About the FES-EU Office

The EU Office of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), with its headquarters in Brussels and activities in Brussels and Strasbourg, was opened in 1973.

The EU Office 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.

Read more: About the FES-EU Office

 

Data protection as a cornerstone of European domestic policies (June 2009)

In the past few years, the European public has been shocked by various data protection scandals in the public and private sphere. These scandals accompanied and discredited various legislative initiatives – both at member state and EU level – which extend the capabilities of the police and the judiciary to access and exchange data about citizens.

At the same time, the aims of these legislative projects, fighting criminality and terrorism, are accepted by the wider public. Yet to what extent do these measures endanger the private sphere and the fundamental rights of citizens?

The latest paper of the FES Brussels' European Integration Working Group answers this question and makes proposals for strict conditions for the use of data both by public authorities and in the private sector.

Download this file (AGEI Datenschutz_NN_IPASatz_DE.pdf)Grundrecht Datenschutz als Basis für eine europäische Innenpolitik
Download this file (AGEI Datenschutz_NN_IPASatz_ENG.pdf)Data protection as a cornerstone of European domestic policies
 

Tasks of the New European Commission (May 2009)

The financial and economic crisis represents a window of opportunity for an active European Commission. The Barroso Commission has largely confined itself to managing the EU rather than acting as a driver of reform. The new European Commission will have to be measured by whether it will go beyond the necessary crisis management. What the EU needs is a long-term paradigm shift towards a social EU with a sustainable approach to the economy and a global presence. This is key to the EU maintaining its viability, playing a role on the world stage and re-inspiring EU citizens about the European project. In this line of thought the Study Group Europe of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has elaborated a catalogue of policy requirements for the working program of the next Commission.
Download this file (06371.pdf)Forderungen an die neue EU-Kommission (DE)
Download this file (06388.pdf)Tasks for the European Commission (EN)
Download this file (FES_requetes_nouv_comm.pdf)Requêtes à la nouvelle Commission européenne (FR)