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by Wolfgang Jenewein
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Finally, the European Championship has begun, and the weather is also getting a bit better. Fans from all over Europe are coming to Germany, celebrating their teams peacefully and exuberantly. Given the terrible wars in our world and the multitude of crises, it’s hard to be carefree and joyful, but this European Championship is a ray of light in complicated times.
On the field, the competition is tough but fair, and after the game, everyone celebrates together with fans from other nations. Suddenly, Germany becomes the center of Europe, and you see Scots and Germans arm in arm at the bar; Swiss and Hungarians sharing a beer; or Austrians and French discussing the match over a bottle of red wine.
Especially in times when we see nationalist tendencies across Europe and exclusion often takes precedence over togetherness, images like these give me strength and optimism.
Of course, we still have worries, and we won’t solve the problems of our time with football, but perhaps we can set them aside for a summer. The European Championship—and, by the way, the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris—have the potential to give us something that unites us: the joy of sport, the excitement over athletes’ achievements, and a break from everyday life. At the same time, the loud troublemakers and dividers in our society find less of an audience. Their cries fade away because the European Championship creates a new resonance, absorbing much of the frustration and fear of our time.
Various studies show that we humans are social beings who find fulfillment in community. Strength lies in unity and togetherness, not in conflict and division! I have the impression that this European Championship reminds us of that, and that we Europeans are, at least for four weeks, establishing a new sense of togetherness. Who knows—maybe it will even last longer. I certainly hope so!
What do you think? Don’t you also feel that this Euro 2024 is sending a positive wave of excitement, confidence, and togetherness through Germany and across Europe?
Warm regards,
Wolfi
#unitedbyfootball #uefaeuro2024