Welcome to ‘Europa in Bamberg’!

We are a local society with a global perspective. Composed of a voluntary group of Bamberg residents of many different backgrounds, we’re committed to building and maintaining Bamberg’s status as both a European and an international city.

Why Europe…

Our continent faces a unique set of challenges