German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)

Director of the Research Institute: Prof. Dr. Eberhard Sandschneider (Otto-Wolff-Director)

EPIN Liaison officers:

Almut Möller
Head of Programme
Alfred von Oppenheim-Centre for European Studies
Tel: . +49.30.25.42.31.75
E-mail: moeller(at)dgap.org

The Alfred von Oppenheim-Center for European Studies (AOZ) was established in September 2006, following a donation from the Alfred Freiherr von Oppenheim-Foundation to the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP). The AOZ concentrates on developing new ideas to advance the process of European unification and focuses on its long-term aspects and its sustainability. In doing so, the AOZ aims at strengthening the German debate on Europe and devising practical ideas for the political dimension of the European project.

In 2007, the AOZ's key issues were the German EU Presidency, the EU's role as an actor in a globalised world as well as questions relating to Europe's long-term competitiveness given the demographic, economic, and cultural challenges. In 2008 the Oppenheim-Center will continue to shed light on Germany's role as a core country promoting further European political and economic integration and explore the role of the United Kingdom in Europe and the benefits of improved ties between the UK and Germany.

The AOZ perceives itself as a source of fresh ideas for the German debate on Europe. Working at the crossroads of academia, economics and policy, the Center intends to render the debate more realistic by underlining the political implications of Europe. The AOZ thereby contributes to a better understanding of Europe among decision-makers as well as the general public. The historical dimension, current challenges, and possible future scenarios for European integration are to be analysed, explained, and put up for discussion.