European Policy and European Integration
We need to imagine and plan a united Europe as if it were possible to create one immediately every day, and thus overcome the inertia of eternal laggards. “If what is possible really is possible, we can even tackle it today.
Europe has undergone many crises in recent years. This has not only led to Europe, and hence Germany, having to face new challenges; rather, various fault lines have become visible that permeate Europe politically. Awareness of the problem has increased within the European Union (EU), but this does not go hand in hand with a strengthened community: Fundamental values and principles, on which the Union is built, are being called into question. What is more, those sceptical of the Union at the political fringes are making their voices heard in some member states.
Challenges Facing the European Union: War, Climate Change, System Competition
The European Union is confronted with multiple challenges in the context of geopolitical developments: From the impact of climate change, the ongoing Corona crisis, Russia’s war of aggression against the Ukraine to new threat scenarios, including from China, and an intensified great power competition, right through to electoral successes of Eurosceptic and anti-European parties.
The southern member states in particular are characterised by economic weakness, enormous state debt and the repercussions of the Corona crisis. Brexit will readjust the relationship with the United Kingdom – many questions have not yet been fully resolved. Enlargement policy has been put to the test. The European Neighbourhood Policy faces new challenges both in the East and in the South.
With the EU Green Deal as a growth and future strategy for the transition to a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, Europe is to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Trust in European institutions is on the rise, despite or perhaps especially in light of a new geopolitical order. At the same time, this is accompanied by growing expectations towards the EU, which are not always based on a realistic foundation. Nevertheless, in light of these crises, the EU is proving its ability to act and its power of attraction.
Precisely the numerous crises of the recent past have shown that joint European solutions lead to a stronger Union than national approaches alone. In many policy areas, the individual member states are so closely interrelated and interconnected that only a common approach can promote the competitiveness and prosperity of all European states as a whole. That is why the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is committed to European exchange via numerous policy fields and at different levels.
Contributing Towards a More Resilient and Forward-Looking Europe with Greater Capacity to Act
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is tackling these challenges – based on its three core themes: Innovation, security as well as representation and participation. Analyses and publications, expert discussions, networking of stakeholders, conferences and information events aim to discuss causes, explore potential and demonstrate concrete recommendations for action. There are three central considerations underlying this:
Europe needs to increase the confidence of its citizens, since the European integration process can only be successful with their support. The European institutions need to therefore act in a way that is more democratic, transparent, and citizen-oriented.
The transfer of competences is the basis of the discussion, both at national level – provided it is reasonable with a view to the principle of subsidiarity – and in the context of harmonisation at European level.
Ultimately, Europe will only be able to continue to exert influence in a globalised world if it speaks with one voice on the international stage. The European economic, foreign, security, defence, climate, energy and development policies must therefore be strategically rethought and, where necessary, enriched with new instruments.
Through dialogue and by working across national borders, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung advocates a more resilient and forward-looking Europe with greater capacity to act. After all, the EU has long since become a community of values and destiny that represents great added value for all peoples of Europe.
International Offices and Programmes
The commitment to democracy, rule of law, freedom and social market economy can only be sustainable if it is approached internationally. That is why the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung maintains numerous offices in different countries of operation in Europe.
Country Offices and Regional Programmes
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V.
With more than 30 offices in European states, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung pursues three main goals:
- improving political framework conditions in the countries of operation and resolving problems in line with the foundation’s goals and values;
- promoting the transfer of knowledge between Germany and the countries of operation;
- creating public forums for the representation of German political and economic interests.
You can find an overview with all offices on our worldwide map
European Offices
pixabay
Particularly noteworthy in our European work abroad are our two European offices.
The European Office Brussels has been supporting the European Union’s development since 1978. What is more, it supervises projects in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The goal is to positively influence the European integration process in the spirit of Konrad Adenauer, with EU policy being particularly important for us in this regard. The European Office sees itself as a forum for Christian Democratic interests. It primarily aims to heighten understanding of basic motives behind the unification process.
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Multinational Development Policy Dialogue in Brussels shapes development policy dialogue with the European Union and NATO. In doing so, it contributes the experience and expertise of KAS’ global project work as well as the interests of German development policy to the consultation process of the European Union.
