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by Agnė Jankauskaitė, Brand Ambassador of the DBJW Read the first article of her series here. A year ago, I decided to study abroad in Tokyo for one semester. I had no second thoughts, as I knew I wanted to explore a non-European culture, and Japan’s safety, uniqueness, and popularity made it an easy choice. Although traveling and exploring were the key reasons behind my decision, I ended up taking so much more from this experience than Instagram pictures of new places. I could never have thought that adapting to a completely new culture would lead me to learn so much about myself and find little bits of my home country, Lithuania, there. Connecting with others from my home country led me to many shocking findings and made me feel truly welcome in a place far away from home. Although Japanese and Baltic youth share many differences, we are more similar than we think, bridging the gap between our countries. In the end, we share similar aspirations, deal with common challenges, and our shared online presence opens many paths for topics of discussion. From personal gallery: Lithuanian Embassy and Lithuanian community in Japan constantly foster intercultural connection. In November, 2025, Lithuanian singer Andrius Mamontovas performed in Tokyo alongside his Japanese friend. The event was the largest gathering of Lithuanians in Japan and also attracted a Japanese audience interested in Baltic culture. Interacting with people around me was definitely the core of my stay in Japan, as I learned a lot by observing cultural differences and was welcomed with curiosity and grace. I met most of my friends at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS), where all Japanese students study a language of their choice and specialize in a related field. It caught me by surprise to meet so many students speaking the languages I know or have heard during my travels in Europe. Some students, in their free time, had even picked up Lithuanian, and their genuine interest in my culture was truly heartwarming. Some had an academic interest in Lithuanian culture and knew about our traditional music instruments. Some were able to sing Lithuanian songs, which has become one of my favorite memories. Each time I introduced myself to a professor or a fellow Japanese student, they all knew where Lithuania is located. It might be due to TUFS’ multicultural environment through academia and informal events but such a simple gesture by Japanese people made me feel welcome because when I told them where I am from, I was met with a smile rather than a question mark. While it may seem unusual to always have Google Maps ready to pinpoint Lithuania, I find it necessary, since many Europeans frequently misidentify its location or mistake it for a neighboring country. From personal gallery: Tokyo University of Foreign Studies during its annual Gaigosai festival celebrating various cultures all around the globe. During one week all students prepare national dishes, dances or activities for visitors to get to know different cultures. My very first Japanese friend is Miyuu, a second-year student majoring in German who will be coming to Germany later this year for a study exchange. She was my ‘buddy’, a friend automatically assigned by the university to each foreign student, so newcomers can easily adjust to Japanese culture and a new environment. We quickly became friends and had many meaningful conversations, from discussing our favorite music to exchanging intercultural insights. As I first introduced myself and where I come from, the main thing Miyuu knew about the Baltic states was their geographical location and history. Of course, she knew much more about Germany, and our talk continued on German food culture, which is one of the reasons she is passionate about studying German. German breads and cakes took over the chat, as I personally felt desperate at the moment, trying to find anything close to the bread I used to eat every day in Europe, now in Japan. But food was not the only topic of ours. Going more deeply, we shared how differently we view the people themselves, as these differences sometimes would become visible even during our one-on-one conversations. Miyuu shared ‘I feel like German people speak their mind more clearly and straightforwardly than Japanese people. Japanese value politeness and Europeans value honesty’. I could not agree more with her, however, a bigger personal cultural difference was the general politeness between shop staff and customers in Japan. A small bow or a head nod is a standard greeting and is always followed by a big smile. People usually use a slightly higher pitch in their voices and pass money or receipts to each other with two hands. It can never go unnoticed, and personally, I truly appreciate the level of respect shown in the most mundane interactions at grocery shops or train stations. Traveling in the largest Tokyo stations was a big challenge at first, so I had to ask strangers for help a lot. Although some people whom I approached did not know English, they always did their best to help, and it was so lovely to see. Thus, adapting to certain greeting or interaction etiquette was not a challenge, after receiving so much politeness, you automatically act accordingly back. As global interest in Japan has been growing and tourism increases, with over 42 million visitors from overseas in 2025 (https://www.tourism.jp/en/tourism-database/stats/inbound/), I talked a lot about the overall perception of this Asian state with my Japanese friends. Most of them had a lot of international friends and shared a similar point of view to Miyuu, that Japan is idolized too much by foreigners, from how girls dress and act, to the lifestyle the country offers. From personal experience, I do see some downsides to Japan. Especially as a foreigner, it might be challenging to make friends with whom you can be truly close. It is harder to foster close friendships because Japanese people tend to be quieter and more emotionally restrained in showing mutual respect. This creates a public facade, which might make foreigners feel isolated and lonely. From soon-to-be graduates, I heard a lot about Japanese culture and how little personal free time it leaves. Hangouts with the boss after work are often expected, attire and relationships at work are usually formal, and overtime is common. All of it may lead to burnout and unhappiness. This is one of the reasons why Japan is known for its high suicide rates. One of the biggest shocks to me was learning why my train line home was closed several times, making it difficult to travel around the city. My Japanese friends shared with me that JR Chuo Line is commonly known as the ‘suicide line’ due to historically high rates of personal injuries and deaths registered on this track. This fact being shared so easily felt like an understatement, as suicide is a tragic and emotional topic in my home country, and made me realize that Japanese society is not ideal as any other place in the world. It has some downsides that are difficult for foreigners traveling around Japan or learning about it online to notice. I recommend that anyone takes a semester abroad, whether in a neighboring country or on a different continent. It will be a truly unique and enriching experience through which one can get to know not only a new culture but also one's own country and better understand oneself as a person. Connecting with people around the world can show how connected we are to one another, even when living hundreds of kilometers apart.

