Europa-Park Honors Wolfgang Schäuble with Bridge Naming and the New Democracy Forum in 2025

On Elsas Day at Europa-Park, a central bridge in the French-themed area was named after politician Wolfgang Schäuble, who passed away in December 2023. Europa-Park founder Roland Mack praised Schäuble as a pioneer of Franco-German friendship and announced a democracy forum in his honor for the park's anniversary year in 2025.

Bridge Builder and Friend of Europa-Park

The ceremonial naming of the bridge after Wolfgang Schäuble took place during the traditional Elsas Day in the French-themed area of Europa-Park. Schäuble, who died in December 2023, was a close friend of the park and the Mack family. He had supported the project from its early construction phases and remained an important companion for over fifty years. In his speech, Roland Mack highlighted that Schäuble was not only a significant politician, but also a symbol of building bridges between Germany and France – both literally and figuratively.

A Lasting Tribute to Wolfgang Schäuble

With the bridge now bearing Wolfgang Schäuble’s name, Europa-Park aims to create a permanent symbol of Franco-German friendship and the promotion of democratic values. Schäuble, who often emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two nations, saw Europa-Park as a prime example of lived international understanding. Particularly in the border region, where the Aachen Treaty plays a significant role, this friendship is a crucial foundation for peace in Europe. The bridge’s central location in the French-themed area serves as a visible symbol of this mission.

“Wolfgang Schäuble Democracy Forum” in the Anniversary Year 2025

To carry on Wolfgang Schäuble's legacy, Roland Mack announced the launch of the “Wolfgang Schäuble Democracy Forum” at Europa-Park in 2025. Young people from Germany and France will gather there for two days to discuss the significance of democracy in today’s society. This initiative is designed to appeal particularly to the younger generation, encouraging them to continue Schäuble’s legacy of democracy and international friendship.

Franco-German Friendship as a Guiding Principle

Wolfgang Schäuble was convinced that the Aachen Treaty, which strengthens Franco-German cooperation in the border region, makes a vital contribution to European integration. Roland Mack also emphasized that Europa-Park demonstrates Franco-German friendship daily. This lived partnership between the two nations opens up future opportunities and is a key element of the European vision.

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