Victims of human trafficking in Europe: who and how many?

The estimated number of victims of human trafficking in Europe is at least 15,846 – of which 15% are said to be minors. The figure ...

from
http://www.west-info.eu/victims-of-human-trafficking-in-europe-who-and-how-many/

Foreign Minister Steinmeier on the situation in Aleppo

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier issued the following statement today (29 July) on the situation in Aleppo:

Zusatzinformationen

There is a real risk that a new and terrible chapter of the Syrian tragedy is about to commence. The siege around Aleppo has the potential to become a dire humanitarian catastrophe. Hundreds of thousands of people in Aleppo are totally cut off and the humanitarian situation is disastrous.

Those who, like the Syrian regime, have triggered the crisis with carpet‑bombing campaigns all the while offering unsafe escape routes, are playing a cynical game, forcing the people to make a cruel choice and, ultimately, ruling out any prospect of resuming the Geneva talks.

Russia shoulders particularly great responsibility in this difficult situation on account of its support for the Syrian army and air force. We therefore urgently call on Moscow to prevail upon the Assad regime to implement a ceasefire in Aleppo, to work with the United Nations at last and to facilitate humanitarian access to the people in Aleppo together with international aid organisations.

Exercising military restraint and allowing humanitarian aid to reach people trapped in besieged areas are what is needed right now. We need there to be an end to the violence and a return to the negotiating table.

Military escalation would be a serious error that would make achieving a political settlement a far‑distant prospect.

The situation in Aleppo and surrounds makes Russo‑American understanding all the more urgent. I trust that the ongoing talks between Washington and Moscow will yield results that will help to de‑escalate the situation in the city.

from
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Infoservice/Presse/Meldungen/2016/160729-BM_Aleppo.html?nn=479796

News story: New online UK visa application form launches in Nepal

The new form will make it quicker and easier for customers to apply for their UK visa. Benefits include:

• A shorter form, with questions logically ordered based on customer feedback
• More local languages, although customers will need to provide their answers in English
• The application fee is displayed in the correct local currency
• Customers can apply, book their Visa Application Centre (VAC) appointment to give biometrics, and pay for the relevant service standard seamlessly
• The service is available on mobile devices
• The form can pre-populate a Schengen Visa application form which customers can then download and print. This makes it much easier for customers applying for both visas at the same time.

Following the successful launch of Access UK in China in June 2014, UKVI is rolling it out globally to customers applying for a Standard Visitor Visa, Visitor (Marriage & Civil Partnership), or Visitor (Permitted Paid Engagement) Visa.

Access UK is available at www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa. However the Visa4UK website will continue to be available for visitors and for applicants applying visas on other routes.

from
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/news-written-exclusively-for-govuk-which-users-need-can-act-on-and-cant-get-from-other-sources-avoid-duplicating-press-releases

News story: New online UK visa application form launches in Nepal

The new form will make it quicker and easier for customers to apply for their UK visa. Benefits include:

• A shorter form, with questions logically ordered based on customer feedback
• More local languages, although customers will need to provide their answers in English
• The application fee is displayed in the correct local currency
• Customers can apply, book their Visa Application Centre (VAC) appointment to give biometrics, and pay for the relevant service standard seamlessly
• The service is available on mobile devices
• The form can pre-populate a Schengen Visa application form which customers can then download and print. This makes it much easier for customers applying for both visas at the same time.

Following the successful launch of Access UK in China in June 2014, UKVI is rolling it out globally to customers applying for a Standard Visitor Visa, Visitor (Marriage & Civil Partnership), or Visitor (Permitted Paid Engagement) Visa.

Access UK is available at www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa. However the Visa4UK website will continue to be available for visitors and for applicants applying visas on other routes.

from
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/news-written-exclusively-for-govuk-which-users-need-can-act-on-and-cant-get-from-other-sources-avoid-duplicating-press-releases

Lines of Thought: From Darwin to DNA

A new online visa application form, Access UK, has launched in Nepal for customers applying for a UK visit visa.

from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgf5t_mSoJM

The best reasons to come to Bristol

from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtJNKFSMosM

The students' contribution to the city

from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJP03LLkiqU

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees addresses staff and students

from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb-mDPWqf2U

Refugees seeking asylum in Sweden are 50% less than expected

There are less refugees arriving in Sweden than the authorities previously estimated.  The estimates were based on the actual figures over the last six months.  ...

from
http://www.west-info.eu/refugees-seeking-asylum-in-sweden-are-50-less-than-expected/

Human Rights Commissioner criticises executions planned in Indonesia

Bärbel Kofler, the Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid, issued the following statement today (27 July) on the announcement that 14 people are to be executed in Indonesia:

Zusatzinformationen

I am seriously concerned at reports that 14 death sentences are about to be carried out in Indonesia. I call on Indonesian President Joko Widodo to stop the application of the death penalty and to return to a moratorium on its use.

Capital punishment is a violation of the right to life, and the German Government opposes it no matter the circumstances. Implementing the death penalty is particularly questionable in cases where there is significant doubt as to the fairness of the legal proceedings. Human rights organisations report that there have been significant shortcoming in the proceedings against the condemned individuals in Indonesia, including a lack of legal representation and diplomatic assistance. Some of the judgements are based on confessions which may have been elicited under torture. I urge the Indonesian authorities not to carry out executions, to thoroughly investigate these claims and to clear up all doubts pertaining to the proceedings. Executing those who have been found guilty renders miscarriages of justice tragically irreversible.

Germany, like other international partners, stands ready to work with Indonesia to develop alternative forms of drugs policy. Numerous studies have shown that the death penalty is not an effective means of combating drug offences and is no more of a deterrent than long prison sentences. Under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Indonesia has ratified, sentence of death may be imposed only for the most serious crimes. To impose it for drug offences is therefore a violation of international law.

Background information:

Indonesian criminal law provides for the death penalty for crimes such as murder, terrorism and trafficking illegal drugs. No death sentences were carried out in Indonesia between 2009 and 2012. Then, in spite of massive international protests, a number of people were executed in early 2015. After that, the Indonesian Government assured its international partners that it had ceased for the time being to implement the death penalty.

Fourteen people convicted of drug offences could be put to death by firing squad on Friday, 29 July. The group comprises four Indonesians and ten foreign nationals, most of them Nigerian. Human rights organisations report considerable shortcomings in the way the rule of law has been applied during the proceedings. 

There are currently more than 130 people on death row in Indonesian prisons, almost half of them sentenced to death for drug offences. The Indonesian Government under President Widodo takes the view that drug abuse can only be combated by the alleged deterrent effect of capital punishment.

from
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Infoservice/Presse/Meldungen/2016/160727_MRHH_Hinrichtungen_Indonesien.html?nn=479796

Marriage via skype is legitimate

A marriage via Skype between an Italian and a foreigner is also valid in Italy. The Supreme Court, in fact, rejected the request of the ...

from
http://www.west-info.eu/marriage-via-skype-is-legitimate/

Computer Science undergraduate projects at Oxford

from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKmODn7MIwM

Immigrant entry visas to Italy decrease

The number of entry visas issued by Italy to foreigners has decreased. In 2015, 2,043,162 were issued in response to 2,150,753 requests: this is 7.8 ...

from
http://www.west-info.eu/immigrant-entry-visas-to-italy-decrease/

Statement by Foreign Minister Steinmeier on the attack in Kabul

Foreign Minister Steinmeier issued the following statement on the terrorist attack in Kabul today (23 July):

Zusatzinformationen

While we in Germany are still mourning the victims of yesterday’s callous shooting, there has been a terrible terrorist attack in Afghanistan today. The attackers detonated their deadly bombs in the midst of a peaceful demonstration. Clearly, they too aimed to kill and injure as many people as possible. We share the pain of the families and friends of the victims. In this situation in particular, it is important that the country take a united stance against terrorism. We share the hope for a peaceful future in Afghanistan.

from
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Infoservice/Presse/Meldungen/2016/160723_BM_Kabul.html?nn=479796

German Higher Education Entrance Qualification – Abitur

If you ever planned beginning your higher education studies in Germany, you must unquestionably be aware that holding the appropriate entitlement to qualify you to do so, is one of the key requirements for a successful application and studying in any German higher education institution. “Hochschulzugangsberechtigung” or the University Entrance Qualification, indicating the fact that the earlier education qualifies you to enter higher education studies in Germany, is the entitlement needed to possess when ready to apply for entering higher education studies in Germany. Despite the importance that this University Entrance Qualification has, anyhow, you must never ignore the fact that there are a number of other requirements of admission, you must put into consideration correspondingly when deciding to apply in any higher education in Germany.