Application Form, open until August 2, 2026 The German-Baltic Future Foundation (DBJW) invites you to apply for the 8th German-Baltic Conference in Tallinn in October! As a Youth Ambassador, you have the chance to shape your ideas for a self-determined Europe into impactful policy recommendations that are heard by politicians and other decision-makers in Brussels and beyond! What? Becoming a Youth Ambassador at the German-Baltic Conference means discussing your ideas for one of three dimensions of a self-determined Europe, meeting other young European visionaries, and broadening your horizon! The conference is structured into three clusters, each one developing policy recommendations under the guidance of a Head of Cluster. Following the conference, selected Youth Ambassadors will present the policy papers to Members of the European Parliament in Brussels in December. When? The conference takes place on 15-18 October in Tallinn, Estonia. Online meetings in preparation for the conference start in September. For whom? For young persons living in any European country between the ages of 16 and 30 years old who are fluent in English. We explicitly welcome applications from persons with non-academic backgrounds and limited knowledge of European politics. Costs? In exchange for covering accommodation and catering during the conference, as well as parts of your travel costs, we require a participation fee of 50-100€, depending on your country of residence. Please see the details below and reach out to us, if the participation fee would bar you from applying. How? Apply via this form until August 2, 23:59 CEST. When filling out the application form, we appreciate originality and creativity, so we encourage you to share your own ideas and experiences rather than relying on AI-generated responses. Theme of this year's conference: The conference theme this year is "Self-Determination", and will be explored along three angles: Cluster A: Total Defence and Preparedness, headed by Jonas Hoppe This cluster focuses on the practice of 'total defence' and crisis preparedness, taking the Baltic states as its starting point. As total defence is based on the integration of military, economic, and civilian dimensions – which merge into a society-wide approach – the cluster will examine the role played by political will and public acceptance within the context of evolving threats, and how these threats impact the various levels of response (EU/NATO, national, and local levels). Building on these aspects, the cluster will develop policy recommendations that address the overarching theme of the conference – namely that a society's capacity for self-determination depends on its ability to defend and sustain itself in the face of crises. Cluster B: Countering Disinformation, headed by Maisa Mattila The fast and wide-reaching spread of disinformation is one of today's main challenges for Europe. Both foreign powers and domestic anti-democratic movements intentionally create and spread narratives to undermine European countries' sovereignty and right to self-determination, limit our policy options, and divide societies. This cluster seeks to develop concrete, bottom-up ways in which to effectively combat the spread of disinformation, especially among the young generations. Cluster C: EU Enlargement – Seizing the Momentum, headed by Yulia Dziuba The European Union's enlargement policy has re-emerged as one of the EU's most strategic geopolitical priorities. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, growing security challenges, and increasing geopolitical competition have transformed enlargement from a long-term political aspiration into a strategic necessity for ensuring peace, democracy, and resilience across Europe. This cluster will explore how the European Union can seize the current momentum to make enlargement more credible, efficient, and sustainable while ensuring that both candidate countries and the EU itself are prepared for a larger Union. The discussions will focus on practical policy recommendations addressed to the European Parliament and other EU institutions. As a Youth Ambassador, you will have the opportunity to join a cluster, discuss key challenges related to your subtopic, and help draft a policy paper proposing solutions. You may also be selected to present your paper alongside fellow cluster members at a hearing with Members of the European Parliament in Brussels. The cluster work takes place in three stages. First, you will participate in weekly online meetings in September and October to meet your fellow Youth Ambassadors and Head of Cluster, learn about your topic, and gain an introduction to policy paper writing. Second, during the German-Baltic Conference in Tallinn (15–18 October 2026), you will discuss your subtopic in person and begin drafting your policy paper. Third, following the conference, you will continue working online with your cluster to finalize the paper and prepare for the parliamentary hearing in December. The completed policy papers will not only be presented to European policymakers but will also be shared with decision-makers at the local, national, and EU levels through DBJW networks and events. For taking part in the conference, a participation fee of 50€ (if you are living in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia or Türkiye) or 100€ (if you live in the rest of Europe) will be required. For the participation fee, you will receive compensation of up to 100€ (Baltic residents) or 200€ (rest of Europe) in travel expenses in addition to free lodging in double rooms and catering during the conference. In case of financial difficulties, please contact us! If you have any questions, please contact Frederike Kanschat: f.kanschat.dbjw@deutsch-balten.de The deadline for applications is August 2, 2026, 23:59 CEST. If you would like to find out more about our work, visit us at www.dbjw.org!

