The Weimar Fellowship: SHAPING A DEMOCRATIC EUROPE TOGETHER

As a think tank, Institut Montaigne is committed to serving the public interest. At a time of growing threats to our security and sovereignty, bringing Europeans closer together is more important than ever. In line with our founding mission of connecting public officials and private sector leaders, the Weimar Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to foster dialogue across nations and professions, develop shared perspectives and strengthen Europe’s capacity to act together. In doing so, we aim to support the next generation of European leaders in navigating the challenges ahead.

35 years ago, Poland, France and Germany, by establishing the Weimar Triangle, sent a clear signal that Europe is stronger when its nations are able to communicate and act together in a spirit of responsibility and solidarity. Recent surveys indicate that more than half of the citizens of all three countries recognise the importance of this framework for European integration, whilst also expecting more projects that facilitate direct contact and cooperation between citizens. The Weimar Fellowship addresses this need by creating a space to meet, engage in dialogue and undertake joint initiatives for people who wish to work for democracy and civil society.

The Weimar Triangle was founded in a moment of hope. It is needed now in a moment of pressure. Poland, France and Germany do not agree on everything, and they should not — but they must stay able to act together. That capacity is not inherited, it is learned. The Weimar Fellowship is where it gets learned: three modules, three capitals, thirty people who will still be picking up the phone for each other in twenty years.