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Am 18. Dezember fand an der Universität Vilnius (Litauen) ein Adventsnachmittag mit Germanistikstudierenden, Deutschlernenden, Schülerinnen und Schülern sowie allen Deutschinteressierten aus verschiedenen Orten Litauens statt. Im Rahmen des Abends spielten vier Teams an unterschiedlichen Stationen verschiedene Spiele, lösten Aufgaben, sangen Weihnachtslieder und kamen in einer stimmungsvollen, weihnachtlichen Atmosphäre miteinander ins Gespräch. Im zweiten Teil des Abends wurden die Gewinnerinnen des Meme-Wettbewerbs mit Geldpreisen ausgezeichnet. Der Wettbewerb wurde vom litauischen Landesbüro der Deutsch-Baltischen Zukunftsstiftung und dem Lehrstuhl für Germanistik organisiert; die Preise wurden von der Deutsch-Baltischen Zukunftsstiftung gestiftet. Ein herzliches Dankeschön für die Unterstützung bei der Organisation des Abends gilt der Philologischen Fakultät der Universität Vilnius. Das litauische DBJW-Landesbüro bedankt sich bei den litauischen Germanist:innen für die fruchtbare Zusammenarbeit im Jahr 2025 und blickt mit Vorfreude auf weitere gemeinsame Projekte.

Am 13. und 14. Dezember 2025 veranstaltete der litauische DAAD-Alumniverein im Bezirk Prienai ein Seminar zum Thema deutsch-litauische Wirtschaftsbeziehungen, das Expertinnen und Experten aus Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft und Praxis zusammenbrachte. Das litauische DBJW-Landesbüro nahm als Partner der Veranstaltung teil und unterstützte den fachlichen Austausch zu aktuellen Entwicklungen und Perspektiven der bilateralen Zusammenarbeit. Ein zentrales Thema des Seminars war die Bedeutung Deutschlands als wirtschaftlicher Partner Litauens. In diesem Zusammenhang wurde hervorgehoben, dass die deutsch-litauischen Beziehungen auf einer langen gemeinsamen Geschichte basieren und sich derzeit in einer besonders dynamischen Phase befinden. Aktuelle repräsentative Umfragen zeigen, dass rund acht von zehn Einwohnerinnen und Einwohnern Litauens Deutschland als einen der wichtigsten wirtschaftlichen Partner des Landes wahrnehmen. Ebenso viele sehen Deutschland als eine zentrale wirtschaftliche Kraft innerhalb der Europäischen Union, die Verantwortung für die Stabilität und Entwicklung des EU-Haushalts übernimmt. Diese Einschätzungen unterstreichen die große Rolle der deutschen Wirtschaft für Litauen sowie das hohe Vertrauen in die bilateralen Beziehungen. An der Podiumsdiskussion nahmen Darius Antanaitis, Militärexperte, Reserve-Major der litauischen Streitkräfte und Leiter der UAB OSTARA, Audronė Gurinskienė, Leiterin des litauischen Büros der Deutsch-Litauischen Industrie- und Handelskammer, Vilius Senkus, Geschäftsführer der deutsch-litauischen UAB STEVILA, sowie Irma Senkuvienė, Leiterin der UAB ITMECHA, teil. Moderiert wurde die Diskussion von Laurita Markevičiūtė-Zakarevičė, Expertin für deutsch-litauische diplomatische und wirtschaftliche Beziehungen. Die Teilnehmenden beleuchteten aus unterschiedlichen Perspektiven Chancen, Herausforderungen und Zukunftspotenziale der wirtschaftlichen Zusammenarbeit zwischen beiden Ländern. Das inhaltliche Programm wurde durch mehrere Fachbeiträge ergänzt. Jurgita Paužaitė-Kulvinskienė stellte die Aktivitäten des Litauisch-Deutschen Forums vor, während Daumantas Katinas über die gemeinsamen Initiativen der Universität Vilnius und des DBJW zur Förderung der deutschen Sprache berichtete. Vytautas Pranckus präsentierte innovative Lösungen im Bereich intelligenter Verkehrssysteme, und Remigijus Zinkevičius zeigte mit seinem Beitrag „Daina gydo sielą“, wie kulturelle und kreative Ansätze den fachlichen Dialog bereichern können. Abgerundet wurde das Seminar durch eine lebhafte Frage- und Antwortrunde sowie offene Diskussionen, die den intensiven Austausch zwischen Referierenden und Publikum förderten und neue Impulse für zukünftige Kooperationen setzten. Das litauische DBJW-Landesbüro bedankt sich herzlich beim litauischen DAAD-Alumniverein für die gelungene Zusammenarbeit und freut sich auf weitere gemeinsame Projekte und Initiativen im Jahr 2026.

