How Can We Bring Europe Closer to its Citizens?

Mr Mödder, what are your tasks as a member of Team EUROPE DIRECT in Germany?

Martin Mödder: The speakers’ pool is made up of EU experts who explain various European topics in an understandable way on behalf of the European Commission – through lectures, workshops, moderated events or by participating in panel discussions. Each of us has our own area of expertise. My focuses, for example, are EU integration, climate policy, federalism and participatory methods. We also receive regular training and background information from the European Commission.

I’m asked to organise workshops or give lectures for a range of audiences, such as schools, clubs, EUROPE DIRECT information centres, adult education centres, as well as municipal administrations, universities, student organisations and ministries. The approach to political education can therefore vary greatly.

What is the main focus of your work as a speaker?

I specialise in educating young people. I always try to adjust my teaching approach in order to engage specific target groups in European topics. It makes a difference whether I’m addressing a school class, a group of university students or an audience of professionals.

When I’m explaining how young people can benefit from the EU, for instance, I tell them about the different ways Erasmus+ can enable them to gain international experience – through school exchanges, vocational training programmes, study abroad semesters or by joining clubs and organisations. I provide a comprehensive overview of the programme, but I also single out specific initiatives. For example, many people are surprised to learn that apprentices can complete part of their training in another EU country through Erasmus+.

As you’ve already said, one of your focuses is EU integration. How does Erasmus+ contribute to this, and what can the education programme achieve?

I think we often underestimate the value of personal experiences in developing a shared understanding of Europe. Very few people gain political awareness from a theoretical realisation that European integration is meaningful and should be pursued further. Interest in European collaboration grows first and foremost from personal, first-hand experiences, such as holidays, school exchanges or study abroad semesters. These experiences lay the groundwork for how people perceive the EU and other countries, helping them form a pro-European attitude.

And this is precisely where Erasmus+ comes into play. The programme often gives participants their first chance to expand their horizons and experience other educational systems. By facilitating these exchanges, Erasmus+ promotes better understanding between people within the EU.

Can you give us any specific examples?

I can illustrate this with a personal example, but let me start by presenting a broader perspective with a well-known example, the «Erasmus babies». In 2014, the European Commission published a study suggesting the Erasmus programme has led to the birth of 1 million Erasmus babies, with over a quarter of Erasmus students meeting their partner during their time abroad. 

The question of whether there are really 1 million Erasmus babies or if this figure is a statistical extrapolation is open to debate. Nevertheless, it clearly illustrates that Erasmus+ has played a significant role in creating an open and diverse European society – and that it not only provides opportunities for international experiences, but it also has a far deeper impact on people across Europe than we may initially realise.

And your personal example?

My grandfather was a prisoner of war in France in the Second World War. Despite the circumstances, he developed a deep affection for the French people and their country. He passed on this love of all things French to his children, and my father, in turn, shared it with us. I have always had a strong connection to France, even before I became interested in European politics. This is what triggered my initial interest in Europe. I also studied European Studies in Maastricht. 

I believe that most individuals who get to know another European country and its people at a young age, whether privately or through experiences abroad with Erasmus+, develop a much stronger appreciation of the common European Union project and are much more open to European integration than they would be without this exposure. This is a key message I try to convey in my lectures to young people. And this is why it is so important to continue offering these experiences to as many people as possible through Erasmus+.

The interview was conducted by Marcus Klein.