EBD-Newsletter March 2026 | Fewer Illusions, More Europe
Dear readers,
It is March 2026. And no one can seriously claim that the situation is easing. For too long, we in Europe have relied on old certainties: on transatlantic routines, on the reassuring power of the markets, or even on the illusion that dependencies could be mitigated with cheap russian gas. Those days are over.
Russia continues its war against Ukraine with undiminished brutality. At the same time, the situation in the Middle East is escalating, with immediate consequences for Europe’s security, energy supply, and economic stability. The European Council was actually supposed to focus on Europe’s competitiveness this week. Now it is clear: competitiveness, security, and geopolitical capacity for action can no longer be separated from one another.
It is good that there are rules and institutions. They provide guidance in a time of growing disorder. The European Council will address support for Ukraine, European defense capabilities, the single market, and the next Multiannual Financial Framework. Thanks to the hospitality of the DGB, we will be reviewing the results as usual together with the Federal Chancellery at the next EM Germany de-briefing.
But one thing is also clear: Europe’s ability to act too often fails not because of a lack of tools, but because of political gridlock. Within the European Movement Germany network, we are therefore working on the prerequisite for any European strength: a resilient consensus. Through open discussion forums, background discussions, and the consultations, we are forging a direction where Europe urgently needs it.
Especially in this situation, it is also worth taking a look at the foundations of our European coexistence. The European Convention on Human Rights is not a political negotiating tool, but the foundation of the European legal community. The fact that we must once again defend and explain this self-evident truth in 2026 is highly compelling in substance—but politically, it is not a good sign. At our EM Germany Exclusive on March 19, Dr. Anja Seibert-Fohr, a German judge at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, will join us for a discussion.
Europe must now act with a clear head, in unity, and with determination. Fewer illusions, more shared resolve.
Yours,
Bernd Hüttemann
Secretary General of the European Movement Germany e.V.
#EBDGrafik of the month
The second consultation phase for the EM Germany Policy 2026/2027 has started. Our member organizations are now invited to submit their feedback on the draft EM Germany Policy and the EM Germany’s key priorities—both through the written consultation process and during the EM Germany-Exklusiv dialogue events. LINK
Based on these contributions, the Executive Board will draft a resolution for the General Assembly. The Graphic of the Month illustrates how this participatory process is structured and how it leads to the EM Germany’s policy guidelines for the coming year. | View the Graphic of the Month
EM Germany News
Capital Market Integration as the Key to Europe’s Economic Strength
At the digital EM Germany debriefing on March 11, 2026, the results of the previous day’s meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) were discussed. Ines Schlotter and Dr. Nicolas Ostler (both from the Federal Ministry of Finance) explained the deliberations from the German government’s perspective. The event was moderated by Fabian Häring (EM Germany).
The focus was on the policy debate regarding the Market Integration and Supervision Package (MISP), which is intended to advance the integration of European capital markets. In addition, issues of economic policy coordination, developments in financial market regulation, and further financial support for Ukraine were discussed. | Read more
Ina Rumiantseva and Prof. Dr. Gabriele Abels are the Women of Europe 2026
To mark the 35th anniversary of the “Preis Frauen Europas” the EM Germany is honoring Ina Rumiantseva and Prof. Dr. Gabriele Abels this year. With this award, the EM Germany honors two personalities who contribute to European integration in different ways—through solidarity in action across borders, as well as through scholarly reflection and social engagement.
Ina Rumiantseva has been advocating for democracy and human rights in Belarus, as well as for political prisoners, for years, and keeps the issue on the European agenda. Through her research, teaching, and social engagement, Prof. Dr. Gabriele Abels shapes debates on democracy, equality, and the institutional development of the European Union. The award ceremony will take place on May 4, 2026, in Berlin in cooperation with the European Commission Representation. | Read more
Deepening the Single Market, Strengthening Industry, Promoting Innovation
Deepening the Single Market and strengthening European industry were the focus of the EM Germany Competitiveness De-Briefing on March 3, 2026. Susanne Szech-Koundouros (Head of the Europe Department at the BMWE) and André Wecker (BMFTR) provided an overview of the Competitiveness Council’s deliberations from the German government’s perspective.
