EM Germany Newsletter April 2024 | 20 years of EU enlargement

We are celebrating 20 years of EU enlargement. On 1 May 2004, the European Union expanded by 10 member states. The fifth and largest round of enlargement to date brought countries from the Mediterranean to the Baltic Sea into the European community. With the ‘Eastern European enlargement’, the division of Europe was finally overcome 15 years after the fall of the Iron Curtain.

20 years later, this round of enlargement must be seen as a great success, which we are celebrating together with the House of Representatives, the European Academy Berlin, EU embassies and many other partners on April 29th as part of a European afternoon in the Berlin House of Representatives. The integration of the new member states into the European community of values has led to their lasting democratisation. But where there is light, there is usually also shadow: The so-called ‘democratic backsliding’ in some countries, such as Hungary, is not only causing headaches in Brussels, but also for all stakeholders who are committed to democracy and the rule of law in general. A look at our eastern neighbours brings relief: with Donald Tusk's election success, Poland is very likely to achieve a democratic turnaround, supported by our sister organisation, the European Movement Poland.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has given new impetus to enlargement policy. The latest step is the imminent start of accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can find an overview of the current status of EU enlargement in our updated #EBDGrafik.

As the EM Germany, we want to consistently drive forward the enlargement of the European Community and offer the new accession candidates the prospects they deserve. Of course, the framework conditions - the Copenhagen criteria - must be adhered to. However, this also includes a clear mandate to the EU to adapt the treaties so that new members can effectively participate in our Union of freedom, democracy and the rule of law. Following the European Parliament's reform proposals, the ball is now in the court of the heads of state and government, who want to present conclusions on the reform of the EU by summer 2024.

There is still a lot to do before then, as the 2024 European elections are just around the corner. We have also launched the annual consultation process with our member organisations to update our EM Germany policy. You can look forward to exciting events in the coming weeks. And one more thing: use your vote on 9 June 2024! I hope you enjoy reading our newsletter.

Yours,

Bernd Hüttemann

Secretary General of EM Germany

EM Germany News

Presentation of the work of EM Germany at the EAB's ‘Newsroom Europe’ | EM Germany was once again represented at this year's Newsroom Europe 2024 event. On March 22nd, the European Academy Berlin brought together young journalists from Belgium, Hungary and Germany. EM Germany Secretary General Bernd Hüttemann presented our work to this audience focussing on the rule of law and EU enlargement. | More (in German)

Meeting of the College of Europe's 2024 Selection Committee | The EBD General Secretariat decided at the end of March who will be in the running for the coveted study places at the College of Europe this year. The selection committee, chaired by Prof. Dr. Stefan Fröhlich, met over three days to select the scholarship holders for the 2024/25 intake from the 55 applicants. They will be given the opportunity to study at renowned universities in Bruges or Natolin. | More (in German)

Support for Ukraine, security policy and EU enlargement at the EM De-Briefing EUCO | The European Council meeting on March 21st and 22nd covered a wide range of topics: from support for Ukraine to EU reform and enlargement to migration policy. For the digital de-briefing, the EM Germany welcomed Sibylle Katharina Sorg, Head of the European Department at the Federal Foreign Office and Dr. Kirsten Scholl, Head of the European Department at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action as de-briefers and EM Germany Vice-President Barbara Lochbihler for a first commentary. The Council has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine and wants to do more to combat the circumvention of Russia sanctions. Bosnia and Herzegovina was officially recognised as a candidate country for EU accession. | More (in German)

Results of the 71st European Competition at national level | The jury has met and the winners have been announced. This year, the European Competition honoured 434 entries with a national prize that dealt with the topic of ‘Europe (un)limited’. Our website provides an overview of the winners by federal state. You will also soon be able to marvel at selected award-winning works. | More (in German)

Brussels Alumni in Berlin | Have you gained life and work experience in Brussels? Then you are one of the more than 2,000 Berliners who are bringing a piece of Brussels to the German capital. Together with Süddeutsche Zeitung Dossier, the EM Germany would like to create further opportunities for European political networking. This is why the Brussels Alumni in Berlin format exists. Register for the mailing list and you will receive information on exclusive network meetings and other activities organised by and for Brussels alumni in Berlin. | Registration

Upcoming Events

29.04.2024 | Better Together: 20 years of EU enlargement by 10 countries at the invitation of the President of the Berlin House of Representatives, Cornelia Seibeld, and the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner, and together with numerous embassies of the EU states.

29.04.2024 | Table.Media cooperation on the 2024 European elections: with Damian Boeselager MEP (Volt), Christine Singer (Freie Wähler) and Dr. Linn Selle, President of the European Movement Germany e.V.

03.05.2024 | Table.Media cooperation on the 2024 European elections: with Martin Schirdewan MEP (Die Linke), in conversation with Bernd Hüttemann, EM Secretary General and Till Hoppe, Editorial Director Europe.Table.

06.05.2024 | Award ceremony of the European Women's Prize 2024 for Hanna Veiler

16.05.2024 | EM De-Briefing ECOFIN and Eurogroup with Dr. Judith Hermes, Head of the European Policy Department; International Financial Policy at the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF)

16.05.2024 | For a gender-equal Europe - Where does the EU stand in terms of gender equality and where is it heading? Event organised in cooperation with the Federal Foundation for Gender Equality, the German Women's Council and the German Women Lawyers' Association on the occasion of the 2024 European elections with, among others, Eva Gerhards (European Commission), Katarina Barley MEP (SPD) and Dr. Hannah Neumann MEP (Bündnis 90/DIE GRÜNEN).

All dates are summarised in the EBD calendar for the Belgian EU Council Presidency.

More information

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