Application Form open until August 2, 2026 Are you an aspiring journalist looking to gain hands-on experience, explore a new city, and immerse yourself in a new network of like-minded young people from across Europe? Do you have a passion for youth representation, participation, and exchange? Are you interested in questions of self-determination in today’s and tomorrow’s Europe? Then we invite you to apply to become one of four selected young journalists to report on dynamic discussions and collaborations between young people and youth organizations at our annual German-Baltic Conference (GBC). This year, the conference will take place in Tallinn, Estonia, from October 15th - 18th and will be covering the conference theme of ‘Self-Determination’. Help us to make our motto, #EuropeShallHearYou, a reality by contributing your journalistic skills to this unique project! About the Conference: This will be the 8th year of our annual German-Baltic Conference, an event focusing on strengthening ties and fostering dialogue between young people and youth organizations from Europe, and in particular Germany and the Baltic States. Half of the participants of the conference are Youth Ambassadors (YAs), who work in three thematic clusters to explore subtopics related to the conference theme of self-determination. Each cluster develops a policy paper aimed at the European Parliament, addressing key issues and recommendations within their focus area. Following the conference, the YAs travel to Brussels to present their papers directly to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The papers are also shared more broadly with government and civil society stakeholders at the local, national, and EU levels. The other half of the conference brings together representatives of various youth exchange organizations who are members of the German-Baltic Youth Exchange Network (GBYEN). The aim here is to strengthen cooperation between the members and develop their expertise, skills, and societal outreach in international youth work. This year, we are seeking young journalists to follow along with the work of the 3 clusters and the GBYEN network and report on their activities during the conference. We are looking for one journalist to shadow each of the 3 clusters, with the following subtopics: Cluster A – Total Defence and Preparedness Cluster B – Countering Disinformation Cluster C – EU Enlargement In addition, we are looking for one journalist to follow the GBYEN working sessions, which will explore the power of stories and the role we can all play in building resilient societies, safeguarding European democratic values, and contributing to a more secure and united Europe. Your Role: Shadow Your Cluster or GBYEN group: Engage with conference work sessions, workshops, and activities within your assigned cluster or GBYEN group. Conduct Interviews (optional): You will have the opportunity to interview some of the speakers and guests of the conference, along with the participants if you would like. Participate in Other Conference Activities: Attend the other various activities in the program, including panel discussions and keynote speeches, cultural activities, and social events. Present Your Thoughts: On the final day of the conference, you will be asked to present a short overview of your impressions of the conference during the Final Results Presentation. Create Content: Following the conference, you are asked to develop a journalistic piece of your choice (video, article, podcast, etc.) highlighting your conference experience and insights on your cluster or group’s activities. This journalistic piece will be shared across the DBJW’s social media and other platforms to your credit. We also encourage out journalist to share their work in their own networks and platforms. Young Journalists also have the opportunity to engage with the social media of the dbjw before, during, and after the conference if interested. Network: Connect with conference participants and fellow young journalists. For taking part in the conference, a fee of participation of 50€ ( – if you are living in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia or Türkiye) or 100€ (– if you live in the rest of Europe) will be required. For the participation fee, you will receive the following: Travel Support: Up to 100 EUR (Baltic residents) and 200 EUR (rest of Europe) for travel expenses. Accommodation & Catering: Free lodging in double rooms and meals during the conference. Publication Opportunity: Showcase your work on our platforms and gain visibility. Networking: Access a network of over 80 participants involved in youth exchange and representation, and the field of self-determination Expert Workshop: Participate in a practical workshop and Q&A led by an experienced journalist. Eligibility: Age: 16-30 years. Background: Early-career journalists or students or passionate individuals in journalism, communications, or other related fields Language: Proficiency in English is required as the conference is conducted in English Motivation: Demonstrated interest in journalism and the topics covered by the conference (Security; Youth Exchange, Representation, and Participation) Residence: You must reside in Europe Do you want to become a Young Journalist at the 2026 GBC? Then fill out the by the 2nd of August 2026 at 23:59 CEST, and let us know what motivates you to become part of this amazing experience. When filling out the application form, we appreciate originality and creativity, so we encourage you to share your own ideas and experiences rather than relying on AI-generated responses. If you have any questions, contact Alexandra: a.ehresmann.dbjw@deutsch-balten.de Share your ideas with us because #EuropeShallHearYou

