What do the parties in Rhineland-Palatinate say on Europe?

The AfD wants to rebuild the EU into a league of sovereign states with few powers and to bring these demands forward through the Bundesrat (the chamber of the German states). It rejects EU taxes of its own, liability for other countries and what it sees as Germany's excessive contribution burden. The platform accuses the EU of undermining national sovereignty.

The AfD wants a smaller EU. The EU should have only a few tasks. Each country should decide more for itself. The EU should not collect its own taxes. Germany should pay less money to the EU.

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.

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.

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.

The Greens want to deepen cooperation with France, Luxembourg and Belgium and with the state's partner regions. Cross-border local transit is to grow, and the Deutschlandticket (nationwide transit pass) is to be valid in adjacent regions of neighboring countries. At the federal level, the party wants an end to checks at the EU's internal borders.

The Greens want to work more closely with neighboring countries. Buses and trains should run better across the border. The Deutschlandticket should also be valid just across the border. Checks at borders inside Europe should end.

The Greens want to develop the EU into a Federal European Republic in the long run. EU funds are to go into climate protection and a climate-friendly economy, and there are to be safe, legal routes for refugees to Europe. In Rhineland-Palatinate, EU citizens are to be allowed to vote in state elections as well.

The Greens want to turn the EU into a joint federal state in the long run. EU money should mainly go to climate protection. Refugees should be able to reach Europe by safe and legal routes. People from other EU countries should be allowed to vote in state elections.

The SPD is committed to a Europe of open borders and wants to strengthen cooperation with neighbors in the Greater Region and on the Upper Rhine. For the EU budget framework 2028 to 2034, it calls for a reliable cohesion policy managed at the regional level. European education in schools is to be expanded.

The SPD wants open borders in Europe. The state should work closely with France, Luxembourg and Belgium. The EU gives money to regions. The SPD wants this money to keep flowing reliably. Regions should have a say in how it is used. Schools should teach more about Europe.