Institut für Europäische Politik IEP – english version

German European Policy on the Internet

The Internet offers a wealth of infor­mation and content on German European policy, which is constantly growing and changing. This selection of web links on German European policy therefore offers a clear and regularly updated selection of overview infor­mation on German European policy offered on the Internet, including infor­mation from political insti­tu­tions and bodies, civil society organ­i­sa­tions, networks, univer­sities and insti­tutes and other actors in Germany with contact details of the respective contact persons. In addition, you will find sources of infor­mation on European policy fields, insti­tu­tional reforms, legis­lation, etc. as well as other services and courses offered in Germany. Furthermore, IEP offers a detailed overview of the web offerings on European integration on its homepage www.wissen-europa.de.

1. Overview Information on German European Policy

The Federal Foreign Office offers infor­mation on European foreign policy, diplo­matic relations within the EU and with non-member states.

• Europe Department: The Europe Department is respon­sible for ongoing political dialogue with all EU member states and plays a leading role in the conception, design and coordi­nation of the Federal Govern­ment’s European policy.

The Federal Ministry of Finance provides infor­mation on monetary, economic and financial policy and on Franco-German cooper­ation.

• Department E: Division E “European Policy” develops the German positions on EU budgetary and financial issues for the Federal Government. It is also respon­sible, among other things, for coordi­nating European economic and monetary policy and for EU financial control.
• Contact: poststelle@bmf.bund.de

The Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection provides infor­mation on the European Protection Order, cashless payment trans­ac­tions within the EU and European patent law, among other things.
Press release on cooper­ation between the Council of Europe and the Federal Government in combating incitement to hatred on the Internet.

• Europe and inter­na­tional cooper­ation: The challenges of European and inter­na­tional cooper­ation have been increasing signif­i­cantly for years. The number, scope and signif­i­cance of EU projects are constantly growing and increas­ingly require the coordi­nation of funda­mental decisions that point the way ahead.
• Contact: poststelle@bmj.bund.de

The Federal Ministry of Defence provides infor­mation on Germany’s respon­si­bility in Europe and the world, on the common security policy and conven­tional armed forces in Europe, and on conscription in an inter­na­tional context.

• No European Department
• Contact: poststelle@bmvg.bund400.de

The Federal Ministry of the Interior provides infor­mation on migration and integration as well as on combating terrorism.

• Department M: The Division “Migration, Refugees, European Harmo­nization” deals with issues of the Federal Govern­ment’s migration policy. These include the right of residence and freedom of movement for foreigners and EU citizens, the right of asylum, questions of return and the related issues of European harmonisation.
• Contact: poststelle@bmi.bund.de

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs provides infor­mation on humane social and employment policy at European and inter­na­tional level and on European employment and social policy.

• Department VI: European and Inter­na­tional Employment and Social Policy ESF
• Contact: info@bmas.bund.de

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research has its own websites on the topics “Learning in Europe” and “Research in Europe”.

• Division 2 — European and Inter­na­tional Cooper­ation in Education and Research: Division 2 is respon­sible for shaping and expanding inter­na­tional cooper­ation in education and research. This ranges from the European Union and Europe to the bilateral relations culti­vated worldwide and repre­sen­tation in multi­lateral bodies such as the OECD and the United Nations. The department is supported in this task by a network of experts at German embassies in important partner countries and in Brussels, by the Inter­na­tional Bureau of the BMBF at DLR, and by German research, science and education organi­za­tions that are active internationally.
• Contact: bmbf@bmbf.bund.de

The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture provides infor­mation on the Common Agricul­tural Policy (CAP) and European cooper­ation in the fields of agriculture, forestry and animal welfare.

• Department 6: EU Policy, Inter­na­tional Cooper­ation, Fisheries

The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth provides infor­mation on family policy in Europe and on the perspec­tives of young people in Europe.

• EU Department: Coordi­nation of European Policy, Inter­na­tional Affairs, European Commissioner
• Contact: info@bmfsfjservice.bund.de

Infor­mation on European Health Policy can be found at the Federal Ministry of Health.

• Department E — European and Inter­na­tional Health Policy
• Contact: poststelle@bmg.bund.de

The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conser­vation, Construction and Nuclear Safety provides infor­mation on the EU Environment Council in Brussels and on European nature conser­vation, among other things.

• Division AI — Climate Protection Policy; Europe and Inter­na­tional Affairs
• Contact: poststelle@bmu.bund.de

The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infra­structure provides, among other things, infor­mation on European transport policy and the European Union’s maritime policy.

