"Requiem for Europe": Karin Kneissl presents her new book on the fate of the European Union at St Petersburg University

The book offers a historical and political perspective on the key events that may further lead to the disintegration of the European Union. It also features Karin Kneissl’s autobiography, her path from an ordinary employee to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria (2017-2019), and the reasons for her final move to Russia. 

In her new book, Karin Kneissl tells about the Europe in which she was born and worked for many years. The author describes the European region’s journey from a sought-after and most promising region in the world to its current state, when the continent’s most important countries, having survived a series of economic, political, energy and migration crises, are ceding their once leading role on the global stage to the states of the East. "That Europe, where I felt so fortunate to live, no longer exists. I do not know when exactly that blessed place disappeared. Freedom, equality and human dignity were replaced by a new kind of censorship, economic division and a scathing contempt for human beings. And all of this occurred suddenly and abruptly," shared Karin Kneissl in her book.

In recent decades, Europe has lost its essence and soul — its freedom and the rule of law.

Karin Kneissl, Head of the G.O.R.K.I Centre at St Petersburg University

In her opening remarks, Karin Kneissl expressed her gratitude to the assembly members for their support in the preparation of the publication. Viktor Titov, Senior Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Economics at St Petersburg University, thanked Karin Kneissl for her contribution to the development of academic, expert and educational activities in different areas of knowledge. "We are honoured to hold the presentation of this wise and important book at Russia’s oldest university. Here at the University, Dr Karin Kneissl is known as a person of insight and encyclopaedic learning, whose professional expertise spans a number of different subject areas, including: energy policy, diplomacy, and migration. We highly appreciate the opportunity to cooperate with her," Viktor Titov said. 

In his address, Kirill Shamalov, a graduate of St Petersburg University, CEO of the Ladoga Management Company, and a member of the Public Council at Rossotrudnichestvo (the Russian Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation), drew the audience’s attention to the persecutions that the author of the book had to face prior to her move to Russia. "Karin Kneissl once confessed that the only person with whom she continues to communicate in Austria, in her native Vienna, is a pharmacist," Kirill Shamalov said.

Within the framework of the 27th St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2024), a discussion was held on the topic "Requiem for Europe: A New Era of International Cooperation", where the Head of the G. O. R. K. I. Centre at St Petersburg University spoke about her new book. The title of Dr Kneissl’s book appeared in the topic of the discussion.

At the meeting, Karin Kneissl also shared her experiences of participating in SPIEF 2024. "Having attended the current St Petersburg International Economic Forum, which featured so many interesting events, meetings and ideas, I once again felt confident that Russia will win. When I say «Russia will win», I do not imply a political or military victory. I am talking about the Russian nation’s heart, its breadth and kindness, its amazing qualities," stressed the Head of the G. O. R. K. I. Centre at St Petersburg University.

We must bring a new breath of life to diplomacy, renew old traditions, and attract people who know how to speak and interact respectfully with each other. It is very important that we meet and exchange views, not just pre-prepared phrases. In Russia, I feel that I can start anew.

Karin Kneissl, Head of the G.O.R.K.I Centre at St Petersburg University

"Sometimes, it happens that Russian President Vladimir Putin and I talk about the same thing quite independently of each other. Yesterday, he said that European culture will be preserved here, and that St Petersburg will become the cultural capital of Europe in the new multipolar world. This is what my book is about," Karin Kneissl shared, speaking about the plenary session of the 27th St Petersburg International Economic Forum. 

The presentation was followed by the book signing where Karin Kneissl personally signed her book "Requiem for Europe" for everyone in attendance.