EM Germany Newsletter September 2025 | Europe’s strength depends on coordination in Berlin
Dear readers,
Europe faces enormous challenges.
Ursula von der Leyen's State of the Union speech struck the right note: unity and courage are needed to defend our democratic freedom against external threats while ensuring the EU's ability to act. However, this is also where EM Germany saw the speech's weaknesses: strengthening competitiveness and expanding free democratic Europe finally requires courageous reforms – above all by the nation states! It is also clear that in order for Europe to be strengthened, German European policy must become stronger, more reliable, and more forward-looking. The federal government and the chancellor have promised improvement and leadership – what is crucial now is a coordinated, strategic European policy on the part of the federal government. After all, good German European policy begins with clear structures in Berlin.
At the same time, the next big decisions are approaching: the multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034 is being negotiated in the shadow of massive defense spending. Yet the EU budget remains comparatively small: it costs every German less than a cup of cappuccino a day.
The European Movement Germany, with its 230 member organizations, stands ready to accompany this process – in critical dialogue with the Commission, Parliament, and federal government. The problem is not a self-centered interest in EU funds. What is truly regrettable is if, one day, excessive self-interest renders Europe incapable of protecting itself in an increasingly aggressive world. Help us to secure Europe's democratic strength in diversity.
With european regards
Bernd Hüttemann
Secretary General of the European Movement Germany
#EBDGrafik of the month
Effective European coordination by the German federal government requires early positioning, close coordination, and clear strategies within the EU. Our current #EBDGrafik of the month shows how the federal government coordinates European affairs, which actors are involved, and how decisions are subsequently implemented at the EU level. | Our #EBDGrafik is available for download here
EM Germany News
EM Germany Executive Board Meeting – Focus on European Coordination | On September 19, 2025, the Executive Board of the European Movement Germany met to discuss key issues of European policy under the topic “Focus on European Coordination.” The special guest was Ole Funke, Head of Group 52 in the Federal Chancellery. He is responsible for the German government's coordination of European policy and for important issues such as the EU economy, the internal market, and structural policy. Together with the board members, he exchanged views on current challenges and expectations, particularly with regard to the new #EBDGrafik on EU coordination and its strategic importance. Security policy aspects in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine were also discussed.
Another focus of the meeting was the preparation for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) starting in 2028, in particular the reactions to the Commission's proposal and the demand that EM Germany member organizations be involved in the dialogue with the Federal Chancellery and the Bundestag at an early stage.
The annual planning for 2025/26 also played a central role, with a focus on the 2026 federal budget, the association's political guidelines, and international networking. | More (in German)
EU Careers Ambassadors Kickoff Event in Berlin | From September 18 to 19, EU Careers Ambassadors from all over Germany met in Berlin for the kickoff of the 2025/2026 academic year. During the networking meeting, they took part in workshops, visited the Federal Foreign Office and the representations of European institutions in Germany, made contacts with each other, and networked with stakeholders in German European policy. A particular highlight was their participation in the EM Germany event “Brussels Alumni in Berlin” at the Belgian Embassy, where they were able to experience the Brussels atmosphere and talk to former Brussels residents about their experiences. Full of impressions and new insights, the ambassadors are now returning to their universities throughout Germany to encourage their fellow students to pursue careers in the EU institutions. | More (in German)
Brussels Alumni at the Belgian Embassy in Berlin | On September 18, 2025, the European Movement Germany, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium and POLITICO, hosted the networking event “Brussels Alumni in Berlin”. In his welcoming address, H.E. Piet Heirbaut, Belgian Ambassador to Germany, emphasized the importance of “Brussels stardust” and the role of alumni networks. EM Germany Secretary General Bernd Hüttemann highlighted the current challenges for democracy and European coordination. Surprise guest Ole Funke, Head of Group 52 in the Federal Chancellery, also provided insights into the German government's European policy and emphasized the close interconnection between foreign and domestic policy. Over Belgian specialties, the alumni exchanged experiences and discussed current European policy issues, reminiscing about their time together in Brussels. The evening was filled with exciting conversations—a clear sign of how important it is for those who bring their Brussels experience back to Berlin to exchange ideas. By the way: With the POLITICO newsletter Brussels Decoded – The Europe Briefing, you get to follow the news about how Europe is moving the political scene in Berlin. If you are interested, you can sign up for a free trial here.
SOTEU 2025 - EM Germany analysis and event | On September 10, 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her State of the Union address to the European Parliament. She set clear priorities for supporting Ukraine, strengthening the rule of law and media freedom, and EU enlargement. However, in its analysis, EM Germany emphasized that concrete reform prospects, roadmaps, and measures—such as for the protection of the Schengen area—are now needed. | Read the full analysis (in German)
The EM followed the speech at the European House in Berlin together with representatives of the European Commission's and the European Parliament's liaison offices. Afterwards, EM Germany President Dr. Anna-Maija Mertens, Uffe Grøn-Sørensen (Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark), Carolin Vogt (German Federal Youth Council), and Dr. Volker Treier (DIHK) discussed opportunities, weaknesses, and the future direction of Europe. | More (in German)
EM Germany President on the Europapodcast | The Europapodcast “My Path to Europe” makes European politics understandable and accessible – with discussions, analyses, and insights from Berlin, Germany, and Europe. In the episode released on August 29, our President Dr. Anna-Maija Mertens talks about her journey from Finland to Germany and her commitment to Europe. Topics covered in the episode include her career, current challenges in European politics, opportunities for young people, and European cohesion. | Listen to the episode on (in German) Spotify
EM Germany supports EU Commission's MFF package | On the occasion of the start of negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 EM Germany is publishing a press release. The package presented by the European Commission in mid-July paves the way for a reorientation of EU budget policy. EM Germany calls for a financially strong, future-oriented, and democratically legitimate EU budget. This includes consistent compliance with climate and biodiversity quotas, continuing the reform course of the Stability and Growth Pact, and strengthening democratic organizations in the allocation of funds. In addition, EM Germany advocates greater involvement of the European Parliament and an adjustment of the MFF period to the legislative periods. | More (in German)
Upcoming events
6 October 2025 | EP Rapporteur in Dialogue | Together with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Germany, the Europeam Movement Germany invites you to “EP Rapporteur in Dialogue.” MEP René Repasi will provide insights into the own-initiative report on the “28th Regime,” a new, voluntary European legal form for start-ups and scale-ups. The aim is to simplify the process of setting up a business across Europe and to make it easier for young companies to access the single market. The discussion will take place at the European House in Berlin and will be moderated by Bernd Hüttemann, Secretary General of EM Germany. | Further information (in German)
27 October 2025 | EM Germany European Council De-Briefing | Following the successful launch last July, the EM Germany European Council De-Briefing will take place as a face-to-face event for the first time on 27 October 2025. The focus will be on the results of the Council meeting on 23 and 24 October. Ole Funke, Head of Group 52 at the Federal Chancellor's office, will present and contextualize the key decisions. | Further information (in German)
17 November 2025 | EM Germany Debriefing ECOFIN | On Monday, 17 November 2025, the EM Germany Debriefing ECOFIN will take place, focusing on the results of the ECOFIN meeting on 13 and 14 November. Ines Schlotter, Head of Division EB1 at the Federal Ministry of Finance, will present and summarize the key decisions. | Further information to follow.
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.
