Keeping Europe together
Why it is worth helping to shape the future of the European Union.
This is the EU – short and simple
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the European Union.
Germany in Europe
This is where you’ll find out more about the policies, institutions, values and goals of a united Europe.
Ten facts about Germany in Europe
What you should know about Germany’s role in Europe and in the EU.
How the EU is organized
The most important European institutions and their tasks – an overview.
Between scepticism and optimism
What effects will Brexit have on German-British economic relations? The head of the German-British Chamber of Commerce in London explains.
The 5 biggest misunderstandings about the EU
They range from the bureaucratic monster to a ban on bent cucumbers: five prejudices about the European Union in a fact check.
Quick facts
512
million people
live in the 28 member states of the European Union (before Brexit).
24
official languages
reflect the cultural diversity of the European Union.
95
million EU citizens
speak German as their native language.
19
member states
have the common currency, the euro.
16
million EU citizens
are living, working or studying in another member state.
15.8
billion euros
account for the total GDP of the EU. It is also the second largest economy in the world.
16
per cent
of global foreign trade is carried out by the EU.
#Quickfacts: The European Union
Did you know that the EU is the second largest economy worldwide? Find out more about Europe and Germany in our #Quickfacts!
What does the European Parliament actually do?
The EU’s most important legislative body will be re-elected at the end of May.
People and ideas for Europe
Good reasons for a united Europe with shared values: six voices from the fields of culture, the economy and society.
“The greatest civilizational achievement”
Many people are clearly expressing their belief in the EU prior to the European elections. They know the benefits of Europe, and how they envisage Europe. Three voices.
Europe
Well-known Germans campaign for Europe
How German artists and scientists are championing the European idea.
Quiz
Europe before the election
The elections to the European Parliament in May 2019 will determine the future direction of the EU. A great deal is at stake for Europe.
Commitment to a citizens’ Europe
At a citizens’ dialogue event the Federal Chancellor answers people’s questions and explains what Europe means to her.
The argument for “Europe United”
“Europe must play an active role in the world,” says Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.
Berlin / Paris
Europe needs the strong leadership duo of Germany and France – will the two countries take up the challenge?
“Ploughing up the European course”
Everybody wants Europe, says political scientist Ulrike Guérot. The question is, though: Which? She personally advocates the “European Republic”.
“Europe needs clear political leadership“
Will Germany and France give new impetus to the renewal of the EU? That's what expert Henrik Enderlein thinks.
Making the EU fit for the digital age
Could digitalisation divide Europe? Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, examines this question at the Global Media Forum.
“I am allowed to dream”
Not a bureaucratic monster but a unique opportunity: what fascinates bestselling author Robert Menasse about the EU and why he would enlarge it.
Yes to Europe
Get into the fray: High-ranking EU official Martin Selmayr explains how Europeans can themselves help shape a better EU.
„Europe has made impressive progress“
Europa is now better prepared against financial crises, says Italian economist Ester Faia, professor at Goethe-Universität Frankfurt. But what about Brexit?
Many views of Europe
What does Europe’s future look like – and will we see more or less solidarity? We visit experts in Frankfurt/Main.
“Get out of the complacency”
Shada Islam at the “Friends of Europe” think tank is championing the future of Europe. She knows how the European idea may be promoted more successfully.
The city as opportunity
A European initiative seeks to strengthen the role of local authorities in refugee policies.
An exchange for life
Europe Day 2017: former Erasmus students explain what Europe means to them. In 2017 the Erasmus exchange programme celebrates the 30th anniversary of its foundation.
The citizens’ initiative Pulse of Europe
The citizens’ initiative Pulse of Europe is committed to fighting for the European community. People are already taking to the streets in around 20 cities – and the numbers are increasing all the time.
“Go out onto the streets for Europe”
The success achieved by the pro-European demonstrations has surprised even the organisers at “Pulse of Europe”. Founder Daniel Röder explains why it is worth getting behind Europe.
Unity in diversity
Viewpoint: Political scientists Jana Puglierin and Julian Rappold explain why foreign and security policy could act as “cement” for the European Union.
International diversity in lecture halls
Germany is more popular than ever among students from all over the world: International diversity shapes the face of life and learning in the universities. About every second foreign student comes from Europe.
“The feeling of Europe” – Interrail for all 18-year-olds
Two Berliners want to enable all young Europeans to travel around Europe by train free of charge and to arouse their enthusiasm for the European idea. Their plan could now become reality.