Summer is over, and autumn is packed. Nothing less than the negotiations for the EU budget, the ratification of the Recovery Plan and the future EU-UK relations are on the agenda. The Commission’s Rule of Law Report, and communications on the reform of the European Asylum system, on climate and digital politics are pending, too. For the EM Germany, this political situation constitutes challenges and chances. On October 30, our General Assembly will discuss the EM Germany’s political demands – we are expeting a position that is up-to-date, focused and already anticipating the Bundestag elections campaign in 2021. 

At the same time, the EM Germany implements long-term projects, in a close alliance of Europe and of the federal and state governments. As a new school year starts, the new round of the European pupils‘ competition begins as well. The 68th edition highlights the perspective of children and adolescents on digitalisation. Additionally, a new academic year at the College of Europe starts again. Until this weekend, all of the 36 German students will have arrived on the campuses in Bruges and Natolin. We wish you all the best for the start of your studies!  

Considering the international framework, the European Movement International (EMI) awards the Women of Europe Awards. Until September 1st, you can make proposals who the EM Germany should send into running for the award. Our #EBDGrafik this week offers an overview of the EM Germany’s projects. We look forward to an exciting six months and to the exchange within our different events.

Stay safe and sound!

Bernd Hüttemann
Secretary General

#EBDFokus: projects of EM Germany this autumn

C’est la rentrée – not only politics-wise, but also with regards to the six long-term projects of EM Germany which usually take place in partnership with the Federal government or EU institutions and the broadest possible involvement of our member organisations. +++ Paragraph 2 of our statute provides the statutory basis for our project work: „The main task of the association is to foster European integration through information and education activities.“ +++ This is incorporated in our European Pupils‘ Competition. This year’s edition, which we just launched, asks for creative contributions by students of all ages on the topic of: „Digital EU – and YOU?!„. International participation is possible via e-twinning, but requires a project partner in Germany. +++ University students are targeted by the EU Careers Ambassadors, who give peer-to-peer information about a career at the EU instutitions. Together with the Federal Foreign Office, EM Germany supports twelve student ambassadors throughout Germany in their networking and marketing activities. More about the EU-wide programme here. +++ An EU career sometimes starts at the College of Europe – at least for around 35 German scholars p.a. which EM Germany selects in beforehand and looks after during and past their Master’s degree in Bruges or Natolin. While the Soares promotion is about to start with its life-changing experience, we’re rolling out our call for applications for 2021/22 in October. Check out the College’s website for all selection committees. +++ Just as exclusive as the College of Europe alumni network, our Brussels alumni in Berlin project offers networking activities for Berliners with work experience in the EU capital, powered by the Belgian Embassy. Prepare for online events in 2020 only. +++ Our Women of Europe Germany award highlights the contribution of women in promoting and advancing European issues, and supports the ever-growing network of award winners. While the German award ceremony was cancelled due to COVID-19, the European Movement International is currently calling for nominations of the international awards. EMI members can submit their proposals until September 15. +++ Our flagship project remains „EKEV„, acronym to a dialogue series with representatives of the European institutions for German civil society organisations. During the German EU Council Presidency, our (digital) European communications and EU forecast events are open to an international audience – and some of them are offered with simultaneous interpretation into English and Italian. 

#EBDGrafik of the week:

EM Germany news

Belarus needs a European perspective! Apart from EU sanctions, the EU institutions should support civil society in the country, EM Germany President Linn Selle requests in a twitter thread ahead of the special EUCO session. | More (in German) +++ Also, the „Women of Europe“ network solidarises with the protests in Belarus. | More (in German)

Forecasting the EU’s security and defence policy: EBD dialogue with Portugese Defence minister João Gomes Cravinho | More (in German)

Dare to debate! Op-ed by EM Germany President Dr. Linn Selle on how citizen participation could help overcome the current challenges | More (in German)

Latest edition of „Europe at School“ newsletter features current round of the European Pupils‘ Competition. | More (in German)

Events to come

All EM Germany events take place via videoconference. Participation is free, but registration required. Conference language is German unless indicated otherwise. +++ 31.08.2020: EBD Exklusiv: Consultation on EM Germany’s political demands 2020/21 +++ 09.09.2020: EBD Briefing with Werner Hoyer +++ 09.09. 2020: EP Rapporteur in Dialogue: MEP Hannah Neumann +++ 18.09.2020: Meeting of the Board +++ 23.09.2020: EBD De-Briefing AGRIFISH +++ 28.09.2020: EBD De-Briefing COMPET +++ Our Presidency Calendar on the German EU Council Presidency is online – in the traditional six-month format (scroll to page 2), but also for September 2020. We’re continuously updating this new monthly format with events as they evolve – the A4 size allows for easy printing at your office (wherever it’s situated).

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