Let’s Talk: What’s Next for Eastern Germany? – A Talk by the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe and the ZLB

The election results in the eastern German states have attracted attention across the country. The AfD has become the strongest party in both Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and could even form the next government in Saxony-Anhalt. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, meanwhile, the CDU has fallen below the five per cent threshold for the first time and will not be represented in the new state parliament. These results raise the question of what lies behind them: which political and social developments have contributed to them, and what they mean for the people living in the regions concerned.

It is worth looking beyond the election results, too. Since reunification, eastern Germany has changed considerably in many areas and is today an important location for business and innovation. At the same time, the eastern German states face particular challenges. Regions are grappling with demographic change, skills shortages and structural transformation, while questions of equal living conditions, political representation and social cohesion continue to play an important role.

We are therefore very pleased to welcome Elisabeth Kaiser, Minister of State and Federal Government Commissioner for Eastern Germany, on 15 December 2026 at 6:30 pm in the Pop-Up Hall of the America Memorial Library.

Together with Elisabeth Kaiser and with you, we want to take a look at the recent election results and talk about the future of the eastern German states, discussing the following questions, among others: What do the election results tell us about the mood and political expectations of people on the ground? What role do economic and social conditions, experiences with political institutions and questions of regional development play? And what impact do the shifting political balances of power have on everyday life in the region? How can the eastern German states tackle their current challenges and build on their strengths? What role do economic investment, good infrastructure and equal living conditions play? And what is needed so that people can help shape their own future and maintain or regain trust in democratic processes?

We would be delighted to welcome you. Please register by 14 December 2026, either online or by email.

Accessibility: German Sign Language interpretation will be provided during the event.