High school graduates, following the end of their studies in a German school, in the country or abroad, receive an entitling certificate to enter higher education studies known as “Abitur”. The German Abitur is a qualification obtained at the upper Gymnasium level “Gymnasiale Obersufe” after 12 or 13 years of school education in a German school, authorizing the holder to study any subject at any higher education institution in Germany.

As Germany is one of the key attracting countries for many international students for pursuing higher education studies, the question is – what about those who did not have a German Abitur? Which is the way for their earlier education to be evaluated and to be harmonized with a German Abitur?

In such case, everyone who does not have a German Abitur, must necessarily have an entitlement that corresponds to the German Abitur level. In some cases, this entitlement can be a recognized foreign school-leaving certificate and sometimes a university entrance qualification examination. However, the rule is all-inclusive; everyone who wants to enter higher education studies in Germany must have a Higher Education Entrance Qualification.  As for those who do not possess a German Abitur but their education is recognized in Germany, in order for their application for admission to be considered complete, providing evidence about their earlier education being equivalent to the German Abitur is a compulsion.

Furthermore, every country has its own specific school-leaving certificates and so, not all of them can be equal to a German Abitur and some foreign school-leaving certificates are not recognized or partially recognized in Germany. In such case, a foundation course at “Studienkollegs” that leads to the University Entrance Qualification Examination is what an international – whose earlier education is not recognized in Germany needs, in order to make its earlier education recognized for entering higher education studies in Germany.

Categories of entitlements for entering higher education studies in Germany

Depending on the earlier education of the candidate, there are few categories of recognition or entitlements that qualify a candidate to apply for and enter higher education studies in Germany, as follows:

Direct entitlement

The candidate holding a direct entitlement is authorized to directly apply for the university admission and study in any higher education institution in Germany.

Indirect entitlement

Indirect entitlement is given  to the candidates whose earlier education does not directly qualify them to apply for the university admission. This category of candidates needs to enroll in a year preparatory course at Studienkolleg and must pass the University Entrance Qualification Exam. If successfully passing this exam, the candidate might have a direct or subject-specific university application.

General entitlement

A general entitlement holder enjoys the sufficient authority to apply for admission in any study subject in any chosen higher education institution in Germany.

Subject-specific entitlement

Holding a subject-specific entitlement the candidate can only apply and study in specific university study fields, as its earlier education received in home country, or exams it passed define subject areas that the candidate is proficient to study at.

There are five categories of subject areas recognized in Germany:

• Technical and scientific subjects (T),
• Social and Economic Sciences (W),
• Medicine and Biology or related subjects (M),
• Humanities and languages (G and S, at times combined as G/S).

How can I know if my secondary school leaving certificate is or is not sufficient

As previously mentioned, not all secondary school-leaving certificates are acknowledged in Germany, and as a result, not every person who possesses such certification – received by home country secondary schools, can be automatically considered an eligible candidate to apply for admission in a higher education institution in Germany. Accordingly, the country where the candidate has received a secondary school leaving certificate has a significant role as regards of foreign education recognition in Germany.

Candidates who received a school-leaving certificate from an institution in the European Union, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland or Switzerland, typically their certificates are automatically recognized in Germany.

As well, for candidates who finished their secondary education in one of 140 German schools abroad, their education will be automatically similarly recognized.

In any case, differentiating information about your school-leaving certificate being sufficient or not for entering higher education studies in Germany it is not that simple. And so, the best way for the candidate to answer to such important question, is by consulting very resourceful databases on the subject of foreign certificates recognition in Germany – the Anabin database and DAAD’s Database, and most importantly, the International Office of the University where you want to apply – being the final authority to decide on the recognition of your earlier education, as well as to offer additional guidance.

The DAAD Database

The  DAAD Database for Entrance Qualification is a resourceful database with information regarding foreign education certificates recognition in Germany. By selecting the country where you obtained your school-leaving certificate within the database, you might get a lot of specific information about the level of recognition of your education.

The Anabin Database

The Anabin Database is another very reliable free online tool/database for you and all foreign candidates who seeks to enter higher education studies in Germany – for understanding if German Education System recognizes your foreign education certificates and authorities.

This database, by possessing a country-specific searching options, allows you to get specific information about recognition of your earlier education certificate received in your home or other foreign country. Moreover, the database provides additional guidance about what are the further requirements for making your earlier education recognized in Germany. The Anabin database offers information that is exclusively in German language.

The International Office of the University

Despite the fact that Anabin and DAAD’s database are very practical and reliable channels of information about foreign education recognition in Germany, the International Office of the University is another important address where you can and must get the definite information from as respects of the question you have if your earlier education certificates are recognized or not for entering higher education studies in Germany.

Write an e-mail to the international office of the university where you want to pursue your studies at (typically contacts of such office are found in the contact section of the official university webpage), requiring the information concerning the recognition of your earlier education received abroad and further advices in case of insufficiency of your education.

The University will inform you if your education is recognized and the category of recognition and will guide about all the requirements needed to put consideration to make you an eligible candidate for admission in any higher education institution in Germany.

Keep in mind that is the university’s responsibility to conclusively decide regarding the candidate’s earlier education recognition.

If secondary school leaving certificate is not sufficient

Assuming your secondary school-leaving certificate does not fulfill the requirements for university admission in Germany, or is not equivalent to a German Abitur – there is no need to get disappointed, since there is a chance for you to get an alternative document, as a substitute of a German Abitur. This document can be taken after you successfully prove passing the University Qualification Assessment Exam, known as “Feststellungsprüfung”.

How to undergo the University Qualification Assessment Exam

The University Qualification Assessment Exam “Feststellungsprüfung” is a formal exam dedicated to all foreign candidates who seek to enter higher education studies in Germany, whose secondary school-leaving certificate is not equivalent to a German Abitur.

If successfully passing this exam, you are considered an eligible candidate to apply for admission into any German higher education institution, equal to other German Abitur holders.

This exam, as it is very demanding, typically requires a full participation of the candidate in lessons of the university preparatory / foundation course at the “Studienkolleg”, lasting two semesters – an academic year, offering subject-related knowledge. Also, there is a possibility for the candidate to prepare for the Assesement Exam on its own by registering as an external candidate, but a prior consultation with the university or Studienkolleg is highly recommended.

In case of failing the Assessment Exam at the first time, there is only one more that you are allowed to undergo the exam and  only after 6 months of the first exam, the earliest.

There are few elements that you and any foreign candidate must pay attention to, when seeking to undergo the Assessment Exam, as following:

Must enroll in a Foundation Course (Studienkolleg)

In order to undergo the Assessment Exam “Feststellungsprüfung” typically (not compulsory, but highly recommended) you need to be enrolled in a one year (2 semesters – an academic year) preparatory course / foundation course –“Studienkolleg”.

Studienkollegs can be found in few universities and colleges and there is no tuition fee applying to enroll in such course, however, there are symbolic semester fees that need to be covered by the candidate. The semester costs can vary, depending on the university semester rules and regulations.

There are different specialized Studienkollegs offered, such as:

• M-coursededicated to medical, biological and pharmaceutical degrees,
• T-course dedicated to mathematical, scientific or technical degrees,
• W-course dedicated to business, economic and social science degrees,
• G-coursededicated to humanities degrees or German studies,
• S-coursededicated to language degrees.

Must undergo the Studienkolleg Entrance Exam (Aufnahmetest)

To become part of a foundation course at a Studienkolleg, the candidate must pass the Studienkolleg Entrance Exam or “Aufnahmetest” – in order to demonstrate possessing the needed German language proficiency and sufficient basic knowledge in the subjects in which the lessons of Studienkolleg will be offered.

There are two categories of Aufnahmetest, depending on the level of recognition of your school-leaving certificate, as well as on the field of study you are seeking to get admission at. Accordingly, if you are about to study technology, you will need to undergo T-Entrance Exam (for lessons in German, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Informatics, Technology, English and Technical Drawing), while if you are about to study business or social sciences you will need to undergo W-Entrance Exam (Lessons in German, Mathematics, Economics, Accounting, Informatics, Social Studies and English).

Each of the tests lasts 60 minutes and in case of failing the Studienkolleg Entrance Exam at the first try, there is a given opportunity for you to repeat it two more times.