What happens when young people from different backgrounds meet, share their stories, and discover how much they have in common? This was the starting point of the youth initiative “Midsummer Brings Us Together – Connecting Through Culture, Language and European Values”, a small project supported by Eurodesk Estonia during European Youth Week. The initiative brought together two young people from Kolkja, a historic Old Believers community in Estonia’s Peipsi border region, and representatives of DBJW Estonia – Brand Ambassadors Mari and Liisa, together with Karin Kõiv from the DBJW Estonia team. Although the project was small in scale, it reflected something that is at the heart of DBJW’s mission: every young person matters, every community matters, and meaningful encounters can happen anywhere. From an Inspiration Day to a Youth Initiative The idea emerged after a German language and entrepreneurship inspiration day held at Alatskivi Castle in March 2026. Young people from different backgrounds met, exchanged ideas, and realised they would like to continue the conversation beyond a one-day event. Rather than waiting for adults to organise something, they decided to create their own project. With support from Eurodesk Estonia, the young people developed a programme that focused on culture, traditions, language, and European values through personal stories and shared experiences. Why Border Regions Matter For DBJW participants, one of the most valuable aspects of the project was the opportunity to spend time with young people from the Peipsi region and learn more about their community. Border regions and smaller communities are an important part of Europe’s cultural landscape. Every region has its own stories, traditions, and perspectives, and young people deserve opportunities to share them with others. Kolkja is known for its unique Old Believers heritage, which has shaped local traditions, customs, and ways of life for generations. During the project, Alisa and Milana shared stories about local celebrations, family traditions, community life, and the cultural heritage of the Peipsi region. For Mari and Liisa, one of the highlights of the project was learning directly from their peers about traditions they had previously known little about. The conversations demonstrated that cultural diversity is not something distant or abstract—it exists within our own communities and becomes meaningful when young people have the opportunity to learn from one another. Discovering Europe Through Traditions The project took place in Viljandi, one of Estonia’s best-known cultural cities and home of the renowned Viljandi Folk Music Festival. For most participants, Viljandi itself was also a new discovery. Exploring the city together became an important part of the experience and created many opportunities for informal conversations and shared learning. During workshops and discussions, participants explored summer traditions from different countries and regions. They compared customs connected to midsummer celebrations, music, family gatherings, community events, and local heritage. What emerged from these conversations was a simple but important realization: while traditions may differ, the values behind them are often remarkably similar. Across Europe, people celebrate friendship, family, nature, community, and belonging. Young people discovered that these shared experiences create connections that go beyond language, geography, or cultural background. Through storytelling, music, discussions, and creative activities, participants explored how traditions help shape identity while also building bridges between people. One of the outcomes was a collaborative creative poster where participants collected ideas, new discoveries, and reflections from their conversations. It became a visual representation of what they had learned from one another and how different cultural experiences can enrich our understanding of Europe. The Role of DBJW Brand Ambassadors For DBJW Estonia Brand Ambassadors, projects like this represent an important part of active youth participation. Being a Brand Ambassador is not only about representing an organisation. It is about creating opportunities for dialogue, encouraging participation, and helping young people feel that their voices and experiences matter. Mari and Liisa contributed their experience from youth work, language learning, and international activities while also learning from the participants themselves. The project became a genuine exchange where everyone had something valuable to share. This peer-to-peer approach is one of the strengths of youth work: young people often learn best from other young people. Small Projects, Meaningful Impact The project lasted only two days, but its impact reached far beyond the programme itself. Participants gained confidence, developed new friendships, learned about different traditions, and experienced how their own cultural backgrounds can contribute to wider European conversations. Most importantly, the project demonstrated that European values are not only discussed in institutions or policy documents. They are lived every day through respect, curiosity, inclusion, dialogue, and mutual understanding. For DBJW Estonia, initiatives like “Midsummer Brings Us Together” show how even small youth-led projects can create meaningful connections and strengthen participation across communities. Because every young person is important. Every community has something valuable to share. And every encounter has the potential to build a stronger and more connected Europe.

Vom 26. April bis 1. Mai 2026 nahmen sechs Germanistikstudentinnen der Universität Vilnius an einer Studienreise nach Straßburg teil. Die Reise wurde vom litauischen Landesbüro der Deutsch-Baltischen Zukunftsstiftung (DBJW) in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Büro der Europaabgeordneten Rasa Juknevičienė sowie der Vertretung des Europäischen Parlaments in Litauen organisiert. Höhepunkt der Reise war der Besuch des Europäischen Parlaments in Straßburg. Die Studentinnen erhielten dort Einblicke in die Arbeit der europäischen Institutionen und hatten die Gelegenheit, die Europaabgeordnete Rasa Juknevičienė persönlich zu treffen. Im Gespräch berichtete sie über ihre Arbeit im Europäischen Parlament, aktuelle politische Herausforderungen in Europa sowie die Bedeutung des Engagements junger Menschen für die Zukunft der Europäischen Union. Für die Teilnehmerinnen bot das Treffen eine wertvolle Möglichkeit, europäische Politik unmittelbar kennenzulernen. Europaabgeordnete, Rasa Juknevičienė präsentiert vor den Litauischen Besucher:innen Neben dem politischen Programm lernten die Studentinnen auch verschiedene Regionen Deutschlands kennen. Auf der Hin- und Rückreise besuchten sie unter anderem Bamberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Weimar und Dresden. Die historischen Städte vermittelten vielfältige Eindrücke von deutscher Geschichte, Kultur und Architektur und ergänzten das politische Programm um eine wichtige kulturelle Dimension. Die Studienreise verband politische Bildung mit interkulturellen Erfahrungen und ermöglichte den Teilnehmerinnen, Europa sowohl als politischen als auch als kulturellen Raum besser kennenzulernen. Mit zahlreichen neuen Eindrücken und Erkenntnissen kehrten sie nach Litauen zurück.

