EM Germany Newsletter May 2025 | Woman of Europe Award
Dear readers,
At the beginning of this millennium, a municipal stakeholder said to me, with an ironic undertone: “There was the Europe of movement, but now there is the Europe of directives.”
We have known this since the "Zeitenwende": We need both - transparency in EU legislation and movement for a strong Europe. The new German government seems to understand that. Our analysis of the coalition agreement shows: Less “German Vote” and more strategic EU policy are planned. That's right. Criticism remains: The lack of a statement on the preservation and protection of the Schengen area is regrettable.
With 75 years of EBD experience, we know: It is about fair prosperity, but also about freedom of thought, human rights and the rule of law. Our democratic freedom cannot be taken for granted.
So let's celebrate what unites us: On May 5, the first Europe Day and Marie von Manteuffel, our Woman of Europe 2025, for her commitment to a humane European refugee policy. On May 8 - the day of liberation, which reminds us not to forget the lessons of history. On May 9, the second Europe Day and the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration - the origin of today's EU. The motto in Brussels will be: #EuropeUnited!
With the new Federal Government, we are also celebrating 75 years of German membership of the Council of Europe. Our Council of Europe anniversary conference will start on July 8 - together with the Federal Foreign Office. We look forward to your interest!
With European regards
Bernd Hüttemann
Secretary General of the European Movement Germany (EBD) e.V.
#EM Germany Graphic of the month
In the current #EBDGrafik, we take a look at the recipients of the Woman of Europe Award since 2020 – including this year’s awardee Marie von Manteuffel. Through her outstanding commitment and tireless work for human rights, asylum law, and humanitarian aid, she has earned a significant voice in the European public sphere. | Our Graphic to download
EM Germany News
Marie von Manteuffel awarded "Woman of Europe 2025" | On 5 May, Marie von Manteuffel was honoured with the Woman of Europe 2025 award at the European House in Berlin. The jury recognised her longstanding commitment to refugees, fair asylum policies, and civil sea rescue. In her acceptance speech, she emphasised that the award is not only a recognition but also a mandate – to stand up for those whose voices are not being heard. Prof. Dr Beate Rudolf (German Institute for Human Rights) praised her as a powerful voice for human rights and people on the move. EM Germany President Dr. Anna-Maija Mertens reminded the audience that it is often women who stand up for democracy, peace, and cohesion in Europe – in the very spirit of the award. | More information
New German Government: EM Germany calls for a clear EU strategy and coordination | As the new German government takes office, EM Germany Secretary-General Bernd Hüttemann is calling for a fresh start in European policy. In interviews with Table.Media and tagesschau.de, he emphasised the need for a clear EU strategy – with well-defined responsibilities, a more active role in the Council, and better coordination between the Chancellery, Parliament, and ministries. "Europe must be a matter for the Chancellery," Hüttemann said. The role of the EU Ambassador must also be part of a coherent strategy – as a signal to the rest of Europe.
EM Germany on the European policy of the 2025 coalition agreement | In her statement, EM Germany President Dr Anna-Maija Mertens welcomed the coalition’s plans on EU enlargement, strengthening the Council of Europe, and improved coordination of EU affairs within the German government. At the same time, she criticised the lack of concrete follow-up on the Conference on the Future of Europe. EM Germany Secretary-General Bernd Hüttemann’s analysis highlights progress such as the end of the “German Vote” and the stronger role of the Chancellery – but also calls for a more ambitious vision for a reformed and enlarged EU. The absence of any mention of Schengen is seen as a weakness. | More information
EM Germany Public Diplomacy Exclusive: Focus on Turkey | At a digital exchange on 29 April, Emre Gür, President of the European Movement Turkey, assessed current political and economic developments in the country. Key topics included domestic reactions to the imprisonment of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the state of the rule of law, and growing tensions in EU-Turkey relations. Participants also discussed the role of civil society actors in shaping that relationship. | More information
Mercosur in focus: MEPs and EU negotiators in dialogue | At an EM Germany dialogue on 28 March, MEP Bernd Lange, EU Chief Negotiator Rupert Schlegelmilch, and Bettina Rudloff (SWP) discussed the prospects of the EU-Mercosur agreement. The discussion covered trade opportunities, unresolved sustainability issues, and geopolitical tensions – particularly in the context of growing global protectionism. A deal remains possible, provided that EU standards, economic interests, and political credibility can be aligned. | More information
Upcoming events
May 15, 2025 | Brussels Alumni Get-Together. On May 15, 2025, the informal Brussels Alumni Get-Together will once again take place at the Belgian Bar Herman from 6:30 pm. The meeting is aimed at all Brussels-experienced expats in Berlin and alumni of the College of Europe. Prior registration is not required - there will be an opportunity to sign the invitation list on site. | More information
May 27, 2025 | EBD De-Briefing AGRIFISH. The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will meet on May 26, 2025. At the digital EBD De-Briefing on 27 May 2025 at 14:00, Dr. Andreas Flach (BMEL) will present the results. | Read more here
June 23, 2025 | EBD De-Briefing EPSCO. The meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) on June 19 and 20, 2025 is expected to bring important decisions on labor market policy, social inclusion and health. Florian Schierle (BMAS) and Mark Kamperhoff (BMFSFJ) will analyze the results at the digital EBD De-Briefing on June 23, 2025 at 14:00. | Read more here
June 30, 2025 | EBD Briefing on the Danish EU Council Presidency. The EM Germany invites you to a briefing on the occasion of the upcoming Danish EU Council Presidency on June 30, 2025. The focus will be on Copenhagen's priorities and perspectives for the EU agenda. Further information will follow shortly on our website. Save the Date!
July 8, 2025 | Council of Europe Anniversary Conference. On the occasion of Germany's 75th anniversary in the Council of Europe, the Council of Europe, the Federal Foreign Office and the EBD are organizing an anniversary conference in Berlin. The focus will be on future prospects for the work of the Council of Europe as a guarantor and defender of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Further information can be found here. Save the Date!
More information
Check out former editions of our newsletter here.
Please sign up here if you would like to receive the newsletter (in German).
Zur deutschen Version dieses Newsletters.