Am 5. Dezember 2025 fand in Vilnius das Festival der deutschen Lieder statt, das seit vielen Jahren vom Litauischen Deutschlehrerverband organisiert wird. In der Jury waren neben Vertreterinnen und Vertretern litauischer allgemeinbildender Schulen und Hochschulen auch die Deutsch-Baltische Zukunftsstiftung (DBJW) durch den Leiter des litauischen Landesbüros vertreten. Die Teilnehmenden wurden zu Beginn des Abends von der Leiterin der Abteilung Kultur, Presse und Kommunikation an der Botschaft der Bundesrepublik Deutschland , Frau Valerie Hog, der Leiterin des Goethe-Instituts Litauen , Frau Anna-Maria Strauß, dem Präsidenten des Litauischen Deutschlehrerverbandes , Herrn Edvinas Šimulynas, sowie von Vaiva Jucevičiūtė-Bartkevičienė, der Vorsitzenden der Jury, Gesangs- und Musikpädagogin und Dozentin an der Vytautas-Magnus-Universität , herzlich begrüßt. Deutschlernende aus verschiedenen litauischen Städten und Schulen präsentierten ihre Videoclips mit eingesungenen deutschen Liedern und traten teilweise auch selbst auf der Bühne auf. Unter insgesamt mehr als 20 Auftritten war ein breites musikalisches Spektrum von gut und weniger bekannten Stücken: Das Programm reichte von Kinder- und Bewegungsliedern wie „Ich habe einen kleinen Papagei“  (Volker Rosin) über bekannte Popsongs wie „Leuchtturm“  (Nena), „Lieblingsmensch“  (Namika) oder „Die immer lacht“  (Kerstin Ott) bis hin zu aktuellen Titeln wie „Mangos mit Chili“  (Nina Chuba) oder „Swimmingpool“  (Marie Bothmer). Auch klassische und nachdenkliche Werke fanden ihren Platz, etwa „Ich glaube“  von Udo Jürgens, „Wozu sind Kriege da?“  von Udo Lindenberg oder das Kunstlied „Seligkeit“  von Franz Schubert. Humorvolle Beiträge wie Heinz Erhardts „Fährt der alte Lord fort“  standen neben gesellschaftskritischen Stücken wie „Monopoli“  oder „Deutschland“  von Rammstein. Mehrere Schulensembles präsentierten zudem gemeinschaftlich Lieder wie „Alle Kinder haben Träume“ , „Glück“  oder das „Wunderlied“ . In ihrer Gesamtheit zeigten die Darbietungen eindrucksvoll die stilistische Bandbreite deutschsprachiger Musik und machten deutlich, wie kreativ, engagiert und sprachlich sicher sich die Lernenden mit der deutschen Sprache auseinandersetzen. Das Festival erwies sich damit erneut als gelungene Verbindung von Sprachlernen, Musik und interkulturellem Austausch. Das litauische DBJW-Landesbüro freut sich, Teil dieses Festivals gewesen zu sein, die Zusammenarbeit mit dem Litauischen Deutschlehrerverband fortsetzen zu können, und blickt mit Zuversicht auf weitere gemeinsame Initiativen im Jahr 2026.

Agnė Jankauskaitė Foreword: Dear Reader, my name is Agnė, a Brand Ambassador for the German-Baltic Future Foundation. Originally from a small Lithuanian town, I am currently studying International Relations and European Politics in Brno and am on a study exchange in Tokyo.  I have been actively involved in the German-Baltic community as a Youth Ambassador and Young Reporter, as well as in various other international projects, over the last five years. I’m passionate about politics, German-Baltic relations, and meaningful youth engagement, and I focus on connecting these interests with global projects in international relations. This is part 1 of a 4-part-blog series which explores how young people from Germany and Baltic states engage, network, experience Europe, and the world at large through study, friendship, cultural exchange, and participation in political life.  Living Between Different Cultures: What Being European Feels Like? EU citizenship, cultural exchanges through Erasmus+ study programs and transnational projects, borderless travel via the Schengen zone, common currency, shared history, and heritage are all things which Europeans currently enjoy. The creation of the European Union and the promotion of shared values, such as peace, democracy, and freedom, have halted centuries of continuous wars in Europe and shed light on a common European identity. The EU has enabled Europeans to connect beyond their shared history and heritage, thereby strengthening the continent. But how do these initiatives, which are part of everyday lives, reflect on young people and their identities? Do people from different parts of Europe share common identities? Let’s find out! Historical aspects Dating back a thousand years, it seems like Europe was never not at war. The continent was fragmented and was always subject to territorial or religious conflicts. The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 marked a significant turning point for Europe, as it concluded the devastating Thirty Years’ War, established the modern system of sovereign states, and reduced the role of religion in conflicts ( Source ). However, interstate wars persisted, and the continent continued to experience more violent outbreaks. The most notable were the Napoleonic Wars, which were brought to an end in 1815 with the formation of the Concert of Europe system. Through the system, the major powers navigated the rule of Europe with almost a century of peace, after which the catastrophic WWI and WWII took place, causing immense destruction, millions of deaths and reshaping of the whole European continent. The fear of future conflicts and the need for peace and economic prosperity led to the founding of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951. The founding treaty was signed among Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands to manage coal and steel production under one supranational authority. Initially proposed by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman, the plan was a great way to boost Western European economies, lay the foundation for further European integration, and a key to preventing future wars by controlling the primary resources for warfare, such as steel and coal. Seven years later, Europe experienced further integration through the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) , both of which officially merged under