Am 20. Mai 2026 veranstalteten das litauische Landesbüro der Deutsch-Baltischen Zukunftsstiftung (DBJW), der Lehrstuhl für Germanistik der Universität Vilnius sowie das Progymnasium „Krantas“ in Gargždai (Westlitauen) gemeinsam den Wettbewerb „Deutsch verbindet“ für Schulen aus der Region Klaipėda. An der Veranstaltung nahmen neun Schulen aus Westlitauen teil. Der Wettbewerb entwickelte sich zu einem lebendigen Forum zur Förderung der deutschen Sprache und Kultur in der Region. Im ersten Teil der Veranstaltung präsentierten die Schulteams, die aus drei bis fünf Schülerinnen und Schülern bestanden, kreative Beiträge in deutscher Sprache. Dazu gehörten deutsche Lieder, Tänze sowie Kurzpräsentationen über berühmte Persönlichkeiten, die deutsche Sprache und die deutschsprachigen Länder. Im zweiten Teil berichteten Dr. Daumantas Katinas (Universität Vilnius und DBJW) sowie Laurita Markevičiūtė-Zakarevičė (KOMON und DBJW) über die deutsch-litauischen Beziehungen in den Bereichen Diplomatie, Politik, Wirtschaft und Kultur. Anschließend nahmen alle Teilnehmenden an einem Online-Quiz zu den deutsch-litauischen Beziehungen teil. Zum Abschluss der Veranstaltung wurden die Gewinnerinnen und Gewinner mit Urkunden und Preisen ausgezeichnet. Die Jury bestand aus den Dozierenden der Abteilung für Deutsche Philologie der Universität Vilnius, Dr. Justina Daunorienė und Dr. Daumantas Katinas, Laurita Markevičiūtė-Zakarevičė sowie der Deutschlehrerin und Methodikerin Gitana Beleckienė von der Schule „Saulė“ in Sendvaris und der Grundschule Kretingalė. Der Wettbewerb bot den Schülerinnen und Schülern die Möglichkeit, sich kreativ mit der deutschen Sprache auseinanderzusetzen, ihre Sprachkenntnisse zu vertiefen und neue Einblicke in Deutschland, die deutschsprachigen Länder sowie Bildungs-, Studien- und Berufsmöglichkeiten zu gewinnen. Die Deutsch-Baltische Zukunftsstiftung bedankt sich herzlich beim Lehrstuhl für Germanistik der Universität Vilnius und dem Progymnasium „Krantas“ für die erfolgreiche Zusammenarbeit. Zugleich hofft sie, dass sich der Wettbewerb „Deutsch verbindet“ zu einer festen Tradition der deutsch-litauischen Beziehungen entwickeln wird.

Am 21. März und am 18. April veranstaltete der Lehrstuhl für Deutsche Philologie der Universität Vilnius zum zweiten Mal die „Academia Germanistica“, die sich an junge Deutschlernende richtete. Ziel der Akademie war es, Schülerinnen und Schülern aus litauischen Schulen einen Einblick in den akademischen Alltag zu geben, ihre Deutschkenntnisse zu vertiefen und sie mit den deutsch-litauischen Beziehungen in verschiedenen Bereichen bekannt zu machen. Darüber hinaus bot die Akademie den Teilnehmenden die Möglichkeit, Kontakte zu den Dozierenden des Lehrstuhls für Deutsche Philologie zu knüpfen, neue Freundschaften mit Gleichaltrigen zu schließen und an thematischen Führungen teilzunehmen. An der Akademie war die Deutsch-Baltische Zukunftsstiftung durch den Leiter des litauischen Landesbüros, Daumantas Katinas, und die Mitarbeiterin im Landesbüro, Laurita Markevičiūtė-Zakarevičė, die die Zukunftsstiftung und ihre Angebote für Jugendliche und junge Erwachsene vorstellten. An zwei Frühlingswochenenden tauchten die Teilnehmenden anschließend in die vielseitige Welt der Germanistik ein und nahmen an unterschiedlichen Vorträgen, Workshops und Diskussionen teil. Doz. Dr. Virginija Masiulionytė lud im kreativen Workshop „Wir gestalten auf Deutsch: Gegenstände mit Charakter“ dazu ein, Alltagsgegenstände aus einer neuen Perspektive zu betrachten. Die Schülerinnen und Schüler entwickelten mit Fantasie und Kreativität Geschichten und Charaktereigenschaften zu verschiedenen Objekten, erweiterten dabei ihren deutschen Wortschatz und stärkten ihre analytischen sowie kommunikativen Fähigkeiten. Im Workshop „Deutsch lernen mit Liedern“ zeigten Doz. Dr. Virginija-Jūratė Pukevičiūtė und Doz. Dr. Dalius Jarmalavičius, wie Musik erfolgreich in den Fremdsprachenunterricht integriert werden kann. Gemeinsam wurden deutschsprachige Lieder gehört, gesungen und analysiert, wodurch die Teilnehmenden die deutsche Sprache auf motivierende und lebendige Weise erlebten. Laurita Markevičiūtė-Zakarevičė sprach in ihrem Seminar „Gute Kommunikation = mehr Erfolg“ über die Bedeutung gelungener Kommunikation im Alltag und in sozialen Medien. Gemeinsam wurden Beispiele erfolgreicher Markenkommunikation analysiert sowie typische Kommunikationsfehler besprochen. Im zweiten Vortrag von Laurita Markevičiūtė-Zakarevičė zum Thema „Enge Wirtschaftsbeziehungen zwischen Litauen und Deutschland“ erfuhren die Teilnehmenden interessante Fakten über die wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit beider Länder, über deutsche Investitionen in Litauen sowie über litauische Unternehmen auf dem deutschen Markt. Violeta Birbilaitė widmete sich in der Unterrichtseinheit „Monster, Katastrophen und Diktatoren“ dystopischer deutschsprachiger Literatur. Anhand von Werken moderner deutschsprachiger Autorinnen und Autoren analysierten die Teilnehmenden, wie Monstrosität in Literatur und Popkultur dargestellt wird und welche gesellschaftlichen Fragen dystopische Welten aufwerfen. Doz. Dr. Skaistė Volungevičienė stellte im Vortrag „Das Korpus – was ist das?