On June 26 in Berlin, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V.) organized a public discussion session dedicated to finding solutions to the everyday problems of Russian Germans (Deutsche aus Russland), late resettlers (Spätaussiedler), and displaced persons (Vertriebene).  

The venue for this, in many respects, landmark and illustrative event in the Town Hall of the Mitte district (Bezirk Mitte, Karl-Marx-Allee 31, 10178 Berlin) was the plenary hall of the District Assembly (Bezirksverordnetenversammlung, BVV Mitte). It is interesting that it is widely known as the “Robert Havemann Hall” (Robert Havemann, 1910–1982) — named after the German scientist-chemist, founder of the anti-fascist resistance group during World War II, “European Union,” and a “polemical” dissident during the GDR period.

Multifaceted in its internal content and highly expressive is the central theme of this event, reflected in the concise title: “Identifying Needs - Developing Solutions” (Bedarfe erkennen - Lösungen entwickeln). Presenting the substantive content of the event in exactly this perspective clearly demonstrates the “key” principle: a comprehensive study and understanding of the vital problems and everyday difficulties of these population groups is the foundation for forming an adequate view of their situation in Berlin society.

This, in turn, implies an objective construction of the interrelationship between various proposals, assessments, and judgments in order to determine further directions for searching for and practically implementing the most appropriate joint solutions. Indeed, in general perception: “identifying needs and developing solutions” is a dynamic process that allows public institutions, political and business circles, and social practices to adapt to the real needs of people and society as a whole.

Moreover, the further improvement of this process represents continuous development, which makes it possible to transform social structures, legislative initiatives, and operational methods so as to meet the current demands of individuals and society as a whole. This was clearly demonstrated during the panel discussion, which revealed a common, though undeniable, trend on this issue, despite some, at times not entirely similar, semantic nuances in the statements of its participants:   

-  Marc-Pawel Halatsch – Secretary General of the Federation of Expellees (Marc-Pawel Halatsch, Generalsekretär des Bundes der Vertriebenen);

-   Dr. Vincent Regente – Head of EU & Europe at Deutsche Gesellschaft e.V. (Dr. Vincent Regente, Leiter EU&Europa, Deutsche Gesellschaft e.V.);  

-   Katharina Senge – member of the Berlin House of Representatives (Katharina Senge, parliament of the state of Berlin, Abgeordnetenhaus von Berlin, AGH), speaker in the AGH committee on integration, women’s affairs and gender equality, diversity and anti-discrimination; 

-   Walter Gauks – Berlin Senate Commissioner for Russian Germans, late resettlers and expellees (Walter Gauks, Ansprechperson für Deutsche aus Russland, Spätaussiedler und Vertriebene, Senat von Berlin). 

It appears that the main objective of this event was, among other things, to create a space for open dialogue and the free exchange of views on current issues, free from bias and inappropriate stereotypes. This thereby confirmed the viability, relevance, and importance of potentially possible solutions to the problems of the aforementioned population groups living in the federal state of Berlin. As the speeches and ensuing debate showed, this initiative was aimed at actively encouraging the involvement of these groups in all aspects of Berlin’s public life.

A key point in this context is the further development and improvement of coordination among existing projects and programs developed and implemented by associations of Russian Germans, late resettlers, and displaced persons.

This, in a sense, “innovative” forum clearly demonstrated a certain degree of readiness and predisposition among its direct participants, engaged in active and constructive discussion of the proposed issues, to provide practical assistance in many respects. This unambiguously underscores the importance of trust and cohesion for social harmony and the development of society, serving as a positive stimulus for further work in this direction.

For example, in terms of legally enshrining equal and unhindered conditions for these previously mentioned population groups to receive social services, creating prospects for them to achieve a high social status, ensuring a decent standard of living in old age, and equality in employment in the labor market.

It may be assumed that, within the framework of the collective discussion, the most likely steps and initiatives for the near future were recorded and identified, directly concerning the current situation of Russian Germans, late resettlers, and displaced persons living in Berlin.

Photo: Viktor Leis Jr.