the name European Union in 1993, introducing additional members and expanding across the entire continent ( Source ). The EU now Political and economic integration allowed Europe to achieve peace. As Franco-German power struggle relations have been eliminated and the common market makes war irrational, the EU has not faced war among its member states. However, there are more achievements besides zero violent conflict. The EU is a one of its kind regional organisation with such high levels of integration among its member states, which no other continent has managed to do. It boasts one of the highest social welfare standards globally (see figure below) and the world's largest single common market, which facilitates the free movement of goods, capital, services, and people. It also stabilized post-Cold War Europe, helping Central and Eastern European countries transform into democracies by incorporating the rule of law into the accession criteria. Lastly, the EU is known on the international stage as a major supporter of peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and the Paris Climate agreement. Quality of Life Index by Country 2026 ( Source )   The EU also provides substantial funding for cultural exchange programs, which promote a shared identity. According to the European Commission, for the period of 2021-2027, the EU allocates a budget of € 26.2 billion for study, training, and volunteer opportunities for young people abroad. These experiences shape how young Europeans act, think, understand themselves and the world, making them feel part of the bigger European picture, thus shaping their identities. European identity So, how do these EU initiatives and financing statistics translate into a tangible impact on the lives of young Europeans and the development of a shared European identity? I believe they are life-changing. Personally, I come from a small town in Lithuania. As most youth-connecting events take place in big cities, I used to feel far from these opportunities. However, all changed when I discovered short-term Erasmus+ youth exchanges. I started feeling more confident, formed friendships in various European countries, discovered some of the most beautiful cities in Poland, Slovenia, Turkey, Italy, and savored authentic local cuisine. This experience provided me with extensive cultural knowledge, which made me think about the world differently. My life switched from having no experiences outside my hometown to travelling alone abroad and getting into the most interesting, funny, and challenging situations. Group Photo during my short-term Erasmus+ youth exchange in Italy, 2023 Through my increased participation in Erasmus+ projects, I developed an interest in journalism and other international projects, and the German-Baltic Future Foundation in particular caught my attention. I first participated in their German-Baltic conference in 2023, in Tartu. I attended the conference as a young reporter and thoroughly enjoyed it. Group Photo of the Young Journalists at the 2023 German-Baltic Conference in Tartu It was fun to meet so many interesting and intelligent people, all while experiencing Estonian culture. This event inspired me and came back the next year, as it took place in my beloved city of Vilnius, however, this time I participated as a youth ambassador and was part of a team working on a policy paper. In the teamwork I was also involved in international law talks, so my knowledge from the event was not only cultural and networking-based, but also academic. In both events, I met a lot of inspiring people who pushed me to choose to study International Relations, and with whom I am now good friends. These interests and the international environment were the place where I found myself, and they directly shaped who I am today. International experiences have influenced my decision about which degree to pursue, where to study, and to undertake a study exchange on a different continent. All because I have come to realise how much one can grow abroad, how the world is smaller than we usually think it is, and how important it is to constantly challenge yourself while gaining cultural knowledge to navigate the world effectively.  Now I see myself as both a Lithuanian and a European. To me, being European means being who I am today: a part of a diverse, interconnected community, an endless place to grow culturally, academically, and personally, and possessing the responsibility and ability to shape the world Now let’s hear from one of our German-Baltic Future Foundation Brand Ambassadors, Indira Sophie Pabst (21, from Germany), and what being a European means to her: Indira Pabst, Brand Ambassador of the German-Baltic Future Foundation Since I was a child, my parents have emphasized the importance of exposing me to various intercultural experiences in Europe. This included a three-month student exchange in France and extensive travel, which led me to the binational study program “Public Governance across Borders” in Germany and the Netherlands. Currently, I am also expanding my international experience through an Erasmus semester in Riga, Latvia.   For me, being European means growing up not just in one nation but in a broader community of people whose lives, histories, and futures are connected. I believe this comes with a sense of responsibility that goes beyond national borders. Being European means understanding that my actions contribute to a larger whole.   My international experiences have greatly influenced my identity and made me increasingly aware of the privilege of growing up in Europe with open borders, freedom, and shared values. Living and studying in different countries has taught me to appreciate cultural diversity, be open-minded, switch easily between languages, and feel at home all over Europe. Considering war and rising tensions in Europe, these experiences have strengthened my belief that we must preserve openness and cooperation within Europe.

