Bertelsmann Stiftung "Press release"

European Elections: Increased Voter Turnout Expected, von der Leyen Enjoys High Profile

Tue, 07 May 2024 00:00:00 +0200

A new "eupinions" survey conducted by the Bertelsmann Stiftung indicates that 60 percent of Europeans plan to participate in the upcoming European elections this June, marking an increase of about ten percentage points from the last election five years ago. The survey also reveals that 75 percent of Europeans recognize Ursula von der Leyen by name and face. This means that the current Commission President, who will be seeking a second term in office after the European elections, enjoys much greater recognizability than her predecessors. At the same time, 70 percent of respondents feel they lack sufficient information about her work to properly assess her performance. This finding points to a potential need for reforms to strengthen the connection between European citizens and the leadership of the Commission.

Ensuring social cohesion – Strengthening democracy

Fri, 03 May 2024 00:00:00 +0200

For around 60 percent of companies, sustainability is an important driver for changing their business models. It is also clear that the more fundamental the change in companies, the greater the importance of sustainability for them. Sustainability is not an end in itself: economic interests are at the forefront of the change processes.

Ensuring social cohesion – Strengthening democracy

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The Bertelsmann Stiftung is increasing its efforts to promote social cohesion. Although the latter is still intact, it is being severely challenged by today’s multiple crises. Those are the most recent findings from the Social Cohesion Radar, which the foundation presented at its annual press conference. The current results are a warning signal for German society. Against that background, the foundation’s topic for 2024 – "Strengthen democracy!" – gains even greater significance.

Kickoff with Germany's Chancellor: Bertelsmann Stiftung presents its 2024 topic "Strengthen democracy!"

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Democracies are under pressure around the world. Elections will be held in many regions –the US, Europe and Germany – in 2024, a year that will determine what comes next politically. As a result, the Bertelsmann Stiftung wants to increase its efforts to strengthen democracy. The foundation's activities in 2024 will therefore focus on making democracy more efficient, more resilient and more responsive to people's needs. The kickoff took place at a panel discussion with Germany’s Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.

How to halt democracy erosion

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The quality of democracy in developing and transformation countries has been in steady decline over the past 20 years. The latest findings of the Transformation Index of the Bertelsmann Stiftung, now in its tenth edition, show that out of 137 countries surveyed, only 63 remain democracies, while a majority are classified as autocracies. However, there is reason for hope. The examples of the transformation countries Brazil and Poland, where voters have rebuffed authoritarian trends, show the potential for reversing democratic erosion.

Vast majority views disinformation as a threat to democracy and social cohesion

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0100

People in Germany are concerned about misinformation that is deliberately disseminated online, fearing it is meant to influence both political opinions and elections. Policy makers, civil society and the media must respond to this challenge. People in the middle of the political spectrum in particular want clearer rules to be established. A comparison with the United States shows that polarization increases the perception of disinformation.

Two Years of War: European citizens want a common defense policy

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In the EU and US election year of 2024, the situation is escalating for Ukraine. While a majority in the EU and Germany still support aid for Ukraine, this backing is mainly among centrist party supporters. However, consensus across all party differences exists for a common European defense policy, with 87% of all EU citizens and 86% of all Germans supporting it.

Energy transition: A boost for Europe's rural regions

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0100

More jobs, greater prosperity and improved economic cohesion: the energy transition promises to boost rural EU regions in particular. These will benefit from the further expansion of renewable energy, while urban areas will need additional support - this is the conclusion of our new study.

NEUE STIMMEN 2024: Application phase for 20th international singing competition begins

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Young opera singers have from tomorrow until January 31, 2024 to apply to compete in the international singing competition organized by the Bertelsmann Stiftung's Liz Mohn Center. The final round of NEUE STIMMEN's 20th edition will take place in October 2024.

Die Sieger:innen des Internationalen Gesangswettbewerbs NEUE STIMMEN 2022, Francesca Pia Vitale und Carles Pachon. © Besim Mazhiqi

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Europeans want decisive action against disinformation on the Internet

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0200

More than half of all EU citizens doubt the truthfulness of the information they find online. Recognizing false content and actively responding to it is easier for the young and the educated. Almost nine out of ten Europeans feel tech companies and policymakers both have a responsibility to combat disinformation.