Stiftung Mercator is a European foundation. It promotes understanding between people of different cultures, stands up for a united Europe and helps establish the social prerequisites for peaceful coexistence.
We are appalled by the war of aggression that Russia’s President Putin has ordered against Ukraine. It is a blatant breach of people’s right to self-determination and of human rights. Stiftung Mercator views the war against Ukraine also as an attack by Putin on European values, an attack directed against democracy, pluralism, freedom of opinion and freedom of the press throughout Europe.
Stiftung Mercator has dedicated itself for many years to increasing young people’s knowledge of European values and to strengthening their democratic competencies. Via a partner, we have also been able hitherto to support the European civic education activities of a Ukrainian youth organization. We provide funding for projects in Central and Eastern Europe, allowing us to support civic education structures and initiate encounters. By making it possible for young adults to have personal experiences and engage in exchange with other Europeans, thereby expanding their knowledge of Europe, we have been helping for many years to dismantle prejudices. We are committed to the values of a democratic Europe and will do everything in our power to ensure that all Europeans are able to live in freedom.