“ moderne Methoden der Sprachforschung vor. Die Schülerinnen und Schüler erfuhren, wie Textkorpora in der Linguistik, Lexikografie, Übersetzung und sogar bei der Entwicklung künstlicher Intelligenz eingesetzt werden und welche Bedeutung philologische Kenntnisse in der heutigen digitalen Welt haben. Doz. Dr. Lina Plaušinaitytė sprach über „Deutschland und die Europäische Union“. Dabei wurden die Rolle Deutschlands innerhalb der Europäischen Union sowie die wichtigsten Institutionen der EU vorgestellt und erklärt. Im Seminar „Die deutsche Sprache in der Welt“ präsentierte Doz. Dr. Diana Babušytė die Verbreitung und regionale Vielfalt der deutschen Sprache. Die Teilnehmenden lernten Unterschiede zwischen dem Deutschen in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz kennen, beschäftigten sich mit Austriazismen und Helvetismen und nahmen an kreativen Aufgaben sowie einem Quiz teil. Nach dem akademischen Teil nahmen die Schülerinnen und Schüler an zwei thematischen Führungen teil. Während der Führung „Die Katakomben der Kathedrale von Vilnius“ erläuterte Diana Ickovič-Zenovič die Geschichte und Funktion der unterirdischen Räume der Kathedrale sowie bedeutende archäologische Funde. Besonders interessant war der Besuch des Mausoleums unter der St.-Kasimir-Kapelle, in dem Angehörige bedeutender Herrscherfamilien bestattet sind, darunter auch Elisabeth von Habsburg. Die Führung „Studentisches Leben und Studium im 19. Jahrhundert. Adam Mickiewicz“ unter der Leitung von Leokadija Aškelovič widmete sich dem Leben des berühmten Dichters Adam Mickiewicz und dem akademischen Umfeld seiner Zeit. Die Teilnehmenden besuchten eine Ausstellung in der St.-Johannes-Kirche sowie die historischen Innenhöfe der Universität Vilnius und erfuhren mehr über das studentische Leben, die wissenschaftliche Tätigkeit und die kulturelle Bedeutung der Universität im 19. Jahrhundert. Die zweite „Academia Germanistica“ an der Universität Vilnius endete in einer herzlichen Atmosphäre mit der feierlichen Übergabe der Teilnahmeurkunden an die jungen Akademikerinnen und Akademiker.

On the 27th of April, Kristi Pool visited Tallinna Tehnikagümnaasium and introduced her company, Inspirators!, to the students. During her visit, she spoke about future aspirations, entrepreneurship, and the qualities needed to become a successful entrepreneur. She also introduced her company’s work and shared insights about the European Space Agency as well as the space-focused city of Bremen, Germany. The visit gave students valuable insight into future career opportunities and hopefully inspired them to think more ambitiously about their own aspirations and goals.

The German Studies Department at the University of Tartu is an important partner of DBJW Estonia. It is especially encouraging to see how closely this cooperation has developed and how strongly students from rural regions of Estonia benefit from it. International encounters, practical language situations, and shared activities create valuable opportunities to experience the German language in a lively and authentic way. Through GERDA — a network for German as a foreign language coordinated by the University of Tartu — new connections regularly emerge between schools, teachers, students, and international guests. Erasmus students studying in Tartu are also encouraged to take part in school visits and actively contribute to German lessons in Estonian schools. As part of this initiative, two medical students from Hannover, Malte and Simon, together with DBJW Brand Ambassador Mari Johanna Ruut, visited the municipality of Peipsiääre and joined German lessons at the primary and middle schools in Pala and Vara. During the day, they spent time with students from grades 6 to 8. The lessons focused on vocabulary games and interactive language activities connected to the topic of food and drinks, allowing the students to actively use German in a relaxed and playful environment. The beautiful weather also allowed parts of the programme to continue outdoors, where informal conversations and a spontaneous basketball game with the students contributed to a relaxed and welcoming atmospher This kind of direct language immersion proved especially valuable for many learners. Even beginners were able to realise that, despite having a limited vocabulary, they could already understand quite a lot and participate in simple conversations. As German has only been taught in the municipality of Peipsiääre for three school years, the progress and openness of the students are particularly remarkable. Malte and Simon were also positively surprised by the students’ active participation and by how confidently they were already communicating in German. Such encounters help reduce the fear of speaking and allow young people to experience language as something alive and practical. Especially for students in rural regions, these experiences demonstrate that German is not only a school subject, but also a way to build international connections and gain new experiences. After the school visits, the guests also had the opportunity to visit Alatskivi Castle. The castle’s director, Laura Lillepalu-Scott, kindly took time to introduce the young visitors to the history and atmosphere of the castle. Alatskivi Castle is also an important and reliable partner of DBJW in the region. Laura Lillepalu-Scott actively supports German language education and international youth initiatives in the municipality and regularly makes the castle available for school and youth events. This creates further opportunities to experience the German language outside the classroom and to connect young people through international encounters. The shared German-Baltic history that historically connects Estonia and the German-speaking world gives this cooperation a particularly meaningful dimension. The visit to the castle therefore became a fitting and memorable conclusion to an inspiring day in Peipsiääre.