Vom 26. bis 28. September fand in Lauenburg und Lüneburg erneut der alljährliche Baltische Jugend- und Studentenkongress (BJSK)  statt. Unter dem Leitthema „Frieden“  diskutierten rund 40 Teilnehmende, was Frieden bedeutet, wie man inneren Frieden finden kann und auf welche Weise äußere Einflüsse ihn stören oder gar gefährden können. Der Kongress endete am Sonntagmittag im Fürstensaal des Lüneburger Rathauses mit einer feierlichen Abschlussveranstaltung gemeinsam mit den Gästen des Carl-Schirren-Tages . In diesem Rahmen hielt BJSK-Teilnehmer Judikael Croe  eine eindrucksvolle Rede, in der er seine Gedanken zum Frieden in Europa teilte: Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, verehrte Mitglieder der Carl-Schirren-Gesellschaft, liebe Gäste des Deutsch-Baltischen Jugend- und Studentenkongresses 2025 und des Deutsch-Baltischen Jugend und Studentenrings, es ist mir eine große Ehre, heute im Namen des Deutsch-Baltischen Jugend- und Studentenkongresses 2025 zu Ihnen sprechen zu dürfen. Die letzten Tage waren sehr intensiv und haben alle Teilnehmer*Innen zum Nachdenken über den Frieden in Europa gebracht. Der Kongress hat erneut gezeigt, wie der Austausch zwischen Jugendlichen aus dem Baltikum und Deutschland Brücken baut. Solche Brücken sind essentielle Grundpfeiler, um Frieden zu erhalten. Wenn wir über Frieden sprechen, dann sprechen wir über mehr als die Abwesenheit von Krieg. Frieden ist ein Zustand, der immer wieder neu erarbeitet und gesichert werden muss. Die Risiken, welche den Frieden bedrohen sind real. Der Krieg in unserer Nachbarschaft, die Gefährdung durch Desinformation, durch Spaltung und wachsenden Unsicherheiten zeigen uns, dass Europa verletzlich ist. Doch in dieser Verletzlichkeit liegt auch eine Chance: Resilienz. Resilienz bedeutet für uns, aus Krisen nicht geschwächt, sondern gestärkt hervorzugehen. Resilienz bedeutet Risiken frühzeitig zu erkennen, ohne sich von ihnen lähmen zu lassen. Sie bedeutet gemeinsam Lösungen zu finden, die tragfähig sind: Nicht nur für den Moment, sondern für Generationen. Die Deutschbaltische Zukunftsstiftung ist dafür ein entscheidendes Werkzeug. Es ist keine Lösung oder ein abgeschlossenes Werk, sondern ein Bau, an welchem wir unablässig arbeiten. Wir sind gefordert Risiken ernst zu nehmen, aber wir dürfen uns nicht von ihnen beherrschen lassen. Stattdessen müssen wir unsere Resilienz stärken: Durch Solidarität zwischen Staaten, durch Vertrauen zwischen Menschen und durch den festen Willen unsere Werte zu verteidigen. Frieden und Europa sind zwei Seiten der selben Medaille. Ohne Frieden verliert Europa seine Seele. Ohne Europa fehlt uns die Kraft Frieden und Resilienz gegen die Risiken unserer Zeit zu bewahren. Diesen Auftrag dürfen wir nicht auf andere verschieben. Er liegt in unseren Händen - Hier und Heute. Danke für ihre Aufmerksamkeit.

On Sunday, 14 December, the third Advent Sunday, the DBJW Brand Ambassadors had the pleasure of visiting the German Christmas Market hosted by our long-standing partner, the Tartu German Cultural Institute The German Cultural Institute in Tartu, located in a beautiful historic building, has for many years been a valued and trusted partner of DBJW. Its impressive old premises provide a unique and authentic setting for cultural exchange, making it a vibrant meeting place for language, culture, and dialogue. Our cooperation with the Institute has grown steadily over time and continues to be an important pillar of our activities in Tartu. This year’s DBJW Brand Ambassadors, Liisa Loreena Värton and Mari Johanna Ruut, visited the Christmas market and enjoyed a truly delightful experience. Surrounded by festive lights, German Christmas music, and a warm Advent atmosphere, they sampled traditional homemade bakery goods and sweets, as well as mulled wine (Glühwein). In addition to German specialties, the market also offered a charming selection of Estonian handcrafted items, such as knitted gloves, socks, and other traditional handmade goods, adding a special local touch to the festivities. As always, the Head of the Institute, Vaike Hint, proved to be an exceptional host, warmly welcoming the Brand Ambassadors and guiding them through the historic and impressive building while sharing insights into the Institute’s work and traditions. Beyond the festive celebrations, the visit also included inspiring conversations about future joint activities. Among the ideas discussed were German-language movie nights at the Institute, which the Brand Ambassadors are keen to organize for young people in Tartu, as well as other engaging cultural events that will further strengthen youth involvement and exchange. The visit offered a wonderful opportunity to learn more about German Christmas traditions, typical festive foods, and sweets, while enjoying meaningful connections in a relaxed and joyful setting. Liisa and Mari had a fabulous time, and the afternoon once again highlighted the value of strong partnerships, shared traditions, and the festive spirit of the Advent season. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the Tartu German Cultural Institute and to bringing many of these ideas to life in the coming year.

The German-Baltic Youth & Business Connect – Christmas Digi Breakfast, organized by the DBJW Estonian Country Office of the German-Baltic Future Foundation on 12 December 2025, brought together young professionals, businesses, and institutional partners at the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce (AHK) office — a beautiful venue in Tallinn’s medieval Old Town. The Digi Breakfast served as an opportunity to reconnect with long-standing partners, welcome new ones, and introduce DBJW’s plans and key events for 2026. Set in a festive and warm pre-Christmas atmosphere, the gathering encouraged open exchange, personal connections, and a shared sense of purpose. We were delighted to be joined by a strong and diverse group of partners, including the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce, Goethe-Institut , the German Embassy , Tartu Art School , Skytte Institute , FEJ, ZIS – Stiftung für Studienreisen , our DBJW Brand Ambassadors , as well as private companies Nordic Render and Thorsteel . We were also happy to welcome Ukrainian students from Tartu Art School, reaffirming DBJW Estonia’s continued support for Ukraine. At the core of the Digi Breakfast were new friendships, meaningful connections, and fresh cooperation opportunities. During a joint brainstorming session, participants developed a range of exciting ideas, including: private companies offering internships and job-shadowing opportunities, allowing young people to gain hands-on experience in new professional roles; young people contributing to marketing, design, and communication activities, bringing fresh perspectives while learning through practice; the organization of public lectures on foreign policy, security, and other highly relevant topics. People are a key strength of the DBJW Estonian Country Office. Our young members come from diverse cultural backgrounds, speak multiple languages, and contribute strong cultural understanding and multilingualism — essential assets for German-Baltic cooperation. We are proud to welcome the private sector as a new and growing partner and look forward to continuing our close cooperation with all partners in 2026, transforming shared ideas into sustainable action.

