We are happy to announce that from 12.05. – 15.05.2022 JEF Germany will host the 22nd edition of the famous International Berlin Seminar (IBS)! The IBS gives you the chance to meet young Europeans for four interesting days of discussion, workshops, panels, seminars and social events.

This year´s IBS will focus on the European Year of Youth 2022 with Tirana as the European Youth Capital of 2022.

For four days, you and more than 40 inspiring young people aged 18-26 from all over Europe and especially the Western Balkans will get the chance to discuss, explore Berlin and find answers to questions regarding the EU enlargement policy and beyond.

Together we want to develop our own vision of Europe and broaden the perspectives of young people. More importantly – we want to shape the Europe of tomorrow: federal, inclusive and democratic.

The current EU enlargement policy exemplifies the inability of the European Union to fulfill its ideal of an open society. The hope of the Western Balkan states to join the EU is still out of reach.

Within the EU democratic values are jeopardized and the rule of law – one of the EU‘s founding principles – is called into question. In order to create a common European future, a broad dialog both with the candidate countries and within the EU is needed. The European Year of Youth offers the opportunity to engage in this dialogue and articulate the demands of young people within and outside the EU.

During the IBS we will focus on the European Year of Youth 2022 with Tirana as the European Youth Capital of 2022. We will hear from experts on European politics and engage in workshops to discuss our ideas for the future Year of Youth. Berlin as Germany’s political center is the ideal venue for these debates. However, Berlin is also a symbol for a liberal way of life. Next to its vibrant atmosphere, Berlin is still the place to go for individuals, who are considered different elsewhere. The city has profited from this by becoming a great destination in terms of arts, music and culture, attracting tourists from all over the globe. The IBS is your opportunity to discover this wonderful city!

Are you ready for an amazing experience at this year´s IBS? Experts on politics, new methods, intercultural exchange and lots of food for thought are waiting for you!

The participation fee of 80,00 € includes accommodation, full catering during the seminar and the different workshops and trainings.

The participation fee, according to §4 Nr. 22a VAT Act, and the included share in meals and accomodation, according to §4 Nr. 23 VAT Act, are exempt from turnover tax.

Travel costs will be reimbursed based on actual costs (tickets required as proof) up to a maximum of 100€ (up to 800km distance), respectively 150€ (more than 801km) distance. Please note our General terms and conditions.

The application deadline was 20 February, 23:59 CET

Contact for more information: berlinseminar@jef.de  

Background information on this series of seminars: jef.de/projekte/internationales-berlin-seminar (German)

Participants have been informed via e-mail. Please check your inbox! If you haven’t received any information at all, please reach out to us!

NOTE: To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants, the Seminar will take place in strict adherence with health and safety regulations. Participants will be provided with guidelines on public health measures to be followed at all times. Depending on the regulations, you might be required to test for Covid-19 prior and during the seminar.  If the pandemic situation won’t allow a seminar on-site, the seminar will not take place at all. Should this be the case, participants will be informed well in advance.

We will try to keep you updated on travel restrictions as best as we can, but the responsibilty to comply with all travel restrictions and further measures due to covid is yours, at all times. The purpose of this site is nothing more than loose orientation on this topic.

general travel restrictions:

On entry in Germany you must provide a negative test result or proof of vaccination or proof of recovery. Please check whether your vaccination is accepted as such in Germany on this page: https://www.pei.de/EN/newsroom/dossier/coronavirus/coronavirus-content.html;jsessionid=DA2A9953BC3F14AD8E7D14D02998CB3A.intranet221?cms_pos=3

In the download section further down the page you’ll find a brief document by the Federal Ministry of Health outlining the current restrictions in English. Please note that these regulations might change in the future.

risk areas

Germany currently declares risk areas in two different categories:

1. high risk area
2. area of variant of concern

Entry from risk areas is regulated much stricter, and may even be unfeasable. However as of March 1, 2022 areas won’t be designated high risk if omicron is the spreading variant. Therefore, currently, no country or area is considered a high risk area or a area of variant of concern. Keep in mind, that this may change at short notice. It is your responsibility to comply with all the travel restrictions Germany imposes.

