About Us

For a European Civil Society

We promote the German-Russian dialogue that plays a key part in the development of a European civil society and societies beyond the European Union. Europe is more than the European Union. We promote permeable borders surrounding the European Union. We oppose any ‘fortress mentality’ on either side.

A dialogue of people and societies

Meeting, dialogue and equal cooperation between the people of Germany, Russia and other countries within Europe are means that we build upon. Our foundation is the people and their willingness to engage. Although official relationships are important, the real and sustainable changes start as a democratic process with and within people themselves.

Learning with and from each other

Intensive contacts, joint work and a pluralistic exchange of opinions enable mutual learning, German-Russian understanding and lasting relationships based on principles of reciprocity. We as well as our partners undergo changes. Critique and self-criticism go hand in hand. This learning process is one of our goals and never complete.

For a transparent, historically-aware picture of each other

We work to create a true image free from clichés and media hysteria. Many inaccurate preconceptions, in Russia as well as in Germany and other European countries still prevalent today are rooted in history. They hinder cooperation in other areas. Historical awareness and reappraisal (in particular of the German war of extermination and the dictatorships of both countries in the 20th century) are therefore just as important as a differentiated knowledge of the societal situation today. The memory dialogue serves the Europeanization of commemoration.

For public participation as the rule, not the exception

The peaceful intervention into domestic affairs of both, the own and the other country is typical for intergovernmental relations in the civil society field.  We are therefore active in all matters related to civil, political, social as well as cultural freedoms and rights, defending them at home and abroad.  Independent media, a pluralistic society and democratic institutions are our universal orientation points.

Information, education, networking as instruments for change

Dialogue, learning, social transformation: we work towards the implementation of these goals encompassing the areas of social and environmental protection; the media; democracy and human rights; European integration and memory; conflict resolution and antidiscrimination; inter-generational dialogue and support for disadvantaged groups. Our instruments for change are: civil society cooperation and non-governmental diplomacy; nation and sector-wide networking; education and exchange projects; advice from foundations, political figures and other relevant bodies as well as the participation in public debates.

Members and sponsors as our foundation

The idealistic participation and financial support of our sponsors and members is the basis of our organization. Our work is exclusively funded through donations and project-grants that guarantee our independence.

How can we strengthen the relationships between Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and other Eastern European Countries? How can we improve their dialogue and cooperation? Share you own vision with us and become a member of the German-Russian Exchange! We are pleased to welcome new members interested in supporting and shaping our work.

We are a membership-based organization. As a member you are able to:

• Be directly involved in relevant decisions discussed during our biannual meeting
• Contribute to our working groups
• Receive direct contact to our partners and experts in Russia, Germany and other countries
• Organize your own activities with our support covering our topics around Eastern Europe or others in consultation with our board or manager
• Get to know new colleagues and friends while profiting from our and our partners network.

Additionally our members receive:

• A regular update of our internal information and activities as well as general topics
• Direct invitation to events hosted by us or our partners

BECOME A MEMBER

If you want to lend us particular support you can also become a sponsoring member. You are free to choose your own annual contribution amount.

The annual membership fee is €60 or €30 for students, trainees, apprentices, unemployed or other low-income earners.

We kindly ask you to provide us with a direct credit authorization to reduce our administrative expenses. You can revoke the authorization at any time.

Depending on the time of admission, the fee is collected pro rata.

100% in the first quarter
75% in the second quarter
50% in the third quarter
25% in the fourth quarter


If possible, use your new SEPA account details. Otherwise, use your regular account details (account number and bank code).

Please consult us if you want to transfer the fee on your own or split it individually.

We are looking forward to meeting you and further develop our work with your support!