German Minister of Finance explains the Next Steps for European Integration












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            * German Minister of Finance explains the Next Steps for European Integration
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            On Thursday, October 2 afternoon, the Patriotic Hall of Carolinum was bustling with variou

            students, politicians, ambassadors and ministers. All of these actors contributed to an ex
            that was felt before the German Minister of Finance, Dr. Wolfgang Schäuble, discussed the 
            European Integration.

            The German Minister was introduced to the eager audience by Charles University Rector, Pro
            Zima. The Rector briefly explained Schäuble’s history of successes as both a German and Eu
            Schäuble was then awarded a gold medal on behalf of Charles University to commemorate his 

            contribution to education and common good.
            After graciously receiving the medal, Schäuble was given further thanks by the Czech Minis

            Andrej Babiš. The Czech Minister, who organised the visit, explained that Germany has alwa
            business and investment partner to the Czech Republic. Babiš also thanked Schäuble for enc
            Austrian, Hungarian, Polish and Slovakian Ministers of Finance to attend.

            Following the warm welcome, Schäuble began his lecture by explaining the positive transfor
            Europe has experienced over the past century. Amongst these great transformations, Schäubl
            Czech Republic’s independence from the Soviet Union. Charles University was then highlight

            for European transformation because it has supported German and consequently European reun
            The importance of European unity could not have been more stressed. Schäuble gave referenc
            Ukrainian crisis and explained that it is more important than ever that Europe “speaks wit

            maintain its values.” He explained that by continuing to do this, Europe would maintain pe
            and further integration.
            The argument for peace, stability and further integration was also used to encourage the C

            to join the Eurozone.  Schäuble said that future treaty changes to regulate member states’
            reflect a new reality for the Eurozone and hence the door is wide open to member states wh
            introduced the Euro. By joining, the Czech Republic would significantly contribute to what

            be, “multi-level democracy… a complimentary and interconnected system of democracies with 
            and competencies.”
            Schäuble was however asked by Professor Michal Mejstřík of Charles University’s economics 

            why the Czech Republic should join the Eurozone when various members of the Eurozone misma
            budgets. The Professor also explained that compared to most Eurozone members, the Czech Re
            successfully managed its own deficit. Schäuble however assured the Professor that joining 

            would further the legitimacy of democratic institutions within Europe provided that common
            instilled on all member states.
            Having enjoyed the insightful lecture given by the German Minister, the audience’s excited

            transformed into a more positive one. The lecture convinced the audience that by sustainin
            partnerships, regulating European banks and national budgets, and by encouraging economic 
            that Europe will continue to be a successful democratic institution that can be improved t

            error.
                                                                                                      
            Cayla Tomás Murray studies International Politics BSc at Brunel University of London. She 
            first noticed the contentious issues of racism, Apartheid and poverty that still ensued de
            role with the Democratic Alliance Abroad as the Representative for Prague. Cayla’s journal