New strategy for Europe in the World at Stiftung Mercator

Russia’s war against Ukraine, growing tensions between China and the USA, emerging regional powers – Europe must redefine its role in the world if it wishes to defend its interests and make an effective contribution to overcoming global crises. For this reason, Stiftung Mercator will undertake greater efforts in future to support the development of a new European self-image. It will commit itself to more consistently involving African, Asian and Latin American countries in the global world order, furthering knowledge about and relations with Turkey and China and driving forward European integration, especially in the east of the continent.

In a first step, the non-profit Stiftung Mercator will make available over 30 million euros by the end of 2025 to implement its updated strategy in its thematic focus area of Europe in the World. “In view of the many interwoven crises worldwide, be they military conflicts, global warming or famines, Europe should redefine and consistently uphold its interests,” said Executive Director Dr Wolfgang Rohe, explaining why a new action framework for Europe in the World has been approved by the foundation’s Advisory Board following several months of consultation. The funds will be spent on analyses, exchange formats and support of individuals, among other things. The idea is to generate concepts for how Europe could cooperate on an equal footing with countries in the so-called Global South, thereby helping to shape a more inclusive and just world order.

“Furthermore, we will step up our cooperation with other thematic areas in the foundation, such as Climate Action and Digital Society, because we have expertise and networks in these areas that are changing the lives of people all over the world,” explained Dr Lars Grotewold, interim head of Europe in the World, adding that he and his team had developed the updated strategy following discussions with numerous experts – and that this was also a response to the “Zeitenwende” brought about by Russia’s nationwide invasion of Ukraine. In future, Europe in the World plans to support partnerships between the EU and countries of Africa, Latin America and Asia in those thematic fields in which Stiftung Mercator is already active. For instance, the African perspective needs to be systematically taken into account when implementing the European Green Deal, as the latter’s consequences for our neighbouring continent have been largely ignored to date.

Geostrategic conflicts in the digital sphere

Stiftung Mercator has maintained regional offices in China and Turkey for years. Together with partners, they will continue not only to facilitate encounters between people from Germany, China, Turkey and other countries, but also to foster understanding of the respective developments in the two countries – especially at the political level. This includes providing further support for the Berlin-based partner organization Mercator Institute for China Studies (Merics) for another five years starting 2024.

The foundation will realign its commitment to European integration, placing special emphasis on rapprochement between the EU and the candidate countries in the (south-) east of the continent. In this context, exchange and cooperation on issues such as climate action, the rule of law and digitization will take centre stage. Among other things, it will be a question of critically examining violations of the rule of law within the EU, and of intensifying dialogue on this subject with neighbouring countries. In addition, the digital sphere has these days become the stage for geostrategic conflicts, explains Lars Grotewold: “That is why it is important to also support democratic actors beyond the EU’s external borders so that they can better protect themselves against disinformation and attempts to manipulate elections.”

You can find more information on the new strategy for Europe in the World here.

PRESS CONTACT

Lothar Kuhn  |  Director of Communications

T +49 2012 452236  |  presse@stiftung-mercator.de

ABOUT Stiftung Mercator

Stiftung Mercator is a private and independent foundation that works on the basis of scientific expertise and practical project experience. Through its work, it strives for a society characterized by openness to the world, solidarity and equal opportunities. To achieve these objectives, it supports and develops projects that improve participation and cohesion in an increasingly diverse society. Stiftung Mercator wants to strengthen democracy and the rule of law in Europe, address the impact of digitization on democracy and society, and drive forward climate change mitigation. Stiftung Mercator pursues activities in Germany, Europe and worldwide. It has a particular affinity with the Ruhr area, the home of its founding family and of the foundation’s headquarters.

www.stiftung-mercator.de
www.aufruhr-magazin.de – The magazine of Stiftung Mercator