See: Studienkolleg Entrance Exam sample

Must proof German language proficiency

To become part of a Studienkolleg, the candidate must proof possessing the needed German language proficiency – the upper Basic Level of the Goethe Institutes or B1 Level – according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Learn more about the accepted forms to prove German language proficiency.

How to apply for a Studienkolleg

When deciding to apply for a Studienkolleg, you must firstly chose a Studienkolleg and check for the admission requirements and deadlines. Anyhow, some Studienkollegs require from the candidate to directly apply in their address, while some require to do the application through the online portal of the University Application Service for International Students in Germany, called the Uni-Assist.

An important thing to know when deciding to apply for a Studienkolleg is that you cannot start, by any occasion, a Studienkolleg without successfully passing the Studienkolleg Entrance Exam.  As well, keep in mind that Studinkollegs do not cover all the courses and are not offered by all universities.

The post German Higher Education Entrance Qualification – Abitur appeared first on Study in Germany for Free.

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2 August will mark Roma holocaust for first time

After 70 years and half a million deaths, 2 August will be the first commemoration of Roma Holocaust Day. It will mark what had, until ...

from
http://www.west-info.eu/2-august-will-mark-roma-holocaust-for-first-time/

Foreign Minister Steinmeier and Health Minister Gröhe on the first deployment of the European Medical Corps

Commenting on the first deployment of the European Medical Corps in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Foreign Minister Steinmeier said on 20 July 2016:

"The European Medical Corps is about to have its first deployment. By sending experts from the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and the Robert Koch Institute ‑ Federal Institute for Infectious and Non-communicable Diseases, Germany is making an important contribution. It is good that this idea, of which we were one of the main initiators in the wake of the Ebola crisis, has become a reality. In the European Medical Corps we have an instrument which combines our operational capabilities at European level so that  through rapid, joint, coordinated action we can react effectively to future epidemics, no matter where in the world they occur."

Health Minister Gröhe said:

"The Ebola crisis reminded us once again that there needs to be a global approach to health. Diseases do not stop at national borders. We have therefore ensured that in future rapid-response teams of epidemiologists and lab experts can provide speedy help on the ground following outbreaks of dangerous diseases. We have thus made it possible for a mobile lab team to be deployed for the first time in the framework of the European Medical Corps. In sending experts from the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and the Robert Koch Institute we are providing important support for efforts to tackle the outbreak of yellow fever in the Democratic Republic of the Congo."

Background information:

The "EU White Helmets initiative" proposed by Foreign Minister Steinmeier following the Ebola crisis has been implemented in the framework of the existing EU disaster risk reduction measures as the "European Medical Corps". Germany was one of the first EU member states to participate in the initiative, with funding from the Federal Foreign Office for an isolation hospital to treat highly-infectious patients (German Red Cross), logistical and technical support for medical teams (Federal Agency for Technical Relief, THW) and the provision of laboratory capacities (Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine).

The "EMLab" of the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine is currently participating in the European Medical Corps’ first deployment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo along with experts from the Robert Koch Institute. The request for this technical support came from the WHO as a result of an acute epidemic of yellow fever which spread from Angola towards the Congo Basin. Resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are insufficient to ensure diagnosis and vaccination for all those affected, measures necessary to identify those who have been infected, assess the scale of the outbreak and carry out vaccination campaigns in the areas hit.

The Federal Foreign Office is supporting the lab’s three-month deployment in Kwango province under its agreement with the EU on the European Medical Corps.

Within the scope of its global health programme, the Federal Ministry of Health supports, inter alia, laboratory projects at the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and the Robert Koch Institute. This means that when there is an outbreak of disease, such as the current yellow fever in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, qualified personnel and mobile laboratory facilities are available to provide rapid aid. The experts from the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and the Robert Koch Institute are deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the framework of the European Medical Corps.

 

from
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Infoservice/Presse/Meldungen/2016/160721_European_Medical_Corps.html?nn=479796

International city, international university: Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol

from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQEf7qimRhQ

Do people who move together bond together?

from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS-yG-u8oPI

Policy paper: Home Office response to the report on an inspection of country of origin information, May 2016

The Home Office response to the Independent Chief Inspector’s report on ‘an inspection of country of origin information, May 2016’ including achievements and recommendations for improvement.

from
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-office-response-to-the-report-on-an-inspection-of-country-of-origin-information-may-2016

Policy paper: Home Office response to the report on an inspection of the intelligence functions of Border Force and Immigration Enforcement

The Home Office response to the Independent Chief Inspector’s report on ‘an inspection of the intelligence functions of Border Force and Immigration Enforcement’ including achievements and recommendations for improvement.

from
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-office-response-to-the-report-on-an-inspection-of-the-intelligence-functions-of-border-force-and-immigration-enforcement

Policy paper: Home Office response to the report on a short notice inspection of lorry drops

The Home Office response to the Independent Chief Inspector’s report on ‘a short notice inspection of lorry drops’ including achievements and recommendations for improvement.

from
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-office-response-to-the-report-on-a-short-notice-inspection-of-lorry-drops

Road trip dans le Bade-Wurtemberg – Road trip in Baden-Württemberg – Episode 3

from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGwFypLZrZ0

Trump scared to invite Harry Potter to Cleveland

Harry Potter is Donald Trump's sworn enemy. Because according to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, the Harry Potter stories make readers wary of the ...

from
http://www.west-info.eu/trump-scared-to-invite-harry-potter-to-cleveland/

The EU’s failure to redistribute refugees

At the current rate, it will take 43 years for the European Union to redistribute refugees across its member states. More than 160,000 refugees from ...

from
http://www.west-info.eu/the-eus-failure-to-redistribute-refugees/

Foreign Minister Steinmeier meets Foreign Minister of Kosovo

Foreign Minister Steinmeier will meet Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj of Kosovo for talks at the Federal Foreign Office on Friday (22 July).

Alongside German-Kosovar relations, their discussions are set to focus on Kosovo’s alignment with the European Union, the reconciliation process between Kosovo and Serbia and topical issues of international politics.

from
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Infoservice/Presse/Meldungen/2016/160721_AM_Kosovo.html?nn=479796

Foreign Minister Steinmeier on the imposition of the state of emergency in Turkey

In Washington on 20 July, Foreign Minister Steinmeier commented as follows on the imposition of the state of emergency in Turkey:

"The imposition of the state of emergency has made it clear once more that the attempted putsch is having a profound impact on Turkish politics and society. Our position and expectations vis‑à‑vis Turkey remain: the rule of law, restraint and a sense of proportionality must be maintained in all measures taken to investigate the attempted putsch. The state should only take action where there is proof of involvement in criminal actions and not merely on the basis of suspected political leanings. It is also crucial that the state of emergency is limited to the absolutely necessary duration and then ended immediately. This is in the interest of Turkey itself, for anything else would tear the country apart and weaken it, both within and internationally."

from
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Infoservice/Presse/Meldungen/2016/160721_BM_Ausnahmezustand_T%C3%BCrkei.html?nn=479796

Germany enhances diversity in its artistic and cultural landscape

Under the direction of the Federal Foreign Office, Germany has submitted its second country report on the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

The report highlights the importance of cultural diversity for sustainable development and reflects the wide range of initiatives by the Federal Government, Länder, municipalities and civil society since 2012 aimed at promoting the diversity of cultural expressions in Germany.

For instance, cities such as Hanover, Heidelberg or Mannheim have been systematically using their status as UNESCO Cities of Music and Literature to boost their long-term development. In addition, the cultural strategies of many Länder combine regional development with cultural education and cultural tourism.

In this connection, Maria Böhmer, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, issued the following statement in Berlin today (18 July):

"Ten years ago, the international community adopted the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, which even today is a highly relevant instrument of international law. Germany was one of the initiators of this Convention. It is intended to make the political scope for fostering diversity and cultural policy, also at international level, fit for the future in the face of increasing trade liberalisation. Germany’s second country report on the Convention makes it very clear that the Convention is not only fostering the diversity of cultural expressions within Germany. For it is also enriching our contributions towards cultural co‑productions with countries in the Global South."

Background:

On 20 October 2005, the UNESCO General Conference adopted the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. It guarantees the right of the States Parties to formulate an independent cultural policy. It strengthens governance in the artistic and cultural sector and is meant to place global cultural cooperation on a more balanced basis. The Convention entered into force on 18 March 2007. Germany ratified it on 12 March 2007.

Every four years the States Parties submit a country report on the application of the Convention in their countries. The collated data and information facilitates the exchange of experience and examples of best practice, thus fostering the implementation of the Convention. The drafting of Germany’s second report on the Convention was overseen by a steering committee consisting of the Federal Foreign Office, the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media, as well as the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany with the expert assistance of the German Commission for UNESCO.