Topics discussed included the removal of barriers to the Single Market, new regulatory framework options for businesses (“28th regime”), and measures to strengthen industrial resilience. The planned European Competitiveness Fund and the closer integration of research, innovation, and industrial application also played a central role. | Read more
EM Germany at Café Kyiv – Ukraine’s Future in Europe
“We don’t know whether we are at the beginning, the middle, or the end of the war,” emphasized Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, highlighting the strength and determination of the Ukrainian people. This perspective also shaped the panel discussion “Securing Europe’s Future in Freedom: Ukraine’s EU Accession as a Turning Point for Europe’s Stability and Resilience,” to which the EM Germany, together with the Alliance of Ukrainian Organizations and other partners, had extended an invitation as part of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation’s Café Kyiv.
Following opening remarks by Nataliya Pryhornytska, EM Germany President Dr. Anna-Maija Mertens, Oleksandra Matviichuk, Dr. Gustav Gressel, and Roderich Kiesewetter, Member of the German Bundestag, discussed the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression for European values, the rule of law, and democratic resilience. Dr. Mertens emphasized: “Ukraine is defending not only its own country, but also the values on which the European order is based.” | Read more
Moldova and the EU Enlargement Process
What role does the Republic of Moldova play in the current EU enlargement process? This question was the focus of the EM Germany briefing on EU enlargement held on March 4 at the European House in Berlin. “In the big European house, there is a room for the Republic of Moldova,” emphasized H.E. Mihai Popșoi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, referring to his country’s European perspective.
Alongside Minister Popșoi, Gosia Binczyk (European Commission), EM Germany Secretary General Bernd Hüttemann, Dr. Niklas Wagner (Federal Foreign Office), and EM Germany Board Member Prof. Dr. Funda Tekin (Institute for European Politics) analyzed the accession process against the backdrop of the current geopolitical situation. Discussions focused in particular on the Moldovan government’s reform agenda, the 2025 parliamentary elections, and Moldova’s strategic role as a neighbor of Ukraine. | Read more
Staying the Course in Turbulent Times – EM Germany Executive Board Meeting
Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions, the EM Germany Executive Board met on March 6, 2026, to discuss current developments in European policy and the network’s strategic direction. The focus was on the EU’s reform and enlargement debate, the security situation, and negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
In addition, the Executive Board discussed key priorities for EM Germany policy in 2026/27. Reports were also given on current activities and new partnerships. With Erste Lesung GmbH and Europa macht Schule e. V., the EM Germany also welcomes two new member organizations to the network. | More information
Upcoming Events
19 March 2026 | EM Germany Environment Debriefing | The focus will be on the discussions of the Environment Council on March 17, 2026, including the revision of CO₂ emission standards for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, as well as decarbonization efforts under the EU’s post-2030 climate framework. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Wolfgang Seidel (BMUKN) as our guest speaker. Fabian Häring (EM Germany) will moderate the session. The debriefing will take place online and begins at 2:30 p.m. | Read more
19 March 2026 | Brussels Alumni Get-Together in Berlin | The EM Germany invites you to an informal Brussels Alumni Get-Together tomorrow. This networking event brings together expats in Berlin with experience in Brussels, as well as alumni of the College of Europe, for a chance to connect in a relaxed atmosphere. The event is open to anyone who has worked in Brussels in the past and is currently based in Germany—particularly in Berlin. | See more
19 March 2026 | EBD Public Diplomacy on the ECHR Debate | In the run-up to the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the EM Germany invites you to an expert dialogue on the role and future of the Convention within the European legal protection system. The focus will include current debates on the interpretation of key ECHR articles as well as the role of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The discussion will feature Prof. Dr. Anja Seibert-Fohr, a judge at the ECHR. Perspectives from the Federal Government and Parliament will complement the discussion. The event will be moderated by EM Germany Secretary General Bernd Hüttemann. | Further information
23 March 2026 | EM Germany European Council Debriefing | The focus will be on the outcomes of the European Council meeting held on March 19 and 20, 2026. Discussions are expected to cover, among other topics, European defense and security, competitiveness, and the next Multiannual Financial Framework. Ole Funke (Federal Chancellery) will present the German government’s assessment. Initial comments will be provided by Dr. Anna-Maija Mertens (EM Germany) and Gosia Binczyk (European Commission Representation in Germany). The event will take place in cooperation with the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) at the Hans-Böckler-Haus in Berlin. | Read more
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