Event Series
European policy and European integration are important topics on which the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung offers many different events. Particular emphasis should be placed on our annual conferences on security policy issues in Europe, as well as the annual statement by the highest representatives of Europe.
Adenauer Conference
Tobias Koch
In the framework of the Adenauer Conference, high-ranking experts from politics, science, think tanks, the military and business discuss current security policy challenges for Germany, Europe, and transatlantic relations.
Speech on Europe
Switsch
The Speech on Europe is the annual statement by the highest representatives of Europe: The President of the Council of the European Union, the President of the European Parliament and the President of the European Commission takes it in turns to present their positions on the idea and state of Europe. The format is a cooperation of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, the Schwarzkopf-Stiftung Junges Europa and the Stiftung Zukunft Berlin.
GLOBSEC Bratislava Forum
KAS Slowakei
The GLOBSEC Bratislava Forum has established itself as a leading event in the area of security and international relations in the Central and Eastern European states. The strategic conference primarily discusses security policy issues and questions surrounding the challenges facing a common European and foreign policy.
Election Analyses and Polls
Our election analyses on European elections and our current polls on the European People’s Party (EPP) provide an extensive overview of the state of the EPP party family, and discuss the reasons behind voter migration as well as the performance of the German parties in elections to the European Parliament.
EPP Party Barometer
Europäisches Parlament / Pietro Naj-Oleari
The EPP Party Barometer presents an overview on the current situation of the EPP party family in the EU. Election results and polls from the member states, among other things, are summarised and presented at irregular intervals.
Elections to the European Parliament
European Union 2014 - European Parliament / flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Since 1979, the European Parliament has been elected every five years in the Member States of the European Union. The election of members of parliament is free, secret and direct. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung analyses the European elections in its own publications and discusses the reasons for voter migration and the election result in Germany.
Learn more about election analyses of the European elections since 2004.
Learn more about election results of the European elections since 1979.
Scholarship and Didactic Offers
For doctoral candidates, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung offers the interdisciplinary doctoral programme “Democracies in Europe – Transformations in the Aftermath of 1990”. In our learning laboratory, the Adenauer Campus, teachers and pupils can find teaching material and exercises for the classroom. Our offer is rounded off by various exhibitions and the “Magnet Europe” simulation game, which deals with European migration and integration policy.
Doctoral Programme “Democracies in Europe – Transformations in the Aftermath of 1990”
Unknown photographer, Reproduction by Lear 21
KAS/Rainer Unkel
Péter Antall - Antall-család archívum
Rockcohen
Kalispera Dell
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V. doctoral programme “Democracies in Europe– Transformations in the Aftermath of 1990” aims to pursue basic questions of historical-political transformation research. Here, it is devoted to the period following the collapse of the Soviet Union and focuses in particular on Eastern and Central European EU countries. It takes account of the fact that the transformations can by no means only be positive, which is also made especially clear to us against the background of current political changes.
The programme is mainly aimed at doctoral candidates in the subjects of contemporary history and political science. Upon admission to the programme, which complies with applicable funding guidelines, students will receive a scholarship from the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s doctoral sponsorship programme (1350 euros per month plus 100 euros flat-rate research allowance).
Didactic Teaching Material for the Classroom
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.
In the learning laboratory of our Adenauer Campus, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s digital learning platform, you will find various focal points on the topics of Europe with exciting text articles, extensive infographics and many other interactive features, interesting explanatory videos and in-depth tasks for the classroom. We invite teachers, those interested in politics and pupils alike, in order to take a closer look at our interactive and free didactic offers.
Konrad Adenauer and European Integration (Exhibition)
KAS
The “Konrad Adenauer and European Integration” exhibition demonstrates the success of economic integration with the founding of a European Coal and Steel Community and the signing of the Treaties of Rome during Adenauer’s time. Together with other founding fathers, Adenauer's politics laid the cornerstone for the community’s deepening and the subsequent enlargement to become the European Union. This development up to the Treaty of Lisbon is also part of the exhibition, consisting of nine roll-up panels and can be rented for a maximum of 14 days. For schools, it is recommended from grade 9.