Designated risk areas are available on this page: https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Risikogebiete_neu.html

An easy way to check for the restrictions you must follow is to fill out the digital entry registration: https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de/#/

Further information will be provided in the future.

Although we do not know yet, which restrictions will be in place during the seminar, we want you to be prepared:

3G, 2G, 2G+?

In Germany the restrictions concerning entry to venues are labelled in the following way:

• 3G: Entry will only be permitted with a negative test result or proof of vaccination or proof of recovery
• 2G: Entry will only be permitted with proof of vaccination or proof of recovery
• 2G+: Entry will either be permitted with
  • 1: proof of vaccination or proof of recovery plus a negative test result or
  • 2: proof of vaccination or proof of recovery plus a booster vaccination (3rd shot)

If possible, we highly encourage you to get vaccinated and boostered in time for the seminar.

In all the other cases, we will be able to provide tests if needed.

FFP2 Masks and social distancing will be mandatory in most venues and in public transport. Please bring enough FFP2 masks for the whole seminar.

• Drinks (like our famous German beer) are not included in the evening programs, so please make sure to pay for your drinks before leaving the bar!
• Respect the schedule! We have invested a lot of effort in this seminar and it will only run smoothly if we stick to the schedule.
• Travel Reimbursement: TRavel costs will be reimbursed after the seminar. Please be aware that you need to keep your original tickets. You will have to send them back to us together with a reimbursement form which you will receive separately.
• Ask us. If you have any questions or concerns before, during or after the seminar, please let us know. We are here to help you!

We will stay at the “CVJM – Haus Schöneberg”. The adress is: Karl-Heinrich-Ulrichs-Str. 10, 10787 Berlin (yes, Google Maps knows the hostel).

At the hostel we will stay in dorm rooms with several beds.

During the seminar meals are included.

From Schönefeld Airport (SXF) or Berlin  Brandenburg Airport (BER): Take the train S45 in direction “Südkreuz” and get off at “Neukölln”, then take the metro line U7 in direction ”Rathaus Spandau” and get off at “Möckernbrücke”. Take here the metro line U3 in direction “Krumme Lanke” and get off at “Nollendorfplatz”. From here it is a 5 minute walk to the hostel.

From “Hauptbahnhof” (central railway station): Take either train S5 or S7 in direction “Westkreuz” or “Potsdam Hauptbahnhof” and get off at “Zoologischer Garten Bhf”, then take the metro line U2 in direction “Pankow” and get off at “Nollendorfplatz”. From here it is a 5 minute walk to the hostel.

Thursday, May 12, 2022

venue: CVJM – Haus Schöneberg, Karl-Heinrich-Ulrichs-Str. 10, 10787 Berlin

15:00 Arrival and Check-in at the hostel

17:00 Opening

18:00 Dinner

19:30 – 22:00 Get together

Friday, May 13, 2022

venue: CVJM – Haus Schöneberg, Karl-Heinrich-Ulrichs-Str. 10, 10787 Berlin

08:00 Breakfast

08:45 Transfer to the European House

venue: The Representation of the European Commission in Berlin, Unter den Linden 78, 10117 Berlin

09:30 Expert input

12:00 Transfer to our accomodation

venue: CVJM – Haus Schöneberg, Karl-Heinrich-Ulrichs-Str. 10, 10787 Berlin

13:00 Lunch

14:00 Excursion (tba)

venue: CVJM – Haus Schöneberg, Karl-Heinrich-Ulrichs-Str. 10, 10787 Berlin

18:30 Dinner

19:30 Pub quiz

Saturday, May 14, 2022

venue: CVJM – Haus Schöneberg, Karl-Heinrich-Ulrichs-Str. 10, 10787 Berlin

08:00 Breakfast

09:00 Workshops

10:30 Coffee Break

11:00 Workshops

12:30 Lunch

14:00 Workshops

15:00 Social activities (tba)

venue: CVJM – Haus Schöneberg, Karl-Heinrich-Ulrichs-Str. 10, 10787 Berlin

18:30 Dinner

19:30 Optional social activities (tba)

Sunday, May 15, 2022

venue: CVJM – Haus Schöneberg, Karl-Heinrich-Ulrichs-Str. 10, 10787 Berlin

08:00 Breakfast and check-out

09:30 Presentation and discussion of the workshop results

11:00 Coffee break

11:30 Feedback session

12:30 Lunch

Das Internationale Berlin Seminar wird dankenswerterweise gefördert aus Mitteln des Kinder- und Jugendplans des Bundes durch das Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend.