The country report is available at external link, opens in new windowwww.diplo.de/unesco

from
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Infoservice/Presse/Meldungen/2016/160718_Vielfalt_UNESCO.html?nn=479796

Studying for free in Germany as a refugee

A very good news is there for you as regards of your higher education, as a recent refugee who got to Germany! Well, yes, you can study in Germany same as other international students, especially if you have received the asylum, granted refugee or “tolerated”-the application still processing status.

Holding one of the refugee statuses, you surely can apply to get admission in a certain German university. The admission criteria applying to you is similar to that of any international student who seeks to pursue higher education in any German university.

German higher education institutions and study levels

In Germany there are three categories of higher education institutions: Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences followed by Colleges of Art, Film and Music. Mainly universities and universities of applied sciences are publicly funded, offering free tuition studies, while colleges tend to be expensive since most of them are privately owned.

There are three study levels of higher education that you can get in:

• Undergraduate studies (Bachelor) – dedicated to first time students,
• Graduate studies (Master studies) – dedicated to bachelor studies graduates,
• Postgraduate studies (Doctoral studies) – dedicated to students who have received their master degree.

Associated with this, the followings are the study degrees you can get:

• Bachelor Degree (BA, BSc, BSEng)

6-8 semester program, 3 to 4 years, giving 180 up to 240 ECTS Credits

• Master Degree (MA, MSc, MEng)

2-4 semester program, 1 to 2 years, giving 60 up to 120 ECTS Credits

• Philosophiae Doctor (Doctor of Philosophy) Degree (Ph.D.)

4-10 semester program, together with the research work (dissertation) completed by a doctorate.

Higher education study programmes

There are 1784 international study programmes where you can pursue your dreamed university studies. Some universities might also offer free courses exclusively dedicated to refugees and asylum seekers, where a list of such universities can be reached here.

University admission criteria

The university admission conditions, as aforementioned, applied to you as a refugee, are the same as to any other international student. Click here to find what kind of documents you need to submit in order for you to apply at a German university.

Proof of language proficiency (German and/or English)

Most of German universities have their programmes offered in German languages, however, there are also a lot of international programmes offered in English language only or with a combination with a German and other languages. Click here to find out more information!

Proof a Health Insurance Coverage

As any other applicant, you must proof having the proper health insurance coverage for the period of your studies. There are two types of health insurances in Germany: public (statutory) and private.

There are several health insurance companies in Germany, public and private. For the public ones there are AOK Baden Württemberg, Barmer GEK, DAK – Gesundheit, KKH – Kaufmännische Krankenkasse, TK – Techniker Krankenkasse and additional information as regards of offers and prices of these providers might be found here.

Proof GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) scores

In some cases the university might require from you proving you have passed the GMAT test. This is especially required for business programmes, mostly when applying for master level studies.

Visit the official GMAT website for more information.

Proof GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores

This is one of the most required test from the graduate and business schools around the world and some German universities might require it too.

Visit the official GRE website for the additional information.

Proof of refugee status in Germany

You must prove you enjoy the status of the refugee in Germany. Learn more about asylum and refugees in Germany more on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

Passport copies

The university will also require from you submitting passport copies of the valid passport.

Passport photos

The university will require also providing passport photos, which will be needed for your university ID and your identification.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Another required document, not always is the Curriculum Vitae or CV. This is a document with at the last two pages, where you provide personal data, information about all the so-far attainments in formal and non-formal education and if any, work experience. The information you provide, must be in chronological order and typically in the European format “EUROPASS”.

Letter of motivation

Letter of motivation, also known as a Cover Letter in the United States, is typically a one page document, where you express your motivation to apply for the programme, mentioning all the education, skills and any work experience that relates to the programme you are applying. The motivation letter must be clear, original and must have specific objectives, stating how this programme could help you grow a better person in a job or a project.

Recommendation Letter

Some universities might also require from you to provide a letter of recommendation from your earlier professor about your past academic performance.

Essay

It is very common for universities requiring from you to submit an essay, where you provide few reasons why you think the programme you are applying will improve your future professional and personal goals in specific.

Note: The application deadline is another factor of a successful application. In case you lack meeting submission deadline, there is a guaranteed reality that your application will be dismissed being considered and reviewed. Therefore, make sure to recall that most universities in Germany have their open application period for the winter semester from the end of May to 15^th of July, while for summer semester from the beginning of December o 15^th of January. Also, try to not send the application at the last minute, since the university might require additional documents from you after the application submission.

Application process at the university

When deciding to apply for a university programme, keep in mind that there are a few ways to submit the application, depending on the programme that you are applying for.

As there are many more candidates than open places to study,  Germany has decided to apply restraints on university admissions, known as “Numerus Clausus” or NC.

There are two main different restrictions:

• Central NC or “Zentraler NC” – as for this category, restriction applies nationally, all over Germany,
• Local NC – restriction for this category applies only to particular universities.

Subject to restrictions applied for the study programme and to the applicant’s country of origin, there are three eligible channels to submit the application:

• Trust for Admission to Higher Education “Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung” – application fee is not applicable,
• Uni-Assist – application fee is 75 EUR,
• University directly – application fee can differ depending on the university.

Note: Be aware that the majority of universities uses the following deadlines to notify applicants on the admission or rejection. Notifications for the winter semester the acceptance letters are usually sent out in August to September and rejection letters are sent out in September to October, while, for the summer semester the acceptance letters are sent out in February to March and rejection letters are sent out in March to April. In case you don’t receive a notification during this period, then writing an email to require information on your application is a must.

Enrollment at the University

Once you get admitted as a student in a German higher education institution, the next process is getting enrolled or “matriculated” in studies. This process involves applying to get your courses registered, in order to be able to enroll in the academic lectures and exercises as well as to undergo the examination.

For more information please click: Enrolling at a German University!

Do not also forget, German universities are interested to make new refugee students comfy, offering special welcoming programmes such as:

• Guest auditing of courses,
• Trial courses,
• Transition courses,
• Orientation courses,
• Supplementary courses

Supporting Centers for Refugees

Despite their main mission, which is educating generations, German universities have advance their services offering counseling support for their local and international students in many other areas, such as in living aspects, accomodation, work, legal issues and so on. Therefore, universities have their International Offices “Akademisches Auslandsamt” where they can ask for support.

Moreover, to respond the need for support of the refugee students in Germany, the country has opened its free Refugee law clinics, where these students can address their legal issues, dealing with in a daily life inside and outside the university and get free legal advising.

Such clinics are found in the following  cities:

• Berlin,
• Cologne,
• Giessen,
• Leipzig,
• Regensburg,
• Saarbrücken and Munich.

Getting refugees funds

As you hold the refugee status in Germany according to the  section 8, paragraph 2, No. 1 of the Federal Law on Support in Education (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz, BAföG), you are eligible to apply for getting funded from the BAföG funds for refugees, where the allowable annual amount is 4,800 EUR.

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How to Get a Master’s Degree in Germany?

There are great opportunities for anyone wishing to pursue postgraduate studies in Germany ‘the land of ideas’. To international students it offers the chance to contribute to the country’s historic academic records. The benefits of the most generous tuition fees make it ideal, as they are lower than in a lot of countries worldwide!

Germany’s higher education system is split between:

• public universities, which are administered by the state, and
• private universities, which are set up by independent companies, organizations, or charities.

The MAIN difference relies in their FUNDING METHODS.

Private universities usually charge more than public universities. Although, if the subject you are going for is not to be found in public universities, then private universities are especially useful for such courses.

Still, a very small percentage of the population and international students attend private universities, as the public ones cover a very wide variety of courses!

Public Universities in Germany

Every public university sets up their own:

• degree programs,
• assessments,
• examinations, and
• entry requirements.

The state controls:

• funding,
• fee policy and quality control, as well as
• accreditation of courses – so that they meet high academic standards.

Private Universities in Germany

Private universities are free to set their own fees – higher than the public universities – but, the degrees granted are fully recognized and they do meet appropriate quality standards.

