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The vast majority of people support the idea of an…

“The vast majority of people support the idea of an enlightened, modern union of countries demonstrating solidarity. Film director Wim Wenders recently summed up the problem to me very well. He said the idea of Europe has become an administration, and now people think that the administration is the…” quote by Martin Schulz
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“The vast majority of people support the idea of an enlightened, modern union of countries demonstrating solidarity. Film director Wim Wenders recently summed up the problem to me very well. He said the idea of Europe has become an administration, and now people think that the administration is the idea. But that doesn't mean we should give up on the idea - it means we should change the administration.”

Martin Schulz

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote critiques how Europe’s founding ideal has been reduced to bureaucratic processes, urging reform of institutions rather than abandoning the vision of unity.

In simple terms: Europe’s idea is lost in bureaucracy; reform, not abandon, the goal.

Key Takeaway

Focus on institutional change to revive the original purpose.

Themes

politics European integration institutional reform

Mood

critical hopeful

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • citizen engagement
  • EU reforms
  • cross‑border collaboration

Key Concepts

democracy collective identity governance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can institutions be restructured to reflect the original ideals?
  • What role should citizens play in this transformation?
A Different Perspective

Changing deep‑rooted bureaucratic culture is difficult and may face resistance.

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