Your Vote for Europe! (Exhibition)
KAS
The exhibition “Your Vote for Europe! Elections to the European Parliament” explains the history, tasks, functioning and powers of the European Parliament in interaction with the European institutions. In addition to addressing problematic developments such as populism and nationalism in Europe, the exhibition also highlights important achievements of the European Parliament that help ensure peace, prosperity and security in Europe and across the globe. The exhibition contains nine roll-up panels and can be rented for up to 14 days. For schools, it is recommended from grade 9.
Archive Collections on the Topic of Europe
In addition to collections on Christian Democracy, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Archive for Christian Democratic Politics has extensive archive material on topics with a European connection. The focus is placed on European and international Christian Democratic organisations as well as German and foreign Christian Democratic politicians and officials.
European and International Christian Democratic Organisations
European and Christian Democratic organisations have played an important and eminent role in building a peaceful and united Europe following the end of the Second World War, and are therefore of great interest as a subject of research on post-war history. The archive collections of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Archive for Christian Democratic Politics comprises collections from European associations of Christian Democrats as well as personal papers from leading elected representatives and office-holders of the Union in Germany and Europe. The archival material is available to everyone within the scope of the statutory provisions.
Learn more about European and international Christian Democratic organisations
Christian Democrats and European Integration
Zurab Tsereteli / via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Alongside Robert Schumann, Alcide de Gasperi and Josef Beck, Konrad Adenauer was one of the founders of the European unification process. Christian Democrats played a crucial role in the three European Communities, ECSC, EEC and EURATOM, the European Union and its institutions as well as other European institutions.
Our overview contains an important collection of data on German and foreign Christian Democratic politicians who have decisively shaped the European unification process. The information includes links to biographies and biographical accounts in the odis.de database. You will also find references to personal collections of the Archive for Christian Democratic Politics.
Learn more about Christian Democrats and European integration
Publications to the topic
EPP Party Barometer November 2023
The Situation of the European People’s Party in the EU
David Canales / Zuma Press / ContactoPhoto (europa press)
Re-election of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez
Fragile minority government will increase polarization
weyo / Adobe Stock
The pro-European
Representative survey on attitudes toward Europe in the German population
Fiscal opportunities and risks of migration in the context of demographic change
On the potentials and challenges of managed migration
Pixabay / almathias
"Global Gateway" slowly gathers momentum
The Global Gateway Forum on October 25 and 26 in Brussels brought together high-level representatives from over 40 countries.
Premier
Tadeusz Mazowiecki. Pisma i dokumenty 1989-1990
IMAGO / ZUMA Wire
A celebration of democracy
Pro-European opposition wins Polish parliamentary elections
Europäisches Parlament / Pietro Naj-Oleari
EPP Party Barometer October 2023
The Situation of the European People’s Party in the EU
IMAGO / Afrikimages
Niger after the coup
Should Europe cooperate with the military?
Strategic Partners of Ukraine
Project Summary
IMAGO / ABACAPRESS
Senate elections 2023:
Confirmation of the bourgeois-conservative camp in the French upper house of parliament
IMAGO / Xinhua
First center-left government in Latvia
A change of government with shaky foundations
Europäisches Parlament / Pietro Naj-Oleari
EVP-Parteienbarometer September 2023
Die Lage der Europäischen Volkspartei in der EU
Desafíos y oportunidades de la relación Chile - Unión Europea
Ciclo de encuentros internacionales
Podzieleni Polacy, sceptyczni Niemcy
Barometr Polska Niemcy 2023 - część II
IMAGO / Lehtikuva
