed and open market in the world. It is based on the four fundamental freedoms which enable every citizen to:

live and work in any EU country,
take advantage of the free capital market,
sell goods across borders
or to offer services.

Freedom to travel: Travelling today means being able to travel freely to all EU countries. Additionally, a common currency – the euro – also makes trips across countries easier. In the so-called Schengen Area – comprising 26 nations – not even an identity card is required.

Economic growth and prosperity for all: Policies strengthen the competitiveness of European industries and the economy. They promote growth and employment by creating a business-friendly environment. European labor law guarantees all employees in the European Union a minimum level of worker protection and rights. There are also further regulations making it easier for citizens to live and work in other countries, while protecting their existing social security rights, such as health insurance and social benefits.

“As a company, we benefit from a united Europe that is capable of taking action, and I hope that the elections will strengthen this.”

Matthias ZachertChairman of the Board of Management of LANXESS AG

“We know that nothing will get better for workers without the EU. The drama surrounding Brexit should be enough of a warning to all of us to fight for a “Europe of Reason” and to mark the date of this European election on May 26 in our calendars!”

Michael VassiliadisMichael Vassiliadis, Chairman of IG BCE and President of the European Industrial Trade Union Federation IndustriAll Europe. Photo: Helge Krückeberg

“A common market without borders within the European Union ensures the free movement of goods, services, capital and people. Only in this way can Europe provide a strong balance against the large economic regions: the USA, China and Russia”.

Frederique van BaarleSenior Vice President Global Procurement and Logistics

“We must continue to improve Europe together, and not abandon it to destructive forces. That is why it is enormously important to use the European elections as an opportunity to strengthen progressive ideals.”

Uwe RichrathMayor of Leverkusen. Photo: City of Leverkusen

“What I like most about Europe is the freedom to travel. Professionally I travel a lot and it’s important that I can fly to a customer spontaneously if there are problems. But also in my private life I appreciate the privilege of being able to move freely within Europe without border controls!”

Anika van Aakenexpert in the "e-Powertrain Team" of the High Performance Materials division

“With Europe, I associate above all peace. There has been no war within the European Union for 70 years. I was born at the end of the 50s and still remember the post-war period and the challenges it brought. I hope that we can continue to live in peace”.

Werner CzaplikChariman of the LANXESS works council and the European forum

“I enjoy traveling in the eurozone without worrying about exchange rates and annoying price conversions.”

Hans-Joachim VitzInternal Relations

Europe is more important to us than ever

Are political decisions made in Strasbourg and Brussels too remote from our lives? Not at all. Europe concerns all of us. Issues that directly affect every citizen are shaped in Strasbourg and Brussels, such as climate protection, digitalization, education and international trade. Only by working jointly together can the European Union negotiate as an equal partner with major economic powers like the USA, China and Russia.