Each year, the German-Baltic Conference brings together committed students and young professionals to debate today’s most pressing geopolitical challenges - and to craft concrete policy solutions for tomorrow. Under the 2025 motto “Rethinking Security through Youth,”  this year’s conference was structured around three thematic clusters: A)  European Security and Defence Innovations B)  European Security and International Cooperation C)  European Security and Discourse The resulting policy papers, developed collaboratively by the participants, are available for download at the end of this article, and a full conference recap can be found here . Living up to the spirit of #EuropeShallHearYou , selected delegates from each cluster, together with representatives of the German-Baltic Future Foundation, traveled to Brussels from December 2-4 to present their ideas directly to key European and transatlantic institutions: the European Parliament , the European Commission , and NATO Headquarters . Hearing in the European Parliament Despite a highly intensive end-of-year phase in the European Parliament, the cluster delegates and foundation representatives were warmly welcomed by two members of the parliament: Rasa Juknevičienė , former Minister of Defence of Lithuania and current vice-chair women of the Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly (DEPA) and Sabrina Repp , member of the Committee on Culture and Education. Over the course of two hours, the policy papers were presented and discussed with both MEPs, resulting in fruitful conversations and valuable feedback from the politicians. Both Ms. Juknevičienė and Ms. Repp praised the quality, ambition, and relevance of the proposals and emphasized the importance of transforming promising ideas into tangible policy impact. In particular, proposals such as strengthening the Erasmus+ infrastructure for resilience-building and security dialogue were highlighted as having strong potential for real-world implementation. Presentation in the European Commission Following the parliamentary hearing, the delegation continued to the Berlaymont Building, headquarters of the European Commission, where they were received by the Cabinet of Andrius Kubilius , Commissioner for Defence and Space. The youth representatives presented their findings to Jonas Urbanavičius (Policy Assistant)  and Julius Meska (Trainee) . The discussion offered valuable institutional insight into how the proposed recommendations resonate within the Commission’s current strategic priorities, providing the clusters with targeted feedback from a policy-execution perspective. Discourse with the delegations of Lithuania and Estonia at the NATO headquarters. The final stop of the Brussels visit led the delegation to NATO Headquarters, where they engaged in two separate meetings with the Lithuanian and Estonian delegations. The Lithuanian delegation was represented by Gediminas Kuras (Minister Counselor).  Estonia’s delegation was represented by Jüri Luik (Ambassador) and Erik Eenlo (Representative of Political Section). Here, the clusters extended their European-focused policy insights to the broader transatlantic security context. While not all recommendations were a perfect fit for NATO’s institutional scope, both delegations expressed strong appreciation for the analytical depth and policy maturity of the proposals. Notably, Ambassador Luik emphasized his openness to continue the dialogue should the clusters choose to further develop their concepts. The German-Baltic Future Foundation is immensely proud of the achievements of all three clusters and the successful Brussels outreach. This experience once again demonstrated how youth-driven policy thinking can meaningfully contribute to Europe’s security debate when given the right platform. A special thank-you goes to Linus Kühl , Head of the German Country Office of the German-Baltic Future Foundation, and Frederike Kanschat , Cluster Coordinator of the German-Baltic Conference, whose outstanding dedication made this trip possible. We also extend our sincere gratitude to: MEPs Rasa Juknevičienė and Sabrina Repp , Jonas Urbanavičius and Julius Meska  from the Cabinet of Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, Gediminas Kuras (Lithuania to NATO), and Jüri Luik and Erik Eenlo  (Estonia to NATO), for their warm welcome, openness to dialogue, and continued support for youth-led policy engagement. The Policy Papers of Clusters A-C can be downloaded below:

By Anike Weisenburger. Young Journalist Anike Weisenburger, reporting from Germany, closely shadowed Cluster C: European Security and Discourse during the German-Baltic Conference 2025 in Riga. Her reflections and insights from inside the cluster’s work are captured in the article below. Security has a human face: Notes from Riga - Cluster C at the German Baltic Conference 2025 It has been two months since the German - Baltic Conference drew to a close, yet the conversations still ring in my ears. In Riga, young people from across Europe worked in three clusters to shape policy proposals that will now travel further towards the European Parliament. I shadowed Cluster C: European Security & Discourse. From the sidelines, I watched the process unfold - listening to how they defined security and seeing how they searched for solutions that could speak to a divided European public. The Conference, unfolding The German - Baltic Conference opened at the Latvian National Museum of History, where representatives and partner organisations set a clear security focus for the days ahead. A panel titled “Defending Freedom: Youth Engagement in National and Regional Security” moved the theme from abstract to practical and gave the clusters a common starting point. The lineup brought together policy professionals and practitioners, among them Dr. Benjamin Klasche, who summed up the new reality in “Everything is security, not only wars , ” which became a quiet refrain throughout the weekend. The evening closed with a vin   d’honneur   at   the   German  E mbassy. The next morning began with a keynote by former Ambassador Christoph Eichhorn before the clusters started with their first working sessions. After lunch, Session II continued the drafting. A highlight of the day was a session with Jānis Karlsbergs, Chairman of the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation and Senior Policy and Publications Lead at the NATO StratCom CO E. With more working sessions in the morning and afternoon, Saturday was the “hands-on”   day. Between coffee and quick walks outside, teams argued with care. A city scavenger hunt helped break the intensity and gave the groups space to return with fresh eyes ,  while the cultural dinner that evening restored the energy needed for the