EM Germany Newsletter February 2025 | Germany’s election, Europe’s future: Why the Bundestag election is decisive
Dear readers,
We are all looking with great concern at possible deals between Trump and Putin. Ten days before the Bundestag elections, we are discussing many things, but not how Germany and Europe can provide stronger and sustainable support for Ukraine.
On February 23rd, it will be decided which Bundestag will shape Germany in the coming years. For us as the European Movement Germany (EM Germany), one thing is certain: this election is also a directional election for a free and democratic Europe.
Our comprehensive analysis of the election manifestos, presented graphically in the “EM Germany View of the 2025 Bundestag Election”, shows a clear picture: all EM Germany member parties are clearly pro-European and advocate a strong Europe capable of taking action. This clearly distinguishes them from the nationalist anti-European positions of the BSW and the AfD. This is also evident in their support for Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion, for freedom, democracy and human rights. That gives hope.
But the game is played on the pitch! At a time of global challenges for democracy, the rule of law and human rights, Germany needs a government that is actively committed to a strong Europe. Our core demand: a European plan is needed! A plan that sets clear goals for European policy cooperation, supported by more effective coordination of European policy within the German government. This demand is also shared by a majority of people in Germany, as the results of our Forsa survey show, with 66% of respondents wanting European policy to play a central role in the 2025 Bundestag election campaign.
For many people, Europe is at the center of their political expectations – and rightly so! Many of the major challenges can only be solved at European level – be it migration, climate change or systemic competition with autocratic states and their strategic corruption. For us as the EM Germany, the message remains clear: Germany must no longer remain hesitant in the European concert. A new German government must assume leadership responsibility at both national and European level and shape Europe once again together with our European partners.
In the coming weeks, we will follow the developments surrounding the 2025 Bundestag elections and continue to analyze the European policy positions of the parties. Our goal remains to strengthen the voices of the pro-European democratic forces and to advance European policy in Germany – together with you!
Your
Dr. Anna-Maija Mertens
President European Movement Germany
#EBD Grafik of the month
Who represents your European interests in the Bundestag election campaign? Our latest #EBD Grafik analyses the European policy positions of the parties for the 2025 Bundestag elections, focusing on the extent to which their programmes overlap with our #EM Germany Priorities – such as Schengen protection, strategic European policy, transparent EU legislation and a pluralistic democracy.
The bottom line: all EM Germany member parties are clearly pro-European and distance themselves from populist and nationalist positions – especially in their stance on Russian aggression and its impact on Europe's security. EM Germany (dt. EBD) calls upon all parties to develop a sustainable European plan and to set the appropriate priorities – thereby giving even greater consideration to European policymaking. | Download our #EBD Grafik
EM Germany News
Russia's war against Ukraine: What is at stake for Germany and the EU? What are the political, economic and security consequences of Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine for Europe? The guests Gustav Gressel, Johannes Binder, Nataliya Pryhornytska and EM Germanys General Secretary Bernd Hüttemann found answers to these questions in the discussion format organised by CRISP and pen Platform on 12 February 2025. The discussion covered a range of topics, including the geopolitical situation, the implications of a new US administration under Trump, and the pressing need for Europe to develop its own security strategy in response to growing threats. | Deeper insight coming soon here.
Jury meeting for the Women of Europe 2025 Award | The jury has met to discuss the selection of this year's winner of the Women of Europe 2025 (dt.: "Preis Frauen Europa") Award, which recognises women who have demonstrated exceptional voluntary dedication to European integration since 1991. Sending a strong signal for Europe, EM Germany, together with its more than 220 member organisations, is proud to announce this year's winner on the International Women's Day on 8 March. | Learn more
Dr. Anna-Maija Mertens on Deutschlandfunk about the EU in the German election campaign | What role does Europe play in the German election campaign? In a recent interview on the DLF programme "Europe Today", EM Germany's President Dr. Anna-Maija Mertens discussed a range of issues related to migration, the Schengen area, the increase in skilled workers and cohesion within the EU. She emphasised the need for a coordinated pan-European strategy on border policy, highlighting the importance of collaboration rather than isolated national attempts. Additionally, she underscored the significance of EU enlargement for enhancing security and economic prosperity. Mertens also stressed the crucial role of providing increased support to Ukraine in safeguarding democracy and freedom for all. | Full interview
EM Germany criticizes plans for permanent border controls - preserve Schengen! | The EM Germany warns against undermining the Schengen area: border controls must not be tightened to the disadvantage of European freedom and solidarity! According to a forsa survey (December 2024), 63% of Germans see open borders as an important pillar of prosperity and security. The EBD is calling on the German government to focus on modern solutions such as green lanes and digital certificates instead. Europe must act as a united voice to secure trade, employment and prosperity, says EM Germany's President Dr. Anna-Maija Mertens. | More on our position
EM Germany briefing on the Polish EU Council Presidency | What are Poland's priorities in and for the EU? At the EM Germany Briefing, H.E. Jan Tombiński (Embassy of the Republic of Poland) presented the priorities of the Polish Council Presidency. Anja Wallau (Federal Foreign Office), Gisela Hohensee (BMWK), Gosia Binczyk (European Commission) and EM Germany President Dr. Anna-Maija Mertens discussed the European security architecture and needed measures for stabilisation of Ukraine. The conclusion: Europe must take on more responsibility without jeopardizing Schengen. | Read more
Guest article by the EM Germany President: Germany and Europe at a turning point | What is the future of Germany's European political future? In her guest article for dbb Europathemen, Dr. Anna-Maija Mertens sheds light on the expectations of EU member states towards the next German government.She emphasises that Germany has a key role to play in addressing Europe's major issues – from economic growth and security to the fair distribution of refugees. To confront these challenges, EM Germany is calling for a renunciation of short-term strategies and a focus on sustainable cooperation within the EU. A central building block: the implementation of a European plan that gives Germany greater responsibility for coordinating European dossiers. | Full article
Upcoming events
February 17th, 2025 | Bundestag elections are European elections. The Bundestag elections on February 23rd will also influence the path Europe takes. What role does Europe play in the party programs? What future scenarios are emerging? Six days before the election, on February 17th at 5:30 pm, Georg Pfeifer (Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office), Dr. Anna-Maija Mertens (President of EM Germany) and Etienne Höra (Polis180 e.V.) will discuss national and European perspectives at the European House Berlin.
February 18th, 2025 | EM Germany Briefing on the EU Commission's 2025 agenda. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, presented their agenda this tuesday. The spotlight will be on areas such as the European Union's competitiveness and cutting red tape for companies. What are the Commission's priorities – and what role does the German government play in their implementation? We will discuss these questions with Barbara Gessler (Representation of the EU Commission in Germany) and Bernd Hüttemann (General Secretary of EM Germany), among others, at the EM Germany Briefing on February 18th, 2025 at 5:00 pm.
More information
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