EM Germany Newsletter November 2025 | Moldova’s European awakening: shaping enlargement, tackling reforms
Dear readers,
Europe is on the move: elections in the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Moldova, averted snap elections in France, and a renewed European momentum on common defence in light of more than mysterious drones over airports and military installations. Added to this are the negotiations on the new long-term EU budget, the debate on the future financing of Ukraine, and progress in the many accession negotiations - which also constitute a geopolitical response by the EU to Russia’s hybrid warfare.
In this context, it is worth taking a closer look at small but significant Moldova: internally divided between a free and democratic Moldova and the Russia-influenced region of Transnistria, it borders Romania - and therefore the European Union - to the west, standing for democracy, human rights, and freedom. To the east, Moldova borders Ukraine, which has had to fight relentlessly for precisely these values for almost three years now. At the end of October, following the parliamentary elections, a pro-European government was formed in Moldova, determined to move towards the European Union with full force. Alexandru Munteanu, the new Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, has tied his political future to an imminent accession to the EU. I wish him every success in this endeavour. The European Commission has already acknowledged that Moldova has made substantial progress in its latest EU enlargement package. Yet the progress made in candidate countries is only one side of the coin. The European Union must itself become capable of enlargement, undertaking reforms to strengthen its capacity to act, including through the extension of qualified majority voting. As Prime Minister Munteanu noted with regard to EU enlargement: “We all know - there is still much to do.” This statement applies to both sides - to Moldova as well as to the EU. Only through institutional reform can the EU’s ability to act be secured in the future.
For us, one thing is clear: the defence of Europe’s liberal values and peaceful coexistence on our continent will be strengthened by the accession of Moldova and Ukraine to the European Union. In doing so, the Copenhagen criteria must not be overlooked. Respecting them is the foundation of a democratic, rule-of-law-based and effective Union. I would also like to highlight that only two days ago, on 18 November, the Commission launched its first EU Enlargement Forum, opening the dialogue on the path towards timely EU enlargement. Such a dialogue is crucial, as it needs to be held not only in the candidate countries but also across all EU Member States. This dialogue is decisive in enabling the people of Southeast Europe to enjoy prosperity, freedom, and democracy.
Fittingly, on 14 November Moldova assumed the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. We have illustrated Moldova’s political priorities for its chairmanship in our EBD Graphic of the Month. The European Convention on Human Rights, which celebrated its 75th anniversary on 4 November, is also of key importance. It forms the value-based foundation of the Council of Europe.
Through renewed courage for change, enlargement and improvement, we - together with Moldova and many other partners - can build a European Union that strengthens and safeguards the security and prosperity of all its citizens through unity and resilience.
With European regards,
Dr. Anna-Maija Mertens
President of the European Movement Germany (EBD)
#EBDGrafik of the month
How is the Council of Europe structured, which roles do its key bodies fulfil, and what priorities is the current presidency pursuing? Our Grafik of the Month offers a concise overview of the Council of Europe’s institutional set-up. It highlights the Committee of Ministers under the presidency of the Republic of Moldova, the Parliamentary Assembly, and the European Court of Human Rights. It also shows which issues are particularly important to the EBD, such as strengthening the convention system, protecting media freedom, and ensuring the full implementation of the Istanbul Convention. | See the Grafik of the Month
EM Germany News
The Future of Women’s Rights in Europe
How Europe can strengthen gender equality while authoritarian forces increasingly mobilise against it was the focus of a joint event by the EBD, the European Commission Representation in Germany, the German Women’s Council, the djb, the BDA and the Federal Foundation for Gender Equality on 18 November at the European House in Berlin. In their opening remarks, Barbara Lochbihler (EBD Vice President) and Sabine Amirdschanjan (European Commission) underlined gender equality as a core European value. Moderated by Lisi Maier, Katharina Jestaedt (BMFSFJ), Valentina Chiofalo (djb), Susanne Maier (German Women’s Council) and Garunya Wieczorek (BDA) discussed the outcomes of the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2025 and expectations for the new 2026–2030 strategy. They highlighted progress on pay transparency and protection against violence, while noting gaps in parity, gender mainstreaming and gender budgeting. The Istanbul Convention remained a central reference point for Europe’s gender equality agenda. | More on the event
EBD De-Briefing: Eurogroup and ECOFIN
At the digital EM Germany De-Briefing on 17 November 2025, Ines Schlotter from the Federal Ministry of Finance presented the main outcomes of the Eurogroup and ECOFIN Council meetings. The event was moderated by Fabian Häring (EBD). The discussion focused on the EU’s economic and fiscal policy challenges, including the ongoing deadlock over the energy taxation directive, where member states were once again unable to reach an agreement.