The International Berlin Seminar is subsidized by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth with funds from the Federal Child and Youth Plan.

Das Internationale Berlin Seminar wird dankenswerterweise gefördert aus Mitteln des Programms Small Change for Europe durch die Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S.

The International Berlin Seminar is subsidized by the Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S. with funds from the Small Change for Europe program.

Unterstützt durch die Europa-Union Deutschland.

Supported by the German section of the Union of European Federalists.

We are happy to announce that from 19.08. – 22.08.2021 JEF Germany will host the 21st edition of the famous International Berlin Seminar (IBS)! The IBS gives you the chance to meet young Europeans for four interesting days of discussion, panels, workshops, seminars and social events. This year’s IBS will focus on democracy and rule of law.

For four days, you and more than 30 inspiring young people aged 18-26 from all over Europe will get the chance to explore Berlin, discuss and try to find answers to questions regarding the state of democracy and rule of law in Europe and beyond. Together we want to develop our own vision of Europe and – more importantly – a way to shape the Europe of tomorrow: federal, inclusive and democratic

<< All applicants have been notified by us via e-mail. Please check your mailbox! >>

The Covid-19 pandemic has been used to suspend human rights so that authoritarian tendencies have become more visible in some countries. The principle of the rule of law has been part of the legal basis of the EU for almost forty years, but it cannot be taken for granted. A central aspect is the separation of law from political power. More specifically, this ensures that the law always takes precedence in order to establish, among other things, an impartial and independent judiciary and to prevent arbitrariness by the executive. Nevertheless, not all European governments respect this central principle equally. Democracy is under pressure.

During the IBS we will focus on basic terms and concepts of democracy and rule of law, and particularly discuss the following aspects:

• Post-factual era – are mis- and disinformation a threat to democracy?
• We are the people! – populism as a style of governance
• All humans are equal? About human rights and non-discrimination

Besides all, Berlin is not only a nexus of major economic and political institutions and civil society, but also a symbol for a liberal way of life. Next to its vibrant atmosphere, Berlin is still the place to go for individuals, who are considered deviant and different elsewhere. The city has profited from this by becoming a great destination in terms of arts, music and culture, attracting tourists from all over the globe. The IBS is your opportunity to discover this wonderful city!

Are you ready for this year’s IBS? Experts on European politics, new methods, games and lots of food for thought are waiting for you!

The participation fee of 80,00 € includes accommodation, full catering during the seminar and the different workshops and trainings. Travel costs will be reimbursed based on actual costs (tickets required as proof) up to a maximum of 100€ (up to 800km distance), respectively 150€ (more than 801km) distance.

NOTE: Distance is measured „as-the-crow flies“ using the Erasmus+ distance calculator between Berlin and your place of residence!

Applications are closed.

Contact for more information: berlinseminar@jef.de

NOTE: To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants, the Seminar will take place in strict adherence with health and safety regulations. Social distancing measures will be guaranteed in all activities organized by the Seminar. Participants will be provided with detailed guidelines on public health measures to be followed at all times. Depending on the regulations, you might be required to test for Covid 19 prior and during the seminar.  If the pandemic situation won’t allow a Seminar on-site, we will go digital with an accordingly adjusted program. Should this be the case, participants will be informed well in advance. If that will be necessary, confirmed participants are eligible for reimbursement of the participation fee as well as cancellation costs for booked tickets.