Types of Universities that offer Master’s Degrees in Germany

There are four types of higher education in Germany

1. Research Universities – are higher education institutions providing facilities and academic expertise to award students with degrees like Master’s and PhD. Most of Research Universities are publicly administered.
2. Technical Universities – are a sub-group of research universities, as their focus is on science, technology, and engineering disciplines.
3. Universities of Applied Sciences – are focused on engineering, business and social sciences. In many cases, they are partnered with professional or commercial organizations. More often than not, these universities do not award PhDs. Except when they are partnered with an organization for the sole purpose of delivering specialized PhD programs. A great number of Universities of Applied Sciences are private institutions.
4. Colleges of Art, Film and Music – are specialized in offering instructions in the creative disciplines. They can be part of both, Research Universities or Universities of Applied Sciences. Some of these Universities operate independently. The candidates are required to possess creative skills and experience.

How do I choose the perfect university for my Master’s studies?

It may seem tough to choose the perfect university for your Master’s Degree, especially when offered as many opportunities as in Germany, but it all depends on the subject you are truly passionate about.

The most important differentiation is whether your focus is academic – in which case you should probably attend a Research or Technical University.

Meanwhile, if you are interested in picking up new vocational expertise or new professional skills, you should most probably choose one of the Universities of Applied Sciences.

Obviously, students that are more creative will benefit greatly from the German artistic heritage when applying for a postgraduate course at the Colleges of Art, Film and Music.

Master’s Program types and course structure

Germany follows the Bologna Process of study, which means standard three-cycle degree format:

• undergraduate studies (Bachelor’s Degree),
• postgraduate studies (Master’s Degree)
• and the preceding advanced postgraduate research (PhD level).

How long does a Master’s Degree last in Germany?

Depending on the semesters your discipline will have – the courses for the Master’s Degree may vary from:

• one,
• one and a half,
• up to two years long.

Whereas, one academic year is made up of two semesters! Your Master’s Degree will also include your final project; otherwise known as the dissertation that you will have to work on together with a mentor.

A fully independent postgraduate research in Germany is only done in the PhD level.

How many ECTS credits is a Master’s Degree worth?

Usually it is worth 120 ECTS credits, which you will earn during your two years (60 credits per year).

30 credits belong to your dissertation or research project that you will have to complete during your final semester!

Content of German Master’s program

Master’s degrees are taught in courses that are further divided into separate modules or units of study. Depending on the course, you may learn through small-group seminars, lectures, practical workshops, fieldwork or directed independent study.

• Research Universities involve many core lectures, seminars, practical work and independent reading and study.
• University of Applied Sciences include more hands-on training and workshops organized by external industry figures and various experts.
• College of Art, Film and Music focused on developing and assessing your skills and proficiencies.

How does the process of dissertation go in Germany?

During the final year of your Master’s studies you should WORK ON completing a project or a research task, an extended written dissertation or thesis. You will have the support and advice of an expert supervisor, yet you should always be the one to develop and demonstrate your own ideas and your academic expertise.

The EXAMINATION procedure of a Master’s dissertation is completed upon the evaluation of your presentation and the oral ‘defense’ as part of the assessment process. A short talk about your research topic and the answering of questions about your findings and conclusions are also included in the examination.

DO NOT FEEL OVERTHROWN, as this can actually be a very fulfilling experience for you!

Applying for a Master’s Degree in Germany

Germany has no centralized portal where you can apply for your postgraduate studies. So, you need to find a course and a university you are interested in and then apply.

There is also a service known as Uni-Assist, which helps in managing international applications.

You can apply at multiple universities as long as you meet the requirements. You should then wait for a response from your desired university.

What are consecutive and non-consecutive Master’s Degrees?

• Consecutive Master’s Degree refers to students wishing to follow a Master’s Degree directly from the same or a closely related field completed in a Bachelor’s Degree.
  In these courses, only candidates with a relevant Bachelor’s Degree will be accepted.
  Also, most applicants continue directly to a Master’s Degree without a significant gap after their Bachelor’s studies.
• Non-consecutive Master’s Degree refers to students that focus on a different though related area completed in their Bachelor’s Degree. Following non-consecutive courses may also require practical experience, except for the Bachelor’s Degree. Non-consecutive studies do not necessarily relate to an undergraduate topic. These kinds of studies are perfect for students who wish to continue with trainings and working in-between their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Continuation of education is also part of the non-consecutive category!
• A Professional Master’s Degree focuses on vocational subjects, like teaching, nursing, lawyers, etc. The courses focus on regulated professions.

The requirements and fees for non-consecutive, consecutive, and professional Master’s Degrees vary! Consecutive programs may be free for students that continue immediately after undergraduate studies!

What is Numerus Clausus?

It is a restriction for the number of available places on particular courses (it means a restricted number of student admission).

Usually, programs associated with regulated professions are subject to Numerous Clausus in Germany, like medical professions: Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, etc.

The numerous clausus helps in maintain high quality and helps in having highly specialized professionals not exceed the future possible vacancies.

There are two types of Numerous Clausus in German universities:

1. Some are centrally restricted by the government, known as Central Numerous Clausus
2. While other subjects are locally restricted by the universities, known as Local Numerous Clausus

Your university will let you know whether you chosen Master’s program is subject to any type of Numerous Clausus and its effects on your process of application.

Admission to centrally restricted subjects will be more strict and competitive, while locally restricted subjects will have a little more flexibility with the number of students admitted.

Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Germany

The most important document to provide for admission in Master’s Degree in Germany is a suitable Bachelor’s Degree. It does not have to be a German Bachelor’s Degree, but it still needs to be recognized by German universities.

For more information please read: Admission Requirements for a Master Degree.

Application Deadlines for a Master’s in Germany

Application deadlines vary between universities, but these two general times apply broadly:

• For September semester: Apply before 15 January
• For studies beginning in the winter semester: submit your application before 15^th of July

Make sure to check out beforehand the deadlines for your desired university, in case there are any differences with deadlines!

Language Requirements to study in Germany

Language is a requirement if you want to attend German-taught courses. The good thing is that German Universities offer many courses taught in English, in which case German language is not a requirement.

As far as German language, you will need to learn it beforehand if your courses are going to be in German.

• Programs in English will not require German language tests or certificates. But, if you are a non-native English speaker, then you will be required to take English language tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE. If you have completed your undergraduate studies in English, then you will not need to take any English language tests.
• Programs in German will require your German language test certificate as part of your application. Such tests are TestDaf (Test für Deutsch als Fremdsprache) and DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer Studienbewerber). A lower than proficient score will be accepted:
  • If you continue learning the language in courses as soon as you get in Germany
  • If you continue the German language course during the early stages of your Master’s Degree

To find more opportunities to study in English while in Germany, DAAD offers an international program search tool, which allows you to find the perfect program.

Applying before having completed undergraduate degree

It is common for students to apply for a Master’s Degree before completing their undergraduate studies. Usually this happens in their final year of Bachelor’s Degree. Universities are aware of this and usually accept projected degree results, an attached transcript of your current progress and may also require a statement from your tutor/professor/course tutor.

Do international students need health insurance to study in Germany?

Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Germany, including postgraduate students. So, make sure you get the proper health insurance coverage while studying in Germany.

There are two types of health insurances:

• Public or otherwise known as STATUTORY health insurance, and
• Private health insurance

Public health insurance companies in Germany:

• AOK Baden Württemberg
• Barmer GEK
• DAK – Gesundheit
• KKH – Kaufmännische Krankenkasse
• TK – Techniker Krankenkasse

For more information please read: Medical Insurance for International Students in Germany!

Study Visa Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Germany

Make sure you collect on time all the documents you typically need in order to apply for a German Student Visa.

For detailed information about Germany Visa requirements, go to www.germany-visa.org/student-visa/

Master’s Degree Fees in Germany

Master Degree fees in German universities depend whether your studies are consecutive or non-consecutive.

• Consecutive studies are usually considered free studies since you only have to pay semester fees, which cost around 100-200€, which include payment for enrollment, confirmation, administration and Semesterticket (a monthly public transportation ticket)
• Tuition fees are included for non-consecutive studies for a Master’s Degree, depending on program and university of choice.

Non-consecutive studies also include students who have completed their Bachelor’s studies outside Germany.

Private universities require obligatory tuition fees for both, consecutive and non-consecutive studies.

Prices for non-consecutive studies may start from around 6000€ per semester and up, especially higher prices are required for private universities.

Enrollment at the University

Once you get admitted as a student in a German higher education institution, the next process is getting enrolled or “matriculated” in studies. This process involves applying to get your courses registered, in order to be able to enroll in the academic lectures and exercises as well as to undergo the examination.

For more information please click: Enrolling at a German University!

Post-graduation opportunities with a German Master’s Degree

As German University certificates and diplomas are recognized internationally, you will be able to find great opportunities worldwide, if you do not want to continue living in Germany.

