CDU on Europe

The CDU wants to set up a state-level digital Europe interface through which municipalities, schools, research institutions and businesses can use EU funding programs more easily. The aim is for European funds to be drawn down effectively in the state.

The EU gives money for projects. The applications are often hard. The CDU wants the state to build a website for this. Towns, schools and companies can apply for the money there easily. Every application should get an answer.

Access to European funding and innovation programs would be fully digital. Every application would receive a binding response. The program justifies the plan by saying EU funding procedures are too complex and the money needs to be put to better use in the state.

The CDU wants to use the state's representation in Brussels to push for less bureaucracy at the EU level. EU rules should promote the competitiveness of mid-sized firms, skilled trades and industry, and large infrastructure projects should get time-limited exemptions.

The CDU thinks the EU has too many complicated rules. The state should push in Brussels for less paperwork. Rules should help companies and not slow them down. Big building projects should get exceptions for a limited time.

According to the program, EU decision-making is often cumbersome and innovation is overregulated. For infrastructure and transformation projects, the CDU calls for pragmatic, time-limited exemptions. The state would follow European negotiations and legislation that directly affect it earlier and seek regular exchange with the Commission, the Council and the Parliament. In the party's view, the EU should return to a core mission. The CDU intends to represent this stance toward Berlin and Brussels.

The CDU wants to strengthen young people's mobility in Europe. Programs like Erasmus+ should also become routine at vocational schools and in apprenticeships.

Young people should be able to go to other European countries more easily. This should also apply to apprentices. The CDU wants more exchanges with France, Luxembourg and Belgium. Job qualifications should be easier to recognize in the EU.

Exchanges of school students and apprentices with neighboring France, Luxembourg and Belgium are to grow. The CDU wants to simplify the digital recognition of vocational qualifications within the EU. Erasmus+ is the EU's education and exchange program.