Background information on this series of seminars: jef.de/projekte/internationales-berlin-seminar (German)

Unfortunately the current pandemic still forces us to establish some measures to ensure your safety. There will be a comprehensive hygiene concept that implements the legal requirements and takes additional precautions. We will make it available here in time for you to prepare.

IMPORTANT: A Test is required for entry to Germany, you need to register it on the digital entry form.

Most important for you are the travel restrictions. It is your responsibility to comply with all restrictions, however we try to assist you by explaining the restrictions of entry to Germany.

Germany declares risk areas in three different categories, each with different restrictions:

1. Areas of variants of concern.

These are areas where new variants of the corona-virus are spreading. If you are from one of these areas participation is strictly prohibited!

2. High incidence areas

These are all areas where the virus is spreading fast. If you enter from such a region you are obliged to quarantine for at least 10 days, unless you can show proof of recovery or a vaccination certificate.

3. Basic risk areas

These are other areas where the risk of infection still is relatively high. If you enter from such a region you are obliged to quarantine too, unless you can show a negative test result, proof of recovery or a vaccination certificate.

In each case you are required to register your entry digital on this platform: https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de/#/

Further information is provided by the links below and the leaflet you can find in the download section at the bottom of the page.

If you are entering Germany from an area that is not declared as one of the three categories above, you can enter as usual.

Also a general obligation to test no matter from where or how you are coming to germany was introduced.

• Drinks (like our famous German beer) are not included in the evening programs, so please make sure to pay for your drinks before leaving the bar!
• Respect the schedule! We have invested a lot of effort in this seminar and it will only run smoothly if we stick to the schedule.
• Travel Reimbursement: TRavel costs will be reimbursed after the seminar. Please be aware that you need to keep your original tickets. You will have to send them back to us together with a reimbursement form which you will receive separately.
• As us. If you have any questions or concerns before, during or after the seminar, please let us know. We are here to help you!

We will stay at the youth hostel “Alte Feuerwache”. The address is: Axel-Springer-Str. 40/41 10969 Berlin (yes, Google Maps knows the hostel).

At the hostel we will stay in dorm rooms with 4 beds, each room with a shower/toilet.
Please note: Bed linen is included, but towels are not, so bring your own!

During the seminar meals are included.

From Schönefeld Airport (SXF): Take the train S45 in direction “Südkreuz” and get off at “Tempelhof”, then take the metro line U6 in direction “Alt-Tegel” and get off at “Kochstraße Checkpoint Charlie”. From here it’s a 5 to 10 minute walk to the hostel.

From Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER): Take the train S45 in direction “Südkreuz” and get off at “Tempelhof”, then take the metro line U6 in direction “Alt-Tegel” and get off at “Kochstraße Checkpoint Charlie”. From here it’s a 5 to 10 minute walk to the hostel.

From “Hauptbahnhof” (central railway station): Take either train S3, S5 or S7 in direction “Ahrensfelde” and get off at “Friedrichstraße”, then take the metro line U6 in direction “Alt-Mariendorf” and get off at Kochstraße Checkpoint Charlie”. From here it’s a 5 to 10 minute walk to the hostel.

Thursday, August 19th 2021

15:00 – 17:00 Check-In (please contact us if you arrive later!)

17:00 Get to know each other

19:00 Dinner

20:00 Get to know each other

Friday, August 20th 2021

8:00 Breakfast

8:30 Joint walk to the representation of the European Commission in Germany

9:00 Expert input

12:30 Lunch

14:00 Scavenger hunt through Berlin

19:00 Dinner

Saturday, August 21st 2021

8:00 Breakfast

9:00 Workshops

12:30 Lunch

14:00 Workshops

19:00 Dinner

20:00 Evening Program

Sunday, August 22nd 2021

8:00 Breakfast

9:00 Presentation and discussion of the workshop results

11:30 Feedback

12:30 End of the IBS 2021

The exact programm and times may still be subject to change.

Das Internationale Berlin Seminar wird dankenswerterweise gefördert aus Mitteln des Kinder- und Jugendplans des Bundes durch das Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend.

Unterstützt durch die Toepfer Stiftung.

Unterstützt durch die Europa-Union Deutschland.