EM Germany Newsletter March 2025 | European security and defense policy
Dear readers,
Recent events have once again reminded us how important it is for Europe to act in a united and determined manner. Especially in the field of security and defence policy, we must intensify our efforts to meet the current challenges.
The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the increasingly questionable reliability of the United States underscore the urgency of a coherent European strategy. We are following the ongoing negotiations over a ceasefire in Ukraine with great attention and concern. For us at the European Movement Germany (EM Germany), one thing is clear: No decision about Ukraine without Ukraine! Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable. A free Europe must not allow decisions about Ukraine’s future to be negotiated between the United States and Russia without Ukraine’s active involvement. Our own security is inextricably linked to the stability and freedom of Ukraine.
It is time for Europe to fully assume its security policy responsibilities and to undertake the urgently needed efforts together. The recent meetings of the European Council have once again reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to support Ukraine both militarily and in humanitarian terms for as long as necessary. This support must be expanded and secured in the long term, because only through sustained and determined assistance can we help Ukraine defend its independence and achieve a just and lasting peace.
The current developments within NATO and the war in Ukraine demonstrate how fragile our European security architecture is. To strengthen it, we need improved cooperation at the European level and increased investment in joint European defence capabilities. The so-called ReArm Europe Plan / Readiness 2030, together with the recently published White Papers on the Future of European Security and Defence, are setting decisive directions for this. One thing is clear: Defence spending must be increased to meet the demands of a changing geopolitical landscape. At the same time, it is beyond question that Europe’s defence cannot be conceived and realised from 27 national perspectives—it can only succeed collectively.
These challenges concern not only the European community but also the newly elected Federal Government. With the suspension of the debt brake for defence investments, as decided by the Bundestag and Bundesrat, and the associated strengthening of military capabilities, the government is sending the right signal—not only to Russia but also to our partners in the EU. However, structural changes at the European level are urgently needed as well, to rapidly and jointly achieve European defence capability. As the EM Germany, we accompany the Federal Government and the European community in their efforts to further strengthen Europe’s defence capability. The establishment of a genuine European Defence Union—as already envisioned in the EU treaties—must become a political priority. Only united and with joint, concerted efforts can we protect and preserve peace, freedom, democracy, and human rights in Europe—our way of life.
At the same time, we are witnessing many moving developments in other countries. Whether we look to Belgrade, where Serbia has seen the largest demonstrations in its history; to Washington, where presidential decrees (presumably) in violation of the US Constitution are being issued; or to Istanbul, where the most popular opposition politician has been dubiously arrested—we must acknowledge: Liberal democracy and its separation of powers, the foundation of our Basic Law and our free Europe, are under attack. As committed Europeans, we must confront these developments together and decisively, forging a broad coalition of pro-European, pro-democratic forces. At EM Germany, we see this as our mission - and we count on your support.
With European regards,
Michael Gahler
Vice President of the European Movement Germany (EM Germany) e.V.
#EM Germany Graphic of the month
How can the EU become more resilient and independent? The EM Germany Graphic of the Month explains the structures and decision-making processes of the Common Security and Defence Policy — and shows which new measures are intended to strengthen “Readiness 2030”: from more flexible budget rules to joint procurement. | Our #EMGermanyGraphic is available for download
EM Germany News
New responsibility for Europe: EM Germany board discusses expectations of Berlin | The first board meeting of the European Movement Germany (EM Germany) this year on March 21, 2025, focused on Germany's European policy after the Bundestag elections, support for Ukraine and Europe's defense policy. In view of strong geopolitical tensions, the Executive Board emphasized the demands for stronger European policy coordination by the new German government and clear signals for a Europe capable of acting. Other topics at the meeting included the election of Marie von Manteuffel as “Woman of Europe 2025” and the welcoming of five new members to the network. Europe needs determined players - the EM Germany stays on the ball! | Read more
EM Germany Public Diplomacy Exclusive - Developments in Serbia | On March 19, 2025, EM Germany and the European Movement Serbia discussed the status of Serbia's EU accession talks in an exclusive event. Dragana Đurica, diplomat and Secretary General of the European Movement Serbia, spoke about progress and hurdles - especially in the areas of rule of law and political repression. The background to this were the mass protests and the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević in January. It became clear: Serbia still needs Europe's support to ensure stability and future prospects. | Read more