final edits. By Sunday, the work had solidified. The morning brought results presentations and an interactive debate during which each cluster laid out its proposals ,  and the audience challenged and refined their assumptions. The Young Journalists, myself included, shared reflections and impressions before the closing remarks and our final lunch together. Inside Cluster C: How a team found its language Cluster C had started their work already a few weeks before Riga. By the time I joined them on-site, they already shared a rhythm with references exchanged, tasks divided ,  and drafts under review. Bia, their team lead, gave the group its spirit. She brought a warm energy, encouraged everyone around her ,  and somehow always stayed one step ahead in planning. Around her, Pascal, Moritz, Camée, Marin, Lizi, Konstantina ,  and Daria brought different expertise and different maps of Europe. From their early “finding phase,” one note in my notebook kept resurfacing that words don’t always have the same meaning everywhere. In Central and Eastern Europe, terms like war, threat, and preparedness feel urgent and real ,  but in parts of Western Europe ,  the same words can sound abstract, distant ,  or impersonal. That gap in how we feel language becomes a gap in how we live policy and sits at the heart of Europe’s current struggle over security and unity. “Security must become personal” Their policy paper carries a plain, memorable motto that “Security must become personal.” It argues that a credible European approach must bridge the East–West perception gap, counter hybrid threats and disinformation ,  and invite citizens, especially the youth, into preparedness rather than speaking at them from afar. Watching their sessions from the sidelines, I saw this idea take shape in a few clear directions. One was the vision of a Europe-wide, multilingual storytelling network that  would be a trusted space for verified, engaging content shaped for the platforms young people actually use. Its purpose is to humani z e distant events, expose manipulation ,  and give solidarity a face.   Another was a central EU dashboard tracking hybrid attacks from sabotage to disinformation. It would help puncture the belief that “nothing is happening here” and build a shared understanding of the pressures on Europe’s information space. Alongside this, the group shaped what they called a more everyday kind of preparedness. Simple habits and clear guidance at the level of families, classrooms ,  and local communities make it harder to panic and manipulate  citizens because people  who feel grounded and informed are less likely to be thrown off balance by fear or misinformation. They also saw exchange as a form of security in itself. When Europeans actually meet through Erasmus+, town partnerships ,  or small community projects ,  they become less distant from  one another and therefore easier to understand and defend. Together, these ideas form the paper’s core message that security begins with people, not just policies. Stories against war fatigue A theme that returned in their work is that support for Ukraine remains high overall but has slipped since 2022 among some groups, especially where distance, economic strain ,  or a sense of endless conflict sets in. Their response is to bring people back into focus. When the war appears only as charts or casualty counts, empathy slips. When it comes through individual stories and faces, that empathy returns and with it, the willingness to back the measures that protect democracy.   West and East: same continent, different weather With family ties on both sides, I recogni z ed the tension they described. In many parts of Western Europe, Russia’s war can seem far away, something only encountered in news alerts. In Eastern Europe ,  it feels far closer. The fear is passed down in family stories and traced across old borders. These differences aren’t moral failures or divides, they come from distinct historical experiences. But if Europeans speak past one another, we risk failing together. Cluster C’s proposals read to me as tools for translation between languages and histories, so that Europe can act with enough shared conviction to deter aggression and resist manipulation.   Conversations that shaped the paper Part of the strength of Cluster C’s process lay in how they engaged beyond their own table. In the acknowledgements of the policy paper, they thank Frederike Kanschat for guidance, Sokol Zeneli for insights that fed into their arguments , and Prof. Dr. Volker Wittpahl and Trinity Brillinger for inputs that helped refine the proposals. In Riga, I saw it in practice. Side conversations after panels and targeted check-ins to stress-test claims that turn into a better paragraph an hour later.   What I’m taking with me From here, the policy papers will move into European fora, where parts of them may be piloted or debated further. But what stayed with me this week goes beyond proposals. It was the experience of watching Europeans explain their fears to one another, sometimes gently, sometimes with urgency ,  but always with the hope of being understood. Because I grew up between Western and Eastern Europe, I know that security is not experienced in the same way everywhere. Those differences don’t dissolve in a conference room ,  but they can be acknowledged, named ,  and worked with. The days in Riga reminded me that bridging this gap is not about reaching perfect agreement, it is more about refusing to look away from each other’s realities. It is slow work ,  made of listening more than declaring and of accepting that unity grows through recognition, not necessarily uniformity. And it reminded me why journalism matters here because it can sit in the spaces between perspectives, to translate rather than flatten , and to make sure that the people behind policies remain visible. When we keep stories human and close, distance stops turning into indifference ,  and Europe has a better chance of standing together when it matters. The Policy Paper of Cluster C and a visual representation can be downloaded below:  Graphic Artist: Dace Andersone

By Vadim Martschenko. Vadim is a Radio Host at Genlüd (Denmark) and with a background in Journalism. He currently pursues a Master's degree at Aarhus University in Journalism, Media, and Globalization. Vadim covered the German-Baltic Conference 2025 as a Young Journalist, following the work of Cluster B: International Cooperation & Security . Between the 16th and 19th of October 2025, the German-Baltic-Conference was hosted for the 7th time by the German Baltic Future Foundation (DBJW). From across Europe, young and politically engaged change-makers gathered in Riga as Youth Embassadors to discuss one of the most important topics in modern politics: Rethinking Security Through Youth. Riga could not be a better place to find ways to deal with this topic, as the threat to freedom, democracy, and peace is under constant threat because of its direct neighbors. Ever since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Union’s security policies have changed rapidly. A process that only accelerated with the new US foreign policy and its implications for NATO. Although these decisions significantly shape Europe’s future, the young people who will live with their consequences often do not have the opportunity to influence them. Focusing on International Cooperation & Security, Cluster B challenged this by developing a policy recommendation that centers Security Implications of Youth Brain Drain in the Baltics . This was researched in the weeks leading up to the conference under the supervision of the head of cluster, Lucie Soukalová . After thorough and rich discussions, the cluster decided to not only consider young people’s future in the policy recommendation but also one of the most vital regions concerning European security. “We cannot defend every inch of NATO territory if nobody lives there.” - Fausta Šimaitytė, Head of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Lithuania Yearly, thousands of young, educated people from the Baltic countries are leaving their homes to seek better financial and career opportunities elsewhere. Their destination? Most often, Western Europe. Inspired by the remark of one of the speakers of the opening Panel, Fausta Šimaitytė, Head of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Lithuania, Cluster B got to work to detect the motives that make young people leave, the consequences that this poses for security, and what solutions can be offered to increase return migration. In their first session, the Cluster was able to materialize their preliminary work and research into a complex problem analysis regarding the state of emigration from the Baltics. On the second day, former German ambassador to Bulgaria & Estonia, Christoph Eichhorn, urged the Youth Ambassadors to act now, not tomorrow. European security cannot wait any longer, and the European Union needs to be empowered by young, fresh perspectives. Putting these into practice, Cluster B discussed incentives for what drives young Balts back home: higher education, job opportunities, administrative support, innovation centers and welfare benefits. Christoph Eichhorn, former Ambassador from Germany to Bulgaria & Estonia during his Key Note Not everything went smoothly. There were moments were the Cluster thought about changing their whole topic and starting anew. But through collaboration, they found effective solutions and became even more concrete in their problem analysis and solutions. In the end, they developed three key proposals for the European Union to solve the problem of youth brain drain in the Baltics: Announcing Return Migration as Strategic Security Goal, forming a Baltic Alliance for Security and Innovation Studies to increase innovation through collaboration between universities, and developing of the “I Choose the Baltics” initiative that facilitates return migration. Presenting their work to the members of DBJW and the other Youth Ambassadors, Cluster B proved to have developed a well-rounded policy proposal for the presentation to the European Parliament. And in a way, their process reflected the world they were discussing: not everything is perfect right now. But if we act, if we cooperate, and if we dare, we can create something great. Beyond the policy work, what truly stood out to me was the spirit of the group. Over just a few days, Cluster B grew close, laughing at coffee breaks, joking around during long sessions, and yes, dancing through the streets of Riga at night. They managed to balance serious discussions with fun, and that balance is, for me personally, the best way to work together. The Policy Paper of Cluster B and a visual representation can be downloaded below: Graphic Artist: Dace Andersone

By Saara Mia Sarapuu. Saara is a materials science student with an interest in journalism, regional history, politics, and civic engagement. She enjoys exploring the intersections between science and sociopolitics, often taking creative side quests that connect the two fields. Based in Tartu, Estonia, she covered the German-Baltic Conference 2025 as a Young Journalist, following the work of Cluster A: European Security and Defence Innovation The German-Baltic Conference 2025, organized by the German-Baltic Future Foundation (DBJW) from 16-19 October, brought together Youth Ambassadors, representatives of the German-Baltic Youth Exchange Network (GBYEN) and security experts in Riga under the theme: “ Rethinking Security Through Youth”. Over four days, participants gathered at the University of Latvi a to explore how young people can contribute to Europe’s security and resilience. Wh ile the Youth Ambassadors (YAs) developed policy recommendations in three thematic clusters, GBYEN explored security from the perspective of youth organisations. As a Young Journalist, I had the opportunity to follow the work of Cluster A, which focused on defence innovation, while Clusters B and C explored international cooperation and discourse, respectively.   The conference opened in the historic building of the Latvian National Museum of History, located within Riga Castle. The ceremony featured keynote speeches by German and Latvian officials and an exciting panel discussion on “Defending Freedom: Youth Engagement in National and Regional Security”. High-ranking experts discussed how youth can contribute to national and regional security and resilience-building and engaged with participants’ questions. The evening continued at the German Embassy, where Ambassador Gudrun Masloch welcomed speakers and participants for a reception . With electronic devices left at the entrance, conversations developed naturally and many new connections were made as time flew by. Although the conference officially began in Riga, the preparation work in the clusters had already begun weeks prior to meeting in person. I first joined a preparatory video call with Cluster A about two weeks before the conference and was impressed by the depth of research that had already been done. Each Youth Ambassador presented their vision for the upcoming policy paper, and their ideas ranged from entrepreneurship and conscription to space and new technologies. Their proposals were grounded in studies and existing policies, which showed their expertise and commitment to the task. During the conference, these ideas evolved in cluster sessions through engaging discussions. At our very first meeting, the Head of Cluster, Giorgi Lazariashvili, told