But, for those who wish to continue in Germany, there will be great opportunities to find a desired and profitable job.

You have the chance to continue learning from the newest technology, knowledge, scientific research, business, and everything you can think of!

Many great opportunities will also be shown to you through your university during your study period!

The post How to Get a Master’s Degree in Germany? appeared first on Study in Germany for Free.

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Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Germany

The most important document to provide for admission in Master’s Degree in Germany is a suitable Bachelor’s Degree. It does not have to be a German Bachelor’s Degree, but it still needs to be recognized by German universities.

How to get your diploma recognized in Germany?

Universities may also investigate your qualifications into more detail to ensure their relevance. It may involve the checking of the content of your undergraduate course and confirming you have earned a sufficient number of credits in relevant areas.

You also need to provide a high-school graduate certificate, known as Abitur in Germany, in case you may be required to present it.

In case your certificate or diploma is not recognized, you should get it verified for comparison to a German diploma in order to gain access to higher education in Germany. Depending on the country you obtained your Bachelor’s diploma, you will find out if it is acceptable in Germany or not. The German International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) is responsible to determine if your diploma is recognized/qualified or not!

Further examinations are required for non-recognized certificates. You must take the PROPAEDEUTIC COURSE. This preparation gets you equipped with German universities’ requirements (like: language and study requirements and completing additional courses to get qualified) before the Master’s courses begin.

Courses are available for:

• Foreign students already admitted for study courses in Germany
• Foreign students that have not yet been admitted, but meet the requirements
• Foreign students not meeting requirements yet

Exceptions are valid for talented candidates who apply for admission in artistic fields/subjects. You can get admitted by only passing a few required tests or providing samples of your work, therefore check out on this regard beforehand!

The fee for the issuing of the assessment document is 200€.

Other admission requirements

Additional entry requirements may include:

• Certificate and transcript of your undergraduate studies.
• Details of your secondary education –some very competitive application processes may wish to know further details of an international’s education history.
• Interviewing – German universities may discuss your application and your experience in an arranged interview with you. The interview may be formal, especially in highly-competitive universities with limited places, or it can also be done over conferencing platforms, like Skype to make it easier on international students.
• Additional entry tests –this more often occurs in competitive universities, where you may be asked to complete an additional entry exam or take a standardized postgraduate admission test as part of your application. This can also be required in law, medicine, and other similar regulated professions in order to ensure the compatibility of your previous trainings. Also, business schools and MBA programs may require a particular score from recognized tests, like GMAT or GRE.

Any additional requirements should be made clear to you by your university before you apply!

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5 facts about the Muslim population in Europe

In many EU countries concerns about growing Muslim communities have led to calls for restrictions on immigration. The Pew Research Center has published 5 facts about ...

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Federal Foreign Office condemns missile test in North Korea

A Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson in Berlin today (19 July) issued the following statement on reports of a ballistic missile test by North Korea:

If this morning’s reports on three missile tests by North Korea are confirmed, North Korea will yet again deliberately have defied the relevant UN resolutions. We condemn these tests in the strongest possible terms. We urgently call on North Korea to comply with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Within the EU and in conjunction with all its other partners, Germany will lobby for the international community to continue to take a determined, united and unambiguous stand against any further provocations by North Korea.

Background information:

Since the start of the year, North Korea has already conducted several tests in violation of its obligations under international law. On 6 January, for instance, North Korea conducted a nuclear weapon test (the fourth, following earlier ones in 2007, 2009 and 2013), and it has repeatedly tested various kinds of ballistic missiles over the past few months.

Relevant UN Security Council resolutions (nos. 1695, 1718, 1874, 2087 and 2094) call for the cessation of the North Korean missile and nuclear programme and ban North Korea from using ballistic missile technology.

With resolution 2270 (2016), the Security Council imposed new sanctions on North Korea containing among other things substantial elements of an economic embargo (e.g. ban on trade in coal, kerosene, rare earth minerals) and financial and transportation restrictions. The United States, Japan and South Korea have imposed further‑reaching bilateral sanctions. The EU, too, has imposed autonomous sanctions which go further than the UN resolutions.

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Minister of State Böhmer on the inscription of new world heritage sites in Iraq

Maria Böhmer, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office and Special Representative of the Federal Foreign Office for UNESCO World Heritage, UNESCO Cultural Conventions and UNESCO Education and Science Programmes, issued the following statement today (18 July) on the inscription of the archaeological sites Eridu, Ur and Uruk and the marshlands in southern Iraq as a mixed cultural and natural heritage site on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 40th session of the World Heritage Committee in Istanbul:

"I am delighted with the inscription of the Sumerian settlements in Eridu, Ur and Uruk as well as the marshlands on the World Heritage List and congratulate Iraq on this international recognition.

The decision comes at a time when the fanatics of the so-called Islamic State are systematically plundering and destroying cultural heritage in parts of Iraq and Syria.

The inscription as a mixed natural and cultural property reminds us of the link between favourable natural conditions and human innovativeness, which makes possible the development and preservation of civilisations. As in many places around the world, exploitation and climate change in southern Iraq are, unfortunately, jeopardising a unique landscape which is of supraregional importance as an ecosystem for migratory birds. May the inscription on the World Heritage List act as an incentive for those in positions of authority to protect and cultivate this heritage for humanity.

The fight against the illegal trade in cultural property remains an urgent challenge in which Germany will work even more closely in future with UNESCO via the Archaeological Heritage Network coordinated by the German Archaeological Institute.

The millennia-old cultural landscape of southern Iraq is one of the cradles of world culture. Major technical innovations evolved in this region and key developments in the civilisations of the Middle East and Europe began here. German archaeologists have been involved for over a hundred years in researching and conserving the newly inscribed sites, especially in Uruk."

 

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David Nicholls awarded honorary degree

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What does it mean to be a migrant in your own country?

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Top 10 Universities in China 2016

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Top 10 Universities in India 2016

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Top 10 Universities in Brazil 2016

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Top 10 Universities in Russia 2016

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Top 10 Universities from QS University Rankings: BRICS 2016

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Top 10 Universities in South Africa 2016

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How many new immigrant entrepreneurs are there in Italy?

In Italy, immigrant-owned businesses are more than 550,000. In the three-year period 2011-2014, they increased by 71,000 units (+15.6%) and in 2015 they increased by ...

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Muslims are not the majority of immigrants in Italy

In Italy, Orthodox immigrants are more numerous than Muslims: more than 1.6 million, compared with just over 1.4 million. While, Catholics are about 1 million. ...

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Statement by Foreign Minister Steinmeier on the attack in Nice

Foreign Minister Steinmeier issued the following statement today (19 July) on the attack in Nice:

"Unfortunately, what we feared and had to presume has become a sad certainty: the terrible attack in Nice last week also claimed the lives of a teacher and two of her pupils from Berlin. Another pupil was injured. She is receiving medical treatment and is no longer in a critical condition

This news is a shock for us all. We grieve with the families, relatives and friends who have lost their loved ones in this brutal act of terrorism. At this difficult time our thoughts and our hearts go out to all those who are suffering from the consequences of the attack. We wish those who have been injured a speedy and full recovery.

This horrific attack shows that terrorism targets everyone indiscriminately. So our message is this: we refuse to be intimidated and continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our European and international partners in the fight against hate, violence and terrorism. I spoke to my French friend and colleague Jean‑Marc Ayrault in Brussels yesterday and assured him of our support."

 

from
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Foreign Minister Steinmeier in London for Syria talks

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier is travelling to London on Tuesday (19 July) to discuss the Syria conflict with his UK, French, Italian and US counterparts and Federica Mogherini, the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy.

The aim of the meeting is for these parties to agree on the next stage of their ongoing joint efforts in support of the political process in Syria.

from
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Infoservice/Presse/Meldungen/2016/160718_BM_London.html?nn=479796

Federal Foreign Office on the dissolution of the Bahraini opposition party Al Wefaq

Today (18 July), a Federal Foreign Office spokesperson issued the following statement on the most recent developments in Bahrain:

"We have noted with unease the dissolution of the Bahraini opposition party Al Wefaq with yesterday’s ruling by the High Civil Court in Bahrain. The charge brought by the public prosecution office against Shia cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim also gives us great cause for concern.

These measures targeting the opposition threaten to further polarise Bahraini society. They also raise serious questions with regard to freedom of opinion and association as well as the rule of law in Bahrain. We appeal to the Bahraini Government to involve the country’s opposition in a national dialogue."

