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Welcome to the FES EU Office

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Bolstering European Social Democracy for over 50 years!

The EU Office of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), with its headquarters in Brussels and activities in Brussels and Strasbourg, was opened in 1973. It participates in the European integration process, backs and accompanies the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany in Europe and contributes to shaping the external relations of the European Union.

As an agency of dialogue, education and consultancy, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung thereby fulfils its special role as a ‘political network organisation’ for and with the various European institutions. Our European and worldwide network facilitates political, economic, social and environmental dialogue between Germany and Europe, within Europe and between Europe and the rest of the world and also at global level.

News

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  • Publication

Policy Brief: Countering the Far Right in the European Parliament

The European Parliament has been shifting to the right, not through any public declaration but a gradual rise in right-wing alliances and subtle forms of cooperation. Our policy brief examines this trend and how it can be...

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  • Past Events

Roundtable: Ready for Enlargement? Albania's and Montenegro's Path to the EU

Albania and Montenegro are currently leading the way in the EU enlargement process. But how realistic is an accession still in this decade? Join our roundtable on 22 April to discuss!

Creator: © Flo Müller
  • News
  • Publication

Perspective Paper: EU engagement in Central Asia - a reality check

Russia's invasion of Ukraine impacted power dynamics in Central Asia. A new study based on over forty interviews from the region analyses the shifts and what they mean for the EU.

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  • Event
  • News

Innovation financing scale-up: What the EU can learn from China

Europe's start-up scene often fails when it comes to scaling innovation. While many analysts suggest emulating the US' market-based financing of venture capital, others look towards China for inspiration.

Topics

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Democracy, Gender Justice and Human Rights

Democracies around the world are feeling the pressure in the face of rising authoritarianism, nationalism and populism. The EU is no exception.

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EU Projects

By implementing projects co-funded by the EU, the FES aims to actively contribute to sustainable EU development cooperation based on solidarity.

People passing by at Cologne Central Station. Cologne, 16 March 2017
Creator: picture alliance / Christoph Hardt / Geisler-Fotopress

Migration and Integration

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung’s EU Office uses its expertise to bring greater objectivity to the debate on migration.

Ukrainian flag in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
Creator: © Olaf Schülke / picture alliance / SZ Photo

Foreign, Security and Defence Policy

The FES EU Office works to ensure that the Common European Defense policy remains value-driven and peace-oriented.

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Trade and International Cooperation

The FES EU Office is dedicated to promoting a trade and development policy at EU level that is sustainable and fair, democratic and transparent.

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Economic and Digital Policy, Social Europe

The Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation's EU Office aims at striking a social, environmental and economic balance in the EU.

Publications

Western Balkans and the EU: keeping the promise, finishing the job

Cero, Harun ; Schwarz, Marco | Sarajevo : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Dialogue Southeast Europe, April 2026

Countering the far right in the European Parliament

Halikiopoulou, Daphne ; Vasilopoulou, Sofia | Brussels : FEPS, March 2026

exploring progressive strategies in the age of far-right normalisation

New own resources for the EU budget

Schratzenstaller, Margit | Brussels : FEPS, Foundation for European Progressive Studies, March 2026

Time to connect the dots

Stollmeyer, Alice | Bonn : Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, February 2026

how (not) to defend European democracy


FES EU Office Newsletter

Sign up for our monthly newsletter and occasional emails with updates on publications, events and other news about our work at the FES EU Office. You can, of course, unsubscribe at any time.

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FES Publications

Please visit the FES visual library website to search for all full-text publications published by FES offices worldwide.

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Competence Centres

FES Competence Centres work exclusively on topics that are of strategic importance for building a stronger, more capable Europe. Check out our four offices in Europe!


Contact

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung