Solidarity, Peace and Social Democracy
The guiding principles
of the international work of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) are the
worldwide promotion of democracy and development, contribution to peace and
security, helping to shape globalisation into an inclusive process and strengthening
the European Union. Through projects in over 100 countries the FES has been
actively involved in the development and consolidation of civil society and
state structures to promote and strengthen democracy and social justice, strong
and free trade unions, human rights and gender equality.
In addition to its core
endeavour to promote democracy in individual countries, the
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is increasingly working on global and regional issues.
Its focus areas are the extension and deepening of the European integration
process, the further development of the transatlantic relationship and reform
of global governance systems.
The dialogue between
different societal actors, between different cultures and social models,
between North and South, EU countries and candidate countries and international
institutions is indispensable, especially in order to stabilize fragile social
and governmental structures and to find solutions to cross-cutting regional and
global issues. With its worldwide network of offices and partners the
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has a range of instruments at its disposal that allow for
a substantial contribution to these debates and to organise and advance dialogue
on various levels.
While the European
Union can be described as the most successful regional integration project to
date, its further development presents numerous challenges to member states as
well as neighbouring countries. The process of European integration raises
issues such as the creation of a common European foreign and security policy
and a European economic and social model. It is the objective of the FES to
promote economic and political integration in Europe, especially in the
transition economies of Eastern Europe, in a socially equitable manner.
The transatlantic
dialogue has historically evolved and continues to be a key factor in our work.
Common policies are the only way to guarantee sustainable development and
tackle global problems in partnership.
The global network of political
partners of the FES provides a forum for sharing and learning. The partners
include traditional parties and trade unions, non-governmental organisations,
academic and policy think tanks as well as state institutions, such as
parliaments and government ministries.