• No European Department
• Contact: poststelle@bmvbs.bund.de

The Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy provides infor­mation on European economic policy and the shaping of German European policy, among other things: http://www.bmwi.de/DE/Themen/europa.html

Furthermore, press releases, video and audio contri­bu­tions are made available: http://www.bmwi.de/DE/presse.html/

• Department E — European Policy
• Contact: info@bmwi.bund.de

The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooper­ation and Devel­opment provides infor­mation on EU devel­opment cooper­ation and the European Neigh­bourhood Policy.
Press releases

• Department 4 — Inter­na­tional Devel­opment Policy: Subdi­vision 40 — European Union and Multi­lateral Devel­opment Policy
• Contact: poststelle@bmz.bund.de

2. Civil Society Actors and Organisations

Working Group European Integration e. V. (AEI): The Working Group European Integration e.V. (AEI) is the oldest and largest inter­dis­ci­plinary European Studies Associ­ation in Germany and one of the largest and most active European Studies associ­a­tions worldwide. The AEI sees itself as an independent associ­ation whose goal is the scholarly analysis and discussion of European integration. To this end, the working group organizes academic confer­ences, publishes a series of European Studies publi­ca­tions and the journal “integration” (together with the Institute for European Politics), and generally promotes networking and exchange among European Studies scholars in Germany and Europe. It is also one of the AEI’s goals to provide orien­tation points and impulses for the process of European integration. In addition, the AEI attaches great impor­tance to close links with European policy practice by including practi­tioners working on EU issues as members and speakers at confer­ences. Further charac­ter­istics of the associ­ation are its inter­dis­ci­plinary character, especially by integrating political science, law and economics, and by promoting young academics. AEI at: http://www.aei-ecsa.de/.

Working Group Integration Research of the German Political Science Associ­ation: The egroup ‘aki-dvpw’ was estab­lished for the DVPW’s Working Group Integration Research. It offers a forum for the exchange of infor­mation, e.g. for the announcement of events, positions and funding oppor­tu­nities as well as for research networking. Tools are databases and internet links, which can be extended, changed and renewed indepen­dently by all members. The main purpose of this forum is to promote the smooth exchange of infor­mation and commu­ni­cation among the members of the AKI. It can be found at: https://de.groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/aki-dvpw/info.

Citizens for Europe e. V. (CFE): is a nonprofit, non-partisan, non-commercial and non-govern­mental associ­ation that acts on the basis of mutual trust, recog­nition and equality among partners and friends. The associ­ation was estab­lished in 2010 by an inter­na­tional group of committed and young citizens in the European Union. Based on our common belief in the need for a new paradigm for European citizenship and for more political partic­pation oppor­tu­nities, we have combined our skills and personal and profes­sional networks in order to define, promote and finally establish a new EU citizenship and new forms of binding political partic­i­pation oppor­tu­nities, free of discrim­i­nation and exclusion. Based on our strong belief in the European project, we set up innov­ative projects and events to express and promote our ideas. CFE unter: http://citizensforeurope.org/.

Citizens of Europe e. V.: Citizens of Europe is a polit­i­cally independent, non-govern­mental and non-profit oriented network of people from diverse backgrounds which is open for everybody perceiving diversity as an oppor­tunity. Unter: http://www.citizens-of-europe.eu/.

Conference of European Ministers: The pages are designed by the respective presi­dency of the EMK of the German Länder. In addition to press releases, the site mainly offers full text of EMK resolu­tions and background articles. In addition, the site also offers a collection of addresses of the European policy coordi­nation offices in the individual countries. Infor­mation is available at: www.europaminister.de/ and https://staatskanzlei.hessen.de/berlin-europa/hessen-europa/europaministerkonferenz/.

European Movement Germany: The European Movement Germany (EBD) is the largest network for European policy in Germany. As a non-partisan associ­ation of 244 interest groups from society and business, the EMCDDA network feels committed to a clear pro-European mission. EMCDDA at: http://www.netzwerk-ebd.de/.

Europa Union Deutschland: The Europa-Union Deutschland (EUD) is the largest citizens’ initiative for Europe in Germany. Regardless of party affil­i­ation, age or profession, we are committed to European unifi­cation. We are active at local, regional, national and European level. Around 18,000 members are networked in 16 regional associ­a­tions with around 350 district, local and city associ­a­tions and have partner organ­i­sa­tions in over 30 European countries. The Europa-Union is the German branch of the Union of European Feder­alists (UEF) and, together with its youth associ­ation Young European Feder­alists (JEF), is a member of the Network European Movement Germany (EBD). EUD at: http://www.europa-union.de/.

Internet presence of the citizens’ movement European Alter­na­tives in English language with infor­mation about campaigns and the organ­i­sation. European Alter­na­tives is a transna­tional civil society organ­i­sation and citizen movement promoting democracy, equality, and culture beyond the nation state. It can be found at: https://euroalter.com/.

Young European Feder­alists Germany e. V.: The Young European Feder­alists (JEF) also see themselves as advocates of the European idea and promote the spread of European awareness in society and especially among young people. Questions of Europeani­sation and the European capability of our country are becoming increas­ingly important. This is where the JEFs set a further accent in their activ­ities. On the Internet under: http://www.jef.de/.

National Agency for EU-University Cooper­ation (NA DAAD): EU education programmes such as “Erasmus+” play an important role in the inter­na­tion­al­i­sation of higher education in Germany. On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the DAAD assumes the role of National Agency for EU Higher Education Cooper­ation. Infor­mation is available at: https://www.daad.de/der-daad/unsere-aufgaben/aufgaben/de/39157-nationale-agentur-fuer-eu-hochschulzusammenarbeit/.

Project Re: gener­ation Europe: The initiators of the project want to promote the discussion about the European Union and therefore present a manifesto on their website as a food for thought. In addition, visitors to the site are informed about so-called “labora­tories” — discussion rounds on the topic. More infor­mation can be found at: http://regenerationeurope.eu/.

The ECI Campaign: The ECI Campaign is an organi­zation exclu­sively working for the successful intro­duction and imple­men­tation of the European Citizens’ Initiative right – the world’s first tool of partic­i­patory, transna­tional and digital democracy. We are independent, neutral in policy, non-profit and non-EU financed. Our work is carried by the invaluable input of volun­teers, like-minded partners, donors and a small coordi­nation team. http://www.citizens-initiative.eu/#home

3. Policy Areas

Depending on the policy area, the various ministries offer infor­mation and materials on German European policy:

Federal Foreign Office: http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/DE/Startseite_node.html/

Federal Ministry of Finance: http://www.bundesfinanzministerium.de/Web/DE/Home/home.html/

Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection: http://www.bmjv.de/DE/Startseite/Startseite_node.html/

Federal Ministry of Defence: http://www.bmvg.de/portal/a/bmvg/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP3I5EyrpHK9pNyydP2CbEdFACnpO4c!/

Federal Ministry of the Interior: http://www.bmi.bund.de/cln_104/DE/Home/startseite_node.html/

Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs: http://www.bmas.de/DE/Startseite/start.html/

Federal Ministry of Education and Research: https://www.bmbf.de/

Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture: http://www.bmel.de/DE/Startseite/startseite_node.html/

Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Women, Senior Citizens and Youth: http://www.bmfsfj.de/

Federal Ministry of Health: http://www.bmg.bund.de/

Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conser­vation, Building and Reactor Safety: http://www.bmub.bund.de/

Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infra­structure: http://www.bmvi.de/DE/Home/home_node.html/

Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy: http://www.bmwi.de/

Federal Ministry for Economic Cooper­ation and Devel­opment: http://www.bmz.de/de/index.html/

Infor­mation on programmes and projects on regional work within the EU and on EU struc­tural funds can be found at: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/de/

4. Institutional Reforms

5. Legislation, Case Law and Documents

Federal Foreign Office Overview information:
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/DE/Europa/Uebersicht_node.html/

The category “Germany in the EU” contains infor­mation on decision-making, personnel and the partic­i­pation of the Länder in the EU: http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/DE/Europa/Deutsche_Europapolitik/Uebersicht_node.html/

specific prior­ities of German foreign policy can be found at: http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/DE/Aussenpolitik/Schwerpunkte/Uebersicht_node.html/

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=de
EU law and other public EU documents, legally binding electronic Official Journal of the EU — in 24 languages.

6. Services and Materials

http://europa.eu
The official EU homepage of the European Commission is the central homepage to the insti­tu­tions and policies of the European Union as well as to a wide range of official infor­mation and documents of the Community. A search engine makes it easy to find the extensive infor­mation on offer.

http://europa.eu/about-eu/index_de.htm
Citizen-friendly entry page with offers such as “The EU — in brief”, a language guide for Eurojargon, basic data and also the symbols of the European Union together with explanations.

http://publications.europa.eu/de/web/about-us/what-we-do
The European body for official publi­ca­tions. The publishing house of the Community with refer­ences to all publi­ca­tions of the EU insti­tu­tions and public tenders (with order function).

7. Libraries, Teaching Offers and Portals

Infor­mation Office of the European Parliament in Germany
http://www.europarl.de/
http://www.europarl.de/view/de/informationsbuero_muenchen.html/

Overview of all European govern­ments with web presence
http://europa.eu/about-eu/countries/member-countries/index_de.htm/