Background information:

On 17 July, the High Civil Court in Bahrain dissolved the country’s largest opposition party, Al Wefaq. Al Wefaq’s assets have been frozen. Previously, on 15 June 2016, the Bahraini Administrative Court suspended Al Wefaq at the request of the Ministry of Justice. Al Wefaq has 45 days to appeal against the decision to the highest civil court. There is then the possibility of a revision by the Bahraini Court of Cassation. The public prosecution office has also brought charges against Bahrain’s leading Shia cleric, Sheikh Isa Qassim. He is accused of illegal fundraising and money‑laundering. The trial is due to begin in August.

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Foreign Minister Steinmeier: Attempted coup is a wake-up call for Turkish democracy

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier issued the following statement today (17 July) on the most recent developments in Turkey:

"The attempted coup in Turkey is a wake-up call for Turkish democracy. Despite all the horrors, it also made plain that Turkish society does not want to live once more under the yoke of a military dictatorship and wants to decide democratically on its future. It is however an especially bitter consequence that the adventurism of some of the military and their disregard for democratic processes cost so many people their lives.

I hope very much that the democratic unity of all key civilian and political forces in Turkey demonstrated at this time of suffering and distress can help overcome the major tension and deep chasms in Turkish society. It will be important here for all involved to remain aware of their major responsibility for Turkish democracy and constitutional order and for all rule‑of‑law principles also to be respected in the judicial follow-up which is now needed."

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Minister of State Böhmer on the inclusion of houses built by Le Corbusier in the Stuttgart Weissenhof Estate on the UNESCO World Heritage List

Maria Böhmer, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office and Special Representative of the Federal Foreign Office for UNESCO World Heritage, UNESCO Cultural Conventions and UNESCO Education and Science Programmes, issued the following statement today (17 July) on the inclusion of houses built by Le Corbusier in the Stuttgart Weissenhof Estate on the UNESCO World Heritage List:

"I am delighted that we can today celebrate Germany’s 41st World Heritage site. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee recognized two of the houses built by the Franco-Swiss architect and urban planner Le Corbusier in Stuttgart’s Weissenhof Estate as a UNESCO World Heritage site. They are part of the international site “The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement” which documents the development of the international style in Argentina, Belgium, France, Germany, India, Japan and Switzerland as masterpieces of 20th-century architecture.

This new World Heritage site epitomises UNESCO’s ability to bring peoples together. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is today more important than ever. Culture shapes identity and preserves our humanity. Cultural heritage is the foundation of peace and security. Education, science and culture make socio-political debates and therefore civilised interaction possible in the first place. Given the numerous crises and conflicts in the world, it is ever more urgent for the international community to protect and maintain the heritage of humanity and cultural diversity."

 

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Foreign Minister Steinmeier on the death of Péter Esterházy

Foreign Minister Steinmeier issued the following statement today (15 July) on the death of Péter Esterházy:

"With the death of Péter Esterházy, Hungary and Europe have lost a literary giant with close ties to Germany. In his highly personal, frequently self‑critical and invariably humorous works, Péter Esterházy repeatedly traced the trajectory and the ruptures of Hungarian and Central European history in his own marvellous style, thereby touching the hearts and minds of many readers in Germany, too.

He was one of the great contemporary European authors, and a recipient of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade. Until the very end, Péter Esterházy retained his almost unparalleled acuity and sense of irony, finding even the lightness of death, describing it as a very simple thing, in contrast to literature; it happens one day and that is that. We shall miss Péter Esterházy."

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Foreign policy in turbulent times – speech by Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Ernst Moritz Arndt University of Greifswald

Vice-Chancellor Weber,
Minister Pegel,
Sonja Steffen,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I am delighted to be here with you in Greifswald – in such a youthful city! I have been told that Greifswald has the highest youth population in Land Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. More than one in three people are under 30 years of age. And when I look at you here in this hall, then I imagine the other two-thirds are probably at the beach right now! However, my presence here makes the average age shoot up. Please bear with me. I will try to make up for my advanced years by keeping this speech short. The university holidays start on Saturday – so that gives us around 60 hours. That should be enough for a short talk on foreign policy. I think we should start with the Romans... By the way, I hope you’ve brought food with you!

Your city is young and dynamic, but, in my opinion, your University and the city of Greifswald stand for something else. The residents of Greifswald have always had a gift for looking further afield and for being open to new things. The authors Hans Fallada and Wolfgang Koeppen, both natives of Greifswald, are good examples of this. But perhaps the best example is the most famous native of Greifswald, Caspar David Friedrich, whose works make us look to the outside world, to the rough seas and the world beyond the horizon, to look from the “Chalk Cliffs on Rügen” across “The Sea of ice” to the unknown and uncertain world. I see Caspar David Friedrich’s paintings as an invitation to explore the unfamiliar. And, my dear students, this is exactly what your University also stands for. In Friedrich’s day, the University of Greifswald had only 60 students. Now it has over 10,000! And they come from all over the world, because the University of Greifswald has established an outstanding reputation for being modern, diverse and international, with particular expertise in the Baltic Sea region and the specific perspectives of northern and eastern Europe.

***

I firmly believe that we need precisely this sort of regional expertise more than ever, particularly in view of the crises in our neighbourhood. Even if it is not the largest programme, the fact that your University offers Ukrainian Studies makes it a very special place, Professor Weber. The Ukrainian language, literature and culture are taught here in Greifswald, making your institution unique in Germany. This is as it should be. It is important and it must continue. And so I was delighted, Minister Pegel, that we and Land Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania were able to safeguard the future of Ukrainian Studies, which enjoys a status that is unique in Germany, here in Greifswald last year. I am grateful to all those who were involved in this.

For over 20 years, specialists on Ukraine have been coming to Greifswald from all around the world to attend the Greifswald Ukrainian Summer School. I have heard that you have even had applicants from Korea! And you have set the bar quite high, Professor Brehmer. The title of this year’s summer school is nothing less than “Closing Pandora’s Box: Ukraine’s Path to Peace”. We all know that closing this particular Pandora’s box is not something that engineering can help us with. It requires more effective tools than cement, hammers or spanners. But I believe that the work you do here in the humanities, cultural studies and social sciences can certainly help to point up ways to achieve peace, ladies and gentlemen. I am happy that I was able to visit the institute of Slavic studies just now and to talk with you, Professor Brehmer, and the researchers at your institute about Ukraine and the conflict that is so disastrous both for the people in the country and the security of our entire continent.

Do the social sciences and concrete foreign policy have anything in common? That makes me think of the old joke. Two social scientists get together. One of them has developed a political theory and outlines it. The other one listens, has a think and then says: “Hm, that sounds like it might work in practice – but does it work in theory?”

***

Seriously, I am convinced that an openness for other perspectives, as well as the willingness to understand and foster understanding, are not just the cornerstones of academic research. They are also prerequisites for foreign policy. And in all modesty, I think that the fact that Germany currently has a good reputation worldwide as a mediator in many conflicts is partly due to this very willingness to understand and to foster understanding. Sometimes we are criticised for “understanding Russia” or “understanding Iran”. When that happens, I always ask myself what foreign policy is coming to if the desire to understand is perceived as an insult. Understanding doesn’t automatically mean agreeing with someone. But without trying to understand we have no chance of reconciling different positions!

And we need mutual understanding these days in particular, in these turbulent times we are experiencing. Please forgive me if I mention my advanced age once again, but even for someone of my generation, what we are currently experiencing is unprecedented. Syria, Libya, Iraq, Yemen, Ukraine – the crises and conflicts seem to be coming at us thicker and faster than ever before.

At the same time here at home, exceptionally powerful centrifugal forces are driving our European community apart. In the Brexit debate we have seen the revival of dreadful stereotypes and old forms of nationalism, which are putting our cohesion to the test. It is bitter for the United Kingdom, where people are now experiencing a rude awakening after irresponsible politicians first lured the country into voting to leave the EU and then, once the decision had been made, beat a hasty retreat so they would not have to take on responsibility and instead went off to play cricket. To be honest, I find this outrageous. It is bitter for the United Kingdom, but of course it is also bitter for the European Union to lose the tradition, sophistication and experience of the British.

However, we can not allow this bitterness to paralyse us. The priority must now be to keep the European Union together – to keep it together now in particular, when these centrifugal forces are at their strongest and when other member states, not least the government of the neighbouring country closest to you here in Greifswald, namely Poland, has very different ideas about the future of Europe and would like nothing more than to see integration scaled back.

