European Forum 2025: Saxony-Anhalt, Europe and 35 Years of German Unity
Review: European Forum at the Palais 2025 – 35 Years of German Unity: Saxony-Anhalt and the EU
On 26 November 2025, the European Forum at the Palais 2025 took place at the Palais am Fürstenwall in Magdeburg under the title “35 Years of German Unity: Saxony-Anhalt and the EU.” The event brought together numerous guests from politics, academia, civil society, and the wider public. At the centre of the discussions were the political, economic, and social transformations that have shaped Saxony-Anhalt since reunification, as well as the question of what lessons these developments may hold for Europe’s future.
The evening opened with remarks by Rainer Robra, State Minister for Europe and the State Chancellery of Saxony-Anhalt, and Sven Schulze, Minister for Economic Affairs, Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry. Both speakers reflected not only on key political developments of the past decades but also shared personal experiences from the years following reunification. Their contributions offered an insightful retrospective on 35 years of the Federal Republic of Germany in unity and the many changes that have accompanied this period.
A 90-minute panel discussion followed, moderated by Prof. Dr. Eva Heidbreder (Jean Monnet Chair, OVGU) and Dr. Claudia Conen (Team EUROPE DIRECT, European Commission; Vice President of the Europa-Union Germany). In addition to Rainer Robra and Sven Schulze, the panel included:
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Cornelia Pieper, former Consul General in Gdańsk and former Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office
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Holger Lemme, Managing Director of the Future Centre for German Unity and European Transformation, Halle (Saale)
The discussion provided a wide range of new impulses and perspectives. Among other topics, the panel addressed differences between East and West European viewpoints, which continue to shape political debates and societal perceptions today. Another recurring theme was the role of the younger generation, which—according to several speakers—will play a decisive part in shaping Europe’s future and should be encouraged to contribute actively to European processes.
Participants were able to submit questions via QR code, fostering a dynamic exchange between the audience and the panel.
In the concluding open discussion, guests were invited to share their thoughts and reflections. It was particularly encouraging to see students actively participating, including one student who spontaneously took the microphone and added a fresh perspective to the debate.
The evening ended with a standing reception, offering space for further conversation in a relaxed atmosphere.
We would like to thank all contributors, organisers, and participants for their strong interest and engagement. In particular, we are delighted about the active involvement of our students, whose questions and contributions significantly shaped the event.