The conversation on customs reform was more concrete, with progress being made on abolishing the €150 exemption threshold and developing the EU customs data hub. Other topics addressed included European competitiveness, the work on the digital euro, as well as discussions on financing for Ukraine and the EU budget for 2026. | More on the event
Strong Partnership: Federica Mogherini Visits the EBD
Federica Mogherini, Director of the College of Europe, visited the European Movement Germany for an exchange on long-standing cooperation and current developments at the campuses in Bruges, Natolin and Tirana. For decades, the EBD has overseen the German selection process, supporting candidates from the application phase through their studies and into the alumni network.
The meeting underscores a trusted partnership that is now being reaffirmed in a Letter of Understanding. At the same time, the application period for the 2026/27 academic year is underway: interested candidates can apply for study places and scholarships until 14 January 2026. A new feature in the 2026/27 academic year is the European Security and Strategy study track at the Natolin campus, addressing Europe’s growing need for security expertise. | More about the College
EU Enlargement Package 2025: EBD Calls for Clear Rules
The European Movement Germany welcomes the EU Enlargement Package 2025, published by the European Commission on 4 November 2025. It calls for an open and honest discussion on an enlargement policy that strengthens the rule of law, democracy and the market economy in equal measure.
For the EBD, one point is clear: enlargement requires reform, and reform requires enlargement. The unanimity requirement in foreign and security policy must no longer enable blockades. It needs to be replaced by qualified majority voting. The EBD also calls for clear political consequences when European core values are violated, for example through restrictions on independent media or the persecution of opposition figures. | More on the EBD’s position and demands
75 Years of the European Convention on Human Rights
Do you know since when your fundamental rights have been protected at the international level? On 4 November 2025, the signing of the European Convention on Human Rights marked its 75th anniversary. Since entering into force in 1953, it has guaranteed more than 700 million people essential freedoms and fundamental rights, and it enables individuals to bring complaints before the European Court of Human Rights.
For the European Movement Germany, the ECHR remains a cornerstone of Europe’s values-based policy. It underlines how essential it is to protect human dignity and the rule of law as the foundation of a strong Europe. | More on the anniversary
EBD De-Briefing: European Council and the 2026 Work Programme of the European Commission
Which priorities will shape Europe in 2026, and how does the German government assess the conclusions of the European Council? These questions guided the latest EBD De-Briefing on the EUCO, held with the support of the dbb civil servants’ association.
Ole Funke, Head of Group 52 in the Federal Chancellery, presented the government’s perspective on the European Council of 23–24 October. Barbara Gessler, Representative of the European Commission in Germany, outlined key elements of the Commission’s 2026 Work Programme, Europe’s Independence Moment. Topics included the so-called 28th regime, the European Innovation Act and the planned reforms in the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034. | More on the EBD De-Briefing
Women of Europe Awards 2025: Two EBD Nominees on the Shortlist
Two women nominated by the European Movement Germany have been shortlisted for this year’s Women of Europe Awards: journalist Natalie Amiri in the category Woman in Media and entrepreneur Anne Kjær Bathel in the category Woman in STEM. Both have made outstanding contributions to the European idea and are part of this year’s shortlist, which is featured on the Women of Europe Awards 2025 website. We warmly congratulate them and wish them every success ahead of the award ceremony on 4 December in Brussels.
The EBD is also seeking nominations for the German Woman of Europe Award 2026, recognising women who volunteer their time for Europe. Nominations are open until 12 December 2025. Should you or your organisation be interested in sponsoring the brooch for the new award recipient, we would be delighted to hear from you at pfe@netzwerk-ebd.de. | More on the nomination
Upcoming events
03 December 2025 | EBD De-Briefing EPSCO | In the upcoming EBD De-Briefing, Florian Schiele (Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs) and Johanna Wöran (Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth) will outline the results of the EPSCO Council meetings held on 1 and 2 December. The event will take place online. | More information
22 December 2025 | EBD De-Briefing European Council | To conclude the year, Ole Funke (Federal Chancellery) will present the outcomes of the European Council meeting on 18 and 19 December. The De-Briefing will once again take place in person. | More information
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