Europe’s cultural diversity is a decisive factor in the European Union’s appeal. Cultural exchange and the promotion of multilingualism enable people to experience this diversity as a source of innovation and creativity.
We are simultaneously a German and a European cultural institute. We promote European integration and cooperation, and contribute to the strengthening of European consciousness and public debate through our programmes. We work closely with our European partners throughout the world, and promote European values, both within and outside Europe. In our cultural and educational policy work, we stand up for democratic values such as the rule of law, freedom of opinion and tolerance, and enter into a dialogue with those who do not fully share these values.
European integration
We connect people from the sectors of media, culture, education and civil society throughout Europe while supporting joint initiatives to strengthen democratic values, the rule of law and commitment in the realms of civil society, in Europe and beyond. With our projects we promote new partnerships and open up perspectives for action in a cross-border network. We are involved in expanding European public debate and strengthening the cohesion of Europe.
Europe in the world
In collaboration with our European partners we realise cultural, language and educational programmes worldwide that explore the topic of Europe from different perspectives while enabling dialogue at both the international and regional level. We promote activities that contribute to the communication of Europe with the rest of the world. To do this we create opportunities for our partners to incorporate critical and constructive external perspectives into discussions in Europe and highlight European perspectives on current topics outside Europe.