EM Germany Newsletter December 2024 | Between crises and opportunities: Europe’s path to the future – an outlook for 2025

Dear readers,

haven’t we had enough already? The year 2024 was yet another turbulent one, filled with twists and challenges—for Europe, the world, and, consequently, for you, your loved ones, and our network at the European Movement Germany.

But we, as democrats, stand united! In the face of ongoing internal and external attacks on our freedom and democracy, we seized the European Parliament elections as an opportunity to strengthen the pro-democracy consensus surrounding the new EU leadership positions. Despite the strengthened nationalist edges, the new legislative period of the European institutions is more stable than some national democracies. While the new European Commission has begun its work, the new President of the European Council, António Costa, is preparing for his first European Council meeting on December 19 and 20—we will “EBD-debrief” promptly. Costa has adopted a collegial approach both in content and organization. The European Council finally seems to be evolving into a partner of the Commission and Parliament. This is welcome news, as an enormous workload lies ahead: Ukraine, developments in the Middle East—including the current situation in Syria—the EU’s migration framework, and the prospects of Georgia and the Republic of Moldova, both under threat from Moscow. With Trump "ante portas," this list summarizes some of the most significant international topics of the past and the coming year.

New Commission portfolios for Defense and Space or Enlargement (still including Turkey), the Eastern Neighborhood, the reconstruction of Ukraine, and the new Defense Committee in the European Parliament are all the right signals for the EU's priorities in these turbulent times.

Looking ahead to the coming year, the German federal election on February 23, 2025, following the spectacular failure of the "Ampel" coalition, will take center stage. As the European Movement Germany, we will closely monitor this election through a European lens and serve as a loud voice against national shortsightedness. We advocate for strong, pro-European positions in all member parties and call for better European policy coordination by the next German government. Early lobbying successes are becoming visible: our criticism of Germany’s lack of European policy coordination and voice was often dismissed, but the issue is now making its way into party platforms. "German Vote" resembles the principle of “dead man's float”: Germany isn’t sinking, but it’s also not moving forward in Europe.

Amidst all these changes, our shared goal for 2025 remains: to strengthen Europe as a community of values, protect freedom and democracy, and create a borderless space of competition and prosperity.

Advent means arrival! Let us use this time to pause with our loved ones and gather physical or spiritual strength.

I am counting on you to join us in 2025 as we forge a path for democracy, human rights, and freedom, breaking down national barriers in thought and action.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Anna-Maija Mertens
President of the European Movement Germany e.V.

#EBD Grafik of the month

The German federal election in 2025 could impact the composition of the European Council. Our EBD graphic of the month illustrates the party affiliations of its voting members. With the election of a new German Chancellor, Germany’s position in the Council will be reassigned, potentially shifting the balance of power. For EM Germany, it is crucial that the new German government anchors a clear European agenda in the coalition agreement – not as a preamble, but as a cross-cutting issue. | Download

EM Germany News

EM Germany board kicks off the federal election year with new momentum | With fresh perspectives and a renewed structure, the EM Germany Board devoted its first meeting since the 2024 General Assembly to the challenges at European level and the early federal election in 2025. The goal: to more clearly establish the European dimension in the upcoming election campaign and bring the EU into sharper political focus. | More on the topic (in German)

Strengthening the European dialogue between Germany and Turkey | EM Germany's secretary general, Bernd Hüttemann, hosted an exchange in Istanbul  with H.E. Thomas Ossowski, EU Ambassador to Turkey, and Dr. Regine Grienberger, Consul General of Germany in Istanbul. Representatives from EM Germany's partner organizations, the European Movement Turkey, and the press discussed ideas for improving cooperation between the EU and Turkey. A key focus of the meeting was the intensification of relations in politics, economy, and society. The aim was to provide impetus for sustainable cooperation and to promote social dialogue. | More on the topic (in German)

Discussing gender equality issues | During the EM Germany's De-Briefing on december 4th, guests discussed the outcomes of the EPSCO Council in light of the inauguration of the newly elected EU Commission. Florian Schierle (BMAS) and Mark Kamperhoff (BMFSFJ) provided a comprehensive overview of key topics such as the Internship Directive, solutions to the shortage of skilled workers, and demographic challenges. A major focus was on supporting the mental health of women and girls by strengthening gender equality. Furthermore, the importance of the new social action plan driven forward by the Commission, cooperating with the member states, was emphasized. Other key topics  were gender equality and youth policy, including initiatives such as the Youth Check and the Erasmus+ program. | More on the topic (in German)

EU Aims to strengthen competitiveness and reduce bureaucracy | How can the competitiveness of the EU be enhanced? This question was at the heart of the EM Germany's De-Briefing on December 3rd, at which the outcomes of the EU Competitiveness Council held on November 28th and 29th were presented and discussed. Dr. Sonja Eisenberg (BMWK) and André Wecker (BMBF) presented the key decisions on topics such as reducing bureaucracy, strengthening the internal market, and promoting innovation. The introduction of the digital e-declaration and the goal of reducing bureaucracy in the EU by 25% were particularly highlighted. Other emphases were measures to promote competitiveness in the areas of research, bioeconomy, and strategic industries like biotechnology and battery production.  | More on the topic (in German)

EM Germany President at the Jacques Delors Centre's Pariser Platz Talks | The Pariser Platz Talks, held on November 28th and 29th, organized by the Jacques Delors Centre in collaboration with the French Embassy and supported by the Federal Foreign Office, brought together high-ranking guests from France and Germany, including the EM Germany's President Dr. Anna-Maija Mertens. The event aimed to develop European solutions to current challenges. The discussions highlighted that in order to address internal and external challenges such as populism and geopolitical threats, the EU must strengthen its geopolitical capabilities, drive institutional reforms, and promote a vibrant, values-based democracy. | More on the topic (in German)

EMI General Assembly 2024 in Budapest | This year's annual General Assembly of the EM Germany's umbrella organization, European Movement International (EMI), took place on November 28th and 29th in Budapest. EBD Secretary General Bernd Hüttemann attended together with Enno Coordes, Advisor for European Political Education, and Milan Swarowsky, Political Advisor to the Secretary General. The focus was on the 2025 work plan and recommendations for a strong EU. Particular attention was given to the Budapest Declaration for Democracy and measures to strengthen European democracy and promote a united, values-based Europe. | More on the topic (in German)

Brussels Alumni Stammtisch Berlin – Join Now! | The Brussels Alumni Stammtisch Berlin invites former Brussels expats and alumni of the College of Europe to network. From now on informal meetups will be held every third Thursday of the month at the Belgian pub "Herman" on Senefelder Platz. The first gathering kicks off on January 23, 2025, at 6:30 PM – stop by and sign up for the invitation list on-site. Furthermore, since 2011, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Movement Germany have been hosting an exclusive annual event at the Belgian Embassy. Invitations are extended to everyone who has lived and worked in Brussels, including colleagues and alumni of the College of Europe. Feel free to share this networking opportunity with former peers! | More on the topic (in German)

Upcoming events

December 20th, 2024 | On December 20th at 2:00 PM, the next EBD De-Briefing on the European Council will be held. Christoph Wolfrum, Head of the Europe Department at the Federal Foreign Office, and Dr. Kirsten Scholl, Head of the Department for European Affairs at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, will present the results of the Council meeting.

More information

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