Der nachfolgende Offene Brief wurde im Namen der Deutsch-Baltischen Zukunftsstiftung verfasst und an Mitglieder des Deutschen Bundestages übermittelt. Ziel des Schreibens ist es, die strategische Bedeutung einer zügigen Aufnahme der Ukraine in den EU-Binnenmarkt nachdrücklich zu unterstreichen und die Unterstützung dieser Position in den bevorstehenden politischen Debatten – insbesondere im Europäischen Rat – nachhaltig zu stärken. Für weitere Hintergründe zur aktuellen Debatte rund um die Bedeutung der Ukraine für Europa empfehlen wir den Beitrag von Gerald Knaus:

One of the core missions of DBJW Estonia is to bring international opportunities beyond major urban centres and into remote and border regions. Peipsiääre municipality in South Estonia, located near the border with Russia, is a compelling example of why this mission matters. In regions where access to international networks, career perspectives, and language opportunities can be more limited, initiatives like this play a crucial role in opening doors for young people. At the heart of this region stands Alatskivi Castle — a place where history and opportunity naturally come together. With its strong Baltic German heritage and neo-Gothic architecture inspired by English castles, Alatskivi Castle is a truly unique venue in Estonia. Built in the 19th century and closely tied to the region’s German-Baltic history, the castle offers an authentic and meaningful setting for events connected to German language, culture, and economic cooperation. Part of Alatskivi Manor’s historical furniture and artefacts are today preserved in museum collections in Lüneburg, Germany, reflecting the long-standing Baltic German connections of the region. New Partnerships Rooted in History and Community Rooted in the shared Baltic German heritage of the region, Alatskivi Castle has become an official partner of DBJW, further strengthening the foundation for future collaboration. Alongside the castle, another important regional partner is Kuvake (Peipsiääre Youth Work Centre), which plays a key role in supporting young people in the Peipsiääre area. Kuvake focuses on youth development, community engagement, and creating opportunities for young people in a rural region — making it a highly valuable partner in bringing such initiatives to life. Together, these partnerships reflect DBJW’s commitment to connecting historical context with present-day opportunities, while working closely with local communities. Inspiring the Next Generation in a Unique Setting On March 31, Alatskivi Castle hosted the German Language & Entrepreneurship Inspiration Day, bringing together over 70 young people from Peipsiääre municipality. This was already the second event of its kind held at the castle, reflecting a growing interest among local youth. While German language served as a foundation, this year’s focus expanded to include economy, entrepreneurship, and future career opportunities. The event was officially opened by Mayor Piibe Koemets, who welcomed distinguished guests, speakers, and company representatives, highlighting the importance of such initiatives for the region’s young people. A key role in the success of the day was played by Laura Lillepalu-Scott, Managing Director of Alatskivi Castle. Her strong belief in the potential of Estonian youth, as well as her continued support for German language and cultural initiatives at the castle, is of great value. With her deep knowledge of Baltic German heritage in Estonia, she added an important historical dimension to the event. While students participated in workshops, Laura personally ensured that the honourable guests — including representatives from the German Embassy — were exceptionally well hosted, guiding them through an insightful and engaging tour of the castle. Strong Institutional and International Presence Despite the remote location, the event brought together an impressive group of speakers and partners, all contributing to a shared objective: highlighting the importance of the German market, the strong economic ties between Estonia and Germany, and the relevance of these connections for Estonian youth and businesses. Mario Sauder, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Germany in Estonia A special contribution came from the German Embassy in Estonia, represented by Mario Sauder, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of the Economic Section, whose presence underlined the significance of Estonian-German cooperation at both economic and diplomatic levels. Participants also gained valuable insights from Kersti Loor (CEO, Junior Achievement Estonia), representatives of the Estonian Woodhouse Association (Puitmajaliit), and the Estonian Engineering Industry Association (Masinatööstuse liit). Both industry associations emphasised the significance of Germany — Europe’s largest economy and one of the most important markets for Estonian companies. Through concrete examples, they illustrated how sectors such as timber construction and engineering are closely connected to Germany, offering young people a clearer understanding of real economic relationships. Hands-On Workshops: Where Learning Became Experience The second part of the day focused on interactive workshops, where students engaged directly with companies and professionals across different fields. Participating organisations included Trafity OÜ, whose VR experience became one of the highlights of the day; ELMO Remote Vehicle, offering students a unique opportunity to experience a remotely operated car; Regio OÜ, introducing mapping and geospatial technologies; Atemix, sharing real-life industry insights and career paths; Nordic Render, demonstrating how visualisation supports communication in architecture and product development; VOCO (Tartu Vocational Education Centre), represented by students and already a valued partner of DBJW; and the Velogen student company. It is particularly encouraging that VOCO announced that from the next school year they will once again offer German language courses — something that has not been the case for many years. This development marks an important step forward in strengthening German language education and opportunities for young people. Through personal stories and practical examples, companies demonstrated why the German market is a key destination for Estonian businesses and how language skills play a crucial role in building trust, effective communication, and long-term partnerships. This enabled students to understand not only what companies do, but also why language skills — particularly German — are valuable in real business contexts, making the experience both practical and highly relevant. Looking Ahead The growing interest among young people and the strong engagement from partners confirm that such initiatives are both meaningful and impactful. With Alatskivi Castle and Kuvake as official partners of DBJW, and with the castle’s deep historical ties to Baltic German heritage alongside Kuvake’s strong connection to the local youth community, a solid foundation has been established for continued collaboration — where history, community, language, and future opportunities converge. Partners and Support Behind the Event The event was organised by DBJW Estonia in close cooperation with regional and international partners. Our DBJW Brand Ambassadors, Mari Johanna Ruut and Daniil Iarlykovskii, played a highly engaged and proactive role in the execution of the event and made a significant contribution to both the preparations and the organisation of the participating youth. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the German Embassy in Estonia, Nordic Render, Swedbank, and Regio OÜ for generously providing prizes for the top three quiz teams, as well as to Lidl Estonia and the German Embassy in Estonia for contributing sweets that were warmly enjoyed by all participants. The Foundation for the Promotion of Civil Society (KÜSK) was also represented at the event as a partner of the DBJW; the foundation strengthens Estonian civil society by supporting initiatives, organisations and projects in the voluntary sector, and also regularly supports other activities of the DBJW. Their support played an important role in enhancing the overall experience, adding both recognition and joy to the day’s activities. Alatskivi castle Junior Achievement Swedbank Atemix Kuvake Trafity Deutsche Botschaft in Tallinn Lidl VOCO Elmo Remote Vehicle Nordic Render KÜSK Engineering Association Regio

for the 8th German-Baltic Conference 2026 in Tallinn (October 15th - 18th 2026) About: The German-Baltic Future Foundation (DBJW) is looking for three motivated, self-organised Heads of Clusters, who want to develop their leadership skills as they guide fellow young Europeans before, during and after the 8th German-Baltic Youth Conference, on 15-18 October 2026 in Tallinn, Estonia. The event brings together young European visionaries (18-30 years old) with decision makers from Germany and the Baltic States, to broaden horizons, make new connections, and explore solutions to pressing issues for the continent in the form of policy papers. The conference theme this year is "Self-Determination", with each cluster exploring a specific subtopic (see below, they are yours to develop to fit your interests and expertise). We are seeking three Heads of Cluster, young leaders with prior knowledge of the topic, who are enthusiastic, committed, and eager to shape meaningful discussions. This is a voluntary leadership opportunity with an honorary compensation of €500. As a Head of Cluster, you will play a key role in guiding a diverse group of young people across Europe toward impactful policy recommendations. These recommendations will be presented to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in Brussels after the conference (likely in early December). Below, you’ll find an overview of the timeline and key responsibilities leading up to and following the conference. Between June and August, Heads of Cluster will focus on individual work, selecting their subtopic and developing a conceptual framework for it. Starting in July, they will also assist in the recruitment and selection of 6-7 Youth Ambassadors for their cluster, a process that will continue through August to ensure all participants are ready to begin cluster work in September. Starting in September 2026, Youth Ambassadors will participate in online meetings to get to know each other and deepen their understanding of cluster topics. Heads of Cluster will structure and lead these sessions and ensure all participants have a clear understanding of the subtopic and are well-prepared for the conference. During and after the conference, Heads of Cluster will oversee the drafting and dissemination of their cluster’s policy paper and will also lead their cluster in presenting their recommendations to MEPs in Brussels in December. Our goal is to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where young people living all over Europe, mainly but not exclusively in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Germany, can come together to develop law and policy proposals that adopt a common European perspective and take into account the unique experiences of the Baltic states. This year's clusters: EU Enlargement Total Defence & Crisis Preparedness Disinformation & the Self-Determination Main tasks: Selecting a subtopic and developing the conceptual framework for it Selecting Youth Ambassadors together with the other Heads of Cluster (6-7 ambassadors per cluster) Leading and organizing regular online meetings with the Youth Ambassadors between September and October 2026 Meeting with the Cluster Coordinator and other HoCs monthly, generally weekday evenings Participating in and leading the discussion of their cluster at the conference in Tallinn, Estonia (15-18 October 2026) Drafting and finalizing a law and policy proposal (in English) together with the Youth Ambassadors during the conference. You can see examples of past conferences here: 2025, 2024, 2023 Coordinating the dissemination of the law and policy proposals digitally and in a follow-up event with MEPs in Brussels What we offer: Connect with young people living all over Europe Develop your organizational and leadership skills Meet distinguished experts and prominent public figures who will offer valuable insights and inspiration Participate in a four-day conference (15-18 October 2026) in the beautiful Estonian capital of Tallinn (travel (up to 200 €), catering, and accommodation costs are covered by the DBJW) Opportunity to present your work at a hearing session with MEPs in Brussels, contributing to meaningful policy discussions and making a tangible impact at the European level (travel (up to 200 €) and accommodation costs are covered by the DBJW) Upon successful completion of the project, volunteers will receive an honorarium of €500 in recognition of their time and contributions What we expect from you: You enjoy organizing and leading group discussions You are between 18 and 30 years old and are living in Europe Your English skills allow free speech and you are able to communicate complicated issues (approx. level C1) You are able to work independently as well as in a team with the larger DBJW team You are interested in learning about the Baltic states (no previous knowledge required) You are interested in the topic of self-determination and already have preexisting knowledge in a field related to the overall topic of the conference You have the availability and commitment for this role, understanding that the workload varies over time—with a slower pace in summer (approx. 1 hour/week) and increased responsibilities from September to December (approx. 3-4 hours/week) Apply now! Become part of our team based in Tartu, Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, Bremen, Berlin, and many other places and are actively represented in the Baltic states with three regional offices! Please submit your applications exclusively using our by 24th of May 2026 When filling out the application form, we appreciate originality and creativity, so we encourage you to share your own ideas and experiences rather than relying on AI-generated responses. If you have any questions, contact Frederike: f.kanschat.dbjw@deutsch-balten.de