About us

The team of the Observatory analyses sociopolitical developments in Europe and their potential impact on Germany. Therefore, we monitor European politics, publish working papers, and organise European Expert Meetings. The aim of our work is to connect key sociopolitical actors across Europe, promote the exchange of expertise and foster mutual learning.

The demographic change, digitisation and its effects on people and their social relationships, and the social consequences of the coronavirus pandemic present major challenges for the member states of the European Union.

In Europe, sociopolitical issues like reducing child poverty, equality for LGBTI people or combating (digital) violence against women are discussed at the national level, within various member states, as well as at the supra-national level.

Individual member states develop a variety of policy concepts and initiatives to meet these challenges. As a consequence, a number of interesting strategies have evolved. Learning about other countries’ approaches provides an asset to the German situation.

This is where the Observatory comes into the picture.

The Observatory is a project at the Institute for Social Work and Social Education and is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ).