Alfred von Oppenheim-Center for European Policy Studies
The Alfred von Oppenheim-Center for European Policy Studies (AOZ) was established in September 2006, following a donation from the Alfred Freiherr von Oppenheim-Foundation to the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP). The AOZ promotes a renewed image of Europe in Germany. This understanding of Europe focuses on rational, interest-oriented and results-based expectations. It is derived from the new raison d’être of the European Union, as formulated in the Berlin Declaration of March 2007.
The traditional expectations of Europe have been fulfilled: it is now a question of reshaping the forces of globalization into a European mould; that is, towards a liberal, competitive society, a society based on partnership and solidarity. European integration and strong nation states are not contradictory: the member states themselves are an essential source of the EU’s legitimacy.
Europe remains a core interest and an issue close to Germany’s heart. The future is, however, less an “ever closer union” than an “ever improving union”. This is not simply an end in itself; rather, it should offer practical solutions to the problems faced by its citizens.
Such a realistic understanding of Europe also leads to more realistic expectations regarding its actual capability, and thus avoids disappointing its citizens. In this way, a pragmatic EU becomes, once more, a Europe that inspires.