me he was proud of the team he had put together, and it was easy to see why. The seven Youth Ambassadors came from Germany, Latvia, Ukraine, and Moldova, bringing together expertise from fields as diverse as international relations, economics, and STEM. Several had experience in policy and defence, whether it be an internship at the Latvian Ministry of Defence or work in Brussels on EU affairs. Giorgi himself contributes to the Estonian Defence League and the Estonian Atlantic Treaty Association, and has a legal background. Outside of their CVs, all had a personal motivation for engaging with security, whether shaped by their home region, academic interests, or a desire to strengthen democracy. The diversity of ideas and perspectives proved to be both the group’s greatest strength and its biggest challenge, as they had to work out the most impactful recommendations to move forward with. Through discussion, the cluster decided to concentrate their policy paper on a pressing yet overlooked challenge: how to make national service attractive for the younger generation.  The Youth Ambassadors identified a major problem: Europe’s service models are fragmented and often outdated While defence budgets and technological innovation are growing fast, recruitment systems have not kept pace. Across Europe, states follow highly different approaches to conscription and civil service, and the lack of an EU-level framework limits cooperation in emerging fields such as cyber conscription and digital reserves. The Youth Ambassadors argued that sustainable defence readiness depends not only on equipment and funding, but also on the ability to attract diverse and skilled young people to contribute through modern and more flexible forms of service. Between the working sessions, participants had the opportunity to attend keynote speeches and network over a cup of coffee. Conversations during breaks often continued the debates started in the clusters, offering a space to exchange ideas with experts and participants from across the conference. These conversations emphasized why in-person gatherings matter : many of the most insightful conversations happen not during presentations, but outside of formal sessions. Riga itself  was a very fitting backdrop for the conference, as there are few places just as illustrative of the historical ties between the Baltics and Germany. A city game and a lively Latvian cultural evening brought participants closer to local history and traditions, leaving many with warm memories of the city and their colleagues.   As I reflect on my time in Riga , I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in the conference as a Young Journalist. I met inspiring people, broadened my horizons, and left with increased curiosity and a motivation to get more involved.  I enjoyed reading the policy paper, which you can find below. I look forward to seeing the work of Cluster A presented in the European Parliament. The Policy Paper of Cluster A and a visual representation can be downloaded below:  Graphic Artist: Dace Andersone

By Anna Lauska From the 13 th  till the 17 th  of November the German War Graves Commission (Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge e.V.) – one of the German-Baltic Future Foundation’s closest cooperation partners – organized an international conference dedicated to the challenges of disinformation. The Future Foundation and the German-Baltic Youth Exchange Network ( GBYEN ) were represented by Anna Lauska, deputy head of the country office Latvia.  Titled “From Memory to Action”  the conference took place in Berlin. Participants from various countries and many different organisations like Association "Education Builds BiH-Jovan DIvjak" (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Staffordshire Council of Voluntary Youth Services  (UK), Tavo Europa  (Lithuania), Walk of Peace in the Soča Region Foundation  (Slovenia), Home For Cooperation  (Croatia), and others gathered for a rich program of exchange, learning, and collaboration. After an initial welcome session and informal networking opportunities, the first workshop introduced the foundations of disinformation, its threats to democracy, and essential terminology. Through interactive sessions and international case analyses, participants explored strategies for critical and solidarity-based engagement in youth exchange. A second workshop, led by Ioan Bengel from the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe, focused on strengthening media and information literacy in youth work with practical tools and hands-on methods. Later, a keynote by Dr. Heike Winkel from the Federal Agency for Civic Education examined the role of propaganda and disinformation in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The following day, the program continued with an exchange of best practices, where participants presented effective approaches to addressing fake news in international youth projects, followed by a collaborative project lab to develop new initiatives. Anna Lauska in the Bundestag during the National Day of Mourning Ceremony The conference concluded with a strong focus on memory culture. Participants visited the German Bundestag for a themed tour and took part in the official National Day of Mourning (Volkstrauertag) ceremony, including the memorial service and subsequent reception. A joint final dinner and an memorial concert at Berlin Cathedral offered additional opportunities for reflection and exchange. The final wrap-up session brought together evaluations, follow-up planning, and ideas for future cooperation. We, the German-Baltic Future Foundation, are grateful to have been welcomed as a participant at this insightful and inspiring conference and to have been able to establish connections with potential new project partners. We are also pleased to announce that, together with Volksbund, we have begun developing a new joint project for summer 2026: Workcamp Latvia: from Kurland to the First Republica (working title) that combines historical learning, international exchange, and meaningful volunteer work. Similar as the previous years, this upcoming workcamp will explore Latvia’s World War I history, including the period of the German occupation, the emergence of the Latvian state, and the social consequences that followed. Participants will learn about key battles, refugee experiences, the multicultural heritage of the region, and the role of the Latvian riflemen, while also engaging with contemporary memory culture. Alongside these thematic activities, the group will carry out light maintenance work on German war cemeteries.  Stay tuned for more infos!  We thank Volksbund for the successful long-term cooperation and possibility to participate in the conference!