EM Germany De-Briefing European Council | At the digital EM Germany De-Briefing on 11 March 2025, Christoph Wolfrum (Federal Foreign Office) and Dr. Nina Wunderlich (BMWK) analyzed the results of the extraordinary European Council on Ukraine and European security issues. Gosia Binczyk (EU Commission Germany) and Christian Petry (EM Germany Vice-President) provided initial assessments. Under the moderation of Fabian Häring (EM Germany), the focus was on support for Ukraine and the expansion of European defense in the form of the Commission's “ReArm Europe” plan. | To the article
In their joint statement to the Council meeting on 6 March 2025, EM Germany President Dr. Anna-Maija Mertens and EM Germany Vice-President Michael Gahler MEP also call for a stronger European defense union, further aid for Ukraine and more flexible debt limits for defense investments. | The entire statement
Marie von Manteuffel is Woman of Europe 2025 | The EM Germany honors Marie von Manteuffel with the Women of Europe 2025 Award. The award recognizes her outstanding commitment to fundamental European values, a fair asylum policy and civil sea rescue. She is a founding member of United4Rescue and works with Caritas International and Doctors Without Borders, among others, to protect refugees. The award will be presented in Berlin on May 5, 2025. | Learn more
Roadmap to strengthen women's rights | The EM Germany welcomes the EU Commission's proposals for more equality and better protection against violence. A key step is the full ratification of the Istanbul Convention by all EU member states. Only in this way can violence against women be consistently combated and equality further advanced. The EM Germany is committed to ensuring that these commitments are not just on paper, but also become effective in practice. | More information
Statement by the EM Germany President on the minor interpellation on political neutrality | In her statement on the CDU/CSU's minor interpellation, EM Germany President Dr. Anna-Maija Mertens emphasizes that state support for civil society engagement is an expression of a vibrant democracy. She advocates transparency in the handling of public funds and warns against undermining trust in democratic actors through blanket questioning. In a pluralistic society, clear support is needed for all those who stand up for democracy, openness and tolerance. | To the statement
EM Germany Exclusive on the “German Vote” and the European Plan in Brussels | In March, EM Germany Secretary General Bernd Hüttemann discussed the impact of the 2025 Bundestag elections on European policy with Brussels-based journalists and EM Germany member organizations. Among other things, the discussion was based on analyses of the election programs and assessments of future European coordination in Berlin. The focus was on pressing questions: What role will Germany play in the EU? Will it live up to its responsibilities? And what European policy priorities are emerging for the next federal government?
One example of the intensive exchange: the meeting with Andriy Zayats, Head of the Council of Europe Liaison Office, and his press spokesman Andrew Cutting focused on strengthening cooperation between the Council of Europe and the EU - particularly against the backdrop of current challenges to democracy, the rule of law and human rights. Hüttemann also held further talks with representatives from politics, partner organizations and the media - including a meeting with H.E. Ambassador Michael Clauß. The aim: to secure Europe's ability to act and further advance European integration. | More
New EU work program: More speed for security and competitiveness | At the EM Germany briefing on 18 February 2025, Barbara Gessler (EU Commission Germany) presented the priorities of the new work program: The focus is on security, competitiveness and reducing bureaucracy. Anja Wallau (Federal Foreign Office) highlighted the importance of a consistent enlargement policy, while Dr. Kirsten Scholl (BMWK) emphasized the need for far-reaching reforms. EM Germany Secretary General Bernd Hüttemann welcomed the Commission's ambitious plans, but called for more speed and political will to strengthen European unification and make Europe more resilient. There was agreement that the EU must act decisively in 2025 in order to secure its competitiveness and provide new impetus for enlargement. | Read more
Upcoming events
March 28, 2025 | EP rapporteur in dialog on the Mercosur Treaty and customs dispute. Negotiations on the free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur states have been concluded after more than 20 years, enabling new trade. But in times of Trump 2.0, free trade is being called into question. What is the future of EU trade policy? MEP Bernd Lange (SPD), the EU's chief negotiator for the Mercosur agreement Rupert Schlegelmilch and agricultural scientist Dr. agr. Bettina Rudloff (Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik) will discuss the current status of the agreement and Europe's trade policy options on March 28, 2025 from 10:45 a.m. as part of the cooperation event “EP Rapporteurs in Dialogue”. Find out more here
March 31, 2025 | EM Germany De-Briefing Environment. Following the presentation of the Clean Industry Deal by the European Commission, the Environment Council will meet on March 27, 2025 to discuss the environmental dimension of the deal. At the EM Germany De-Briefing Environment on March 31, 2025 at 14:00, Wolfgang Seidel, Head of Division EU Coordination and European Commissioner at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, and Philipp Knöpfle, Officer in Division KB3 at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, will analyze the results of the Council meeting. Read more here
More information
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