Go to the Polls! Send a Signal! Provide Clarity!

• Continental calls on employees in Europe to cast their votes
• CEO Dr. Elmar Degenhart: “Voting is a commitment to democracy and economic growth”
• Executive Board member for Human Relations Dr. Ariane Reinhart: “A strong EU secures the future of our jobs”
• Company promotes the European idea with the “Experiencing Europe” program

For Continental, the European Single Market is the strongest market in terms of sales. The company turned over a total of €21.8 billion in Europe in 2018 – almost half (49 percent) of its global sales of €44.4 billion for that year. Of the current workforce of around 245,000 staff, the company employs roughly 140,000 staff (57 percent) at more than 250 European locations in almost all EU countries. In the past 10 years, Continental has invested around €12 billion in safe, clean, intelligent mobility across Europe. The majority of its 49,000 engineers around the world works in Europe, yet is connected worldwide.

Degenhart warned against taking freedom and democracy for granted. “Freedom and democracy are the insurance cover for our community. We must defend both foundations and continually renew them. Voting in the European election is therefore an important commitment to democracy and economic growth,” said Degenhart. He added: “The long, drawn-out disputes surrounding the uncertain Brexit show us what “less EU” leads to: border fences, dislocations, fewer opportunities, and uncertain prospects.”

In particular, he called on eligible voters with higher aspirations to determine their own future. “There is a lot on the line here for them, because setbacks in the process of European unification reduce their opportunities for growth, just as they do for all of us. In times of international trade disputes and when tariffs have returned, a weakened Europe is a plaything for other, less liberal powers. A strong, European community and a strong European Single Market are the best way to protect our social, economic, and ecological climate.”

In addition to its economic relevance, a strong Europe also has a political and cultural significance for Continental. Reinhart is convinced that European and internationally active companies bear responsibility for highlighting the benefits of a united, values-based Europe for their employees. “Europe is a community of shared values, just like Continental. The corporate values For One Another, Freedom To Act, Trust, and Passion To Win that we embrace reflect the values of the European idea and support them.” That applies to the value For One Another in particular. Reinhart: “We understand it to mean that employees stick together, join forces, and work for one another as well as see and use the diversity in our company as a source of inspiration and creativity.”

For two years now, Continental has been promoting the European idea. It is giving young people the chance to experience the opportunities that a united Europe offers in the labor market. To that end, it initiated the “Experiencing Europe” program in 2017. This provides young adults from Germany who are seeking work with the opportunity to complete two internships, each lasting two weeks, in another European country. Conversely, young people from other countries can complete an internship in Germany. As well as Continental, other companies including Schaeffler, Thomas Cook, and DHL are now also involved. In total, around 100 young people have taken part in the program to date. They can use this international experience to improve their profile and, ideally, secure a job at one of the companies: Four participants are currently completing an apprenticeship at Continental, and one is completing a work-study program at the company.