Government work involving right-wing nationalist parties
Current experiences from Sweden and Finland
IMAGO / UIG
Geopolitics in the South China Sea
Military Rearmament and Consequences for Europe
IMAGO / Gruppo LiveMedia
The battle for Berlusconi's political legacy
Between tidying up and a complete overhaul: Forza Italia's survival now depends on Antonio Tajani
IMAGO / Xinhua
The EU's migration agreement with Tunisia
Perception in Tunisia and Macroeconomic and Geostrategic Relevance
KAS
Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the new stability in Hellas
Balance of the first legislative period and challenges of the new government
Events on the topic
Nov
07
2023
Feb
07
2024
Europa in der Zeitenwende: Europakonzepte auf dem Prüfstand
Online-Vorlesungsreihe zum Thema "Europa in der Zeitenwende"
Feb
16-17
2024
Konferenz zur Zukunft der EU
Planspiel für junge Erwachsene zu Grundfragen der Europäischen Integration
Feb
19-21
2024
Zeitenwende in Brüssel und in der Region
Exkursion nach Eupen und Brüssel zum Abschluss der "Zeitenwende"-Veranstaltungen
Feb
20
2024
Zwei Jahre (zehn Jahre?) nach dem Beginn von Russlands Angriffskrieg gegen die Ukraine
„Europa bedeutet, füreinander einzustehen“
Event Reports on the topic
Erich Westendarp auf Pixabay
Die europäische Stimme der bürgerlichen Mitteparteien
EVP: Die proeuropäische Kraft im Europäischen Parlament
Ein Grund zum Feiern: 10 Jahre Kroatien in der EU
Dorin Recean, Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, visits the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Talks with Prof. Dr. Norbert Lammert on reforms, challenges and the country's European path
Die Zukunft des Westlichen Balkans liegt in der EU
8. Westbalkan-Botschafterkonferenz
KAS / Tina Flemming
XI. „Adenauer-Konferenz“: Germany's role in international security policy
German security policy - between obligations and capabilities
Norman Carmele
Fragen an Europa - Meinungen zu Europa
Europatage in Gummersbach (5. Mai) und Bonn (6. Mai)
KAS
"Stability-Union or Debt-Union?"
A directional decision for Europe
kas.de
Ratspräsidentschaft, NATO-Beitritt, Seltene Erden, Weltraumbf: Schweden im Zentrum d. Aufmerksamkeit
Eine Bilanz des 40. #HessenKAS Facebook-Live vom 28.03.2023
KAS / Marco Urban
„Unsere Zukunft steht in der Ukraine auf dem Spiel“
Navigieren in stürmischen Zeiten – deutsche Sicherheitspolitik 2023
kas.de
Kosovo 15 Jahre nach der Unabhängigkeitserklärung – Entwicklung, Konflikt, Herausforderung
Eine Bilanz des 39. #HessenKAS Facebook-Live vom 22.02.23.
Michel Salzer
Wie steht es um die deutsch-französische Freundschaft? – Veranstaltungsbericht und Aufzeichnung
Bilanz und Ausblick anlässlich des 60-jährigen Jubiläums des Élysée-Vertrages
Ingo Espenschied
Was Adenauer und de Gaulle den Schülerinnen und Schülern im Jahr 2023 noch zu sagen haben?
Schulveranstaltungen zum Élysée-Vertrag über die deutsch-französische Zusammenarbeit
kas.de
„Diamantene Hochzeit“:
Wie steht es um die Beziehung von Marianne und Michel 60 Jahre nach dem Élysée-Vertrag? – Eine Bilanz des 38. #HessenKAS Facebook-Live am 18.01.2023
KAS
Sustainability Requires Innovation
Searching for a Fair Distribution Key in the Data Economy when Competition Matters
EU-Planspiel in der Akademie der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
kas.de
Steuern in schwieriger Lage: Eine Bilanz der tschechischen EU-Ratspräsidentschaft
Eine Bilanz des 37. #HessenKAS Facebook-Live am 09.12.2022
KAS/Violetta Odenthal
„Ohne die Amerikaner wäre Europa gefallen“
13. F.A.Z.-KAS-Debatte zur Internationalen Politik
KAS
Eine neue Zukunft für den Westen
KAS
Akute Hilfe, Wiederaufbau, Partnerschaft
Drei Abgeordnete aus der Ukraine besuchten NRW.
KAS/Christiane Stahr
Viel mehr als ein reines Wirtschaftsprojekt
Die Montanindustrie und die deutsch-französischen Beziehungen seit der Gründung der Europäischen Gemeinschaft für Kohle und Stahl
Media library
Mit seinem Krieg erreicht Putin, was er eigentlich verhindern will
Russlands Angriffskrieg lässt Europa zusammenrücken: Polen heißt Flüchtlinge willkommen, die Balten wollen die Ukraine in der EU haben und Finnland liebäugelt mit der Nato.
read now
Juliane Liebers
Recordings of the European Data Summit 2021
Wide range of topics: From data use by government agencies to the "blind spots" of the GDPR - The playlist of all videos for the European Data Summit 2021 can be found here.
read now
Juliane Liebers