This is why my French counterpart and I presented a paper that takes two issues into account. On the one hand, the EU must become capable of taking action once again in the areas where European action is most important, that is, in the fields of security, foreign policy, migration and economic and monetary union. On the other hand, it must also meet people’s different expectations. It must cater to those who want greater integration, while including those who don’t want to move at the same pace in all areas of the European project. We need to weave greater elements of flexibility into a renewed European Union. This is why Jean-Marc Ayrault and I speak of a “flexible” European Union.

***

These are turbulent times and the world is changing at an enormous pace. Let us look back to 25 years ago. It was a happy time, what with the end of the Cold War, the fall of the Berlin Wall and German unification. Many of you may well have been born during those happy years. At the time, it seemed that the world – East and West – would automatically grow ever closer together. Many regarded Russia as a future member of NATO. People wrote about “the end of history” and about a new age of peace.

And now? Nowadays, we are facing the unmistakeable emergence of cracks and regression. For the first time since the end of the Cold War, the annexation of Crimea and the destabilisation of eastern Ukraine means that a signatory state to the Helsinki Final Act openly called the sovereignty of another state into question. The conflict in Ukraine has brought the question of war and peace back to our continent. Relations with our large neighbour Russia dominated the NATO summit last weekend. And I know that this topic is not only a matter of concern to me, but also to many of you here in this room. And that is why I want to focus on it this evening.

***

The vision of a shared space from the Atlantic to the Pacific that we worked so long and hard for – and which, of course, remains the right goal! – is now opposed in Russia by nationalist voices, but also by a desire in Europe to seal the continent off. The apparent certainties and the hopes that we had at the end of the Cold War seem not to apply any more. But what is going to take their place? What is our response? How should we deal with Russia in these times of crisis?

I recall a NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting, not the meeting in Warsaw last weekend, but one that took place a little while ago – at the beginning of the Ukraine crisis. The Canadian Foreign Minister said, “We need to decide now whether Russia is friend or foe, partner or opponent.” I said to him: “You might be able to put it that way in Canada. But there is one thing Russia will always be to Europe: a large neighbour!”

There is no doubt in my mind that there is no such thing as a black and white relationship with Russia. Much more illuminating than black and white narratives is, to my mind, a glance at Willy Brandt and Egon Bahr’s legacy of Ostpolitik and détente. To those who dismiss this reference to the past in relation to Russia’s behaviour, I say this: the policy of détente of the 1960s and 1970s had its origins in the very coldest days of the Cold War – this is why we have no right to rule out at least attempting to move towards each other today. “America is indispensable; Russia is immovable”, was Egon Bahr’s maxim. And that means that there can be no lasting security for Europe without, not to mention in conflict with, Russia. We need both the firm anchor in the Western alliance and openness for channels of communication with Russia.

NATO’s reassurance measures, which we adopted in Warsaw last weekend, and our willingness to engage in dialogue are two sides of the same coin. One is impossible without the other. One makes no sense without the other. This is borne out by many decades of experience, including during the Cold War period. In Warsaw, we showed that we are taking our eastern Alliance partners’ concerns seriously. We are strengthening our readiness to defend ourselves. But our measures threaten no one. We don’t want a Cold War! This is why we have managed to convince the Alliance to declare its unequivocal commitment to the letter and spirit of the NATO-Russia Founding Act. We managed to ensure that the missile defence shield is not directed against Russia – neither now nor in the future. And, most importantly, dialogue and the willingness to talk to each other have been enshrined as strong pillars of our strategy. We are now working to implement this not long after our meeting in Poland. The NATO-Russia Council is already meeting today, just four days after the Warsaw Summit! I firmly believe that we can enhance security once again as after the fall of the Berlin Wall if we take both pillars of our strategy – reassurance and dialogue – seriously. However, we can only do this, of course, if Russia is prepared to respond to this in a constructive manner.

***

However, dialogue does not mean that we gloss over differences. On the contrary, it means that we call a spade a spade and try – wherever possible – to bring about solutions. Perhaps the term “double dialogue” is helpful in explaining what I mean. On the one hand, we need dialogue with Russia on what we have in common and potential fields of cooperation. But we also need a frank dialogue about our differences.

I want us to seize Russia’s readiness to resolve conflicts jointly whenever it exists. We all know that Europe’s security has long since ceased to be threatened by conflicts in Europe alone. Iraq, Libya, Syria – the list is long. And we have come to realise that there is no such thing as a genuinely distant conflict any more. These wars have long since made themselves felt here with the many thousands of people who have sought refuge in Germany – in our communities and businesses and in our schools. And, since the beginning of the winter semester, refugees may also attend lectures free of charge here in Greifswald!

And we have come to realise another thing, namely that there is no single actor or world power that can solve such crises for us. We need new constellations, alliances of regional actors and global players who can assume responsibility together without themselves having the same interests at heart as a result. And if we take a closer look at the structure and parties to the conflict, then it is clear that progress is impossible without Russia. But sometimes we can make progress with Russia!

An example of this is the Iran agreement. Having followed those negotiations for ten years and seen them teeter on the brink of failure more than once, I know how valuable cooperation with Russia was in helping to end that conflict.

It was this experience that ultimately brought us to Vienna last November to finally – after five years and the deaths of 300,000 people – sound out ways to end the bloody war in Syria. While we were fully aware that the US and Russia were not able to end the conflict alone, we tried to encourage them to move towards a cooperative stance in Syria.

At the end of the day, as long as the US and Russia are at loggerheads in Syria, all efforts are doomed to fail. Only after we achieved that did we – you may have followed our shuttle diplomacy between Tehran and Riyadh in the media – also bring important regional powers, Saudi Arabia and Iran, which are, to all intents and purposes, engaged in a proxy war on Syrian soil, to the table, as well as the other relevant actors in the region: Turkey, Qatar and others. None of this will guarantee success, or even progress, in the negotiations. But without this constellation, the Munich commitments on a ceasefire and humanitarian access, which have, after all, helped to get aid to 800,000 people in besieged areas since February of this year, would not have materialised.

***

However, the idea of double dialogue with Russia does mean talking to Russia just as frankly and sincerely about our differences, as well as areas of cooperation. It is true that mutual understanding with regard to the nature and extent of our differences does not make these differences go away. But it can make them less dangerous and less open to misinterpretations that could have unintended consequences – at the military, diplomatic and political levels.

Often the problem is that we don’t read one another very well. Either we don’t read one another at all and merely swap stereotypes instead, or we assume that the messages we want to send are being understood loud and clear by the other side. Only the problem is that there is mostly more than one message in the realm of foreign policy, which often makes it difficult to tell which is the “right” one when faced by a host of simultaneous messages.

And there’s another thing that such a dialogue on difference is good for. It makes it clear to the Russians that our willingness to cooperate in certain areas doesn’t mean that we will turn a blind eye to other things we find unacceptable, such as efforts to influence Russian-speaking minorities or the funding of nationalist parties in other countries. We need to talk about those “other things”, the things that stand between us.

***

I firmly believe that we must draw on all of the forums that are available to us for this difficult yet important double dialogue. We are doing this at bilateral and multilateral level, at the NATO-Russia Council and in our talks on Syria. What is more, we are, above all, also doing this at the OSCE. We decided to assume the Chairmanship of this institution especially against the backdrop of this difficult environment. At the end of the day, it is the OSCE that embodies the spirit of Helsinki to this day. Moreover, it is – alongside the Council of the Baltic Sea States – the only European institution in which EU countries, the EU’s eastern neighbours and Russia are still represented together! And with the modest resources at our disposal, we are, via the OSCE, managing the monitoring mission in eastern Ukraine, drafting proposals for preparations for local elections in the region and working on a draft of an amnesty law, as well as on measures to improve the security situation in the Donbas region.

***

This is an example of the difficult yet essential dialogue that I’m talking about!

This is what we are trying to achieve. This is our political responsibility. However, In times of unmistakable and deep division at the political level, ties between people become all the more vital. We need to counteract the threat of estrangement between our societies. And this is why we need you, ladies and gentlemen. We need civil society and the many foundations and associations that are committed to the German-Russian relationship. And we need academia and institutions such as your university, which do such excellent work to promote links with Russia and Eastern Europe, and which help to foster understanding in the process.

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is true that rifts are a very real fact of life in Europe. But, to take a leaf from Willy Brandt’s book, Russia is and remains our biggest neighbour, above and beyond these rifts. That won’t change. We cannot alter this geographical reality. But what we can do is to work together to prevent the rifts between us neighbours from becoming deeper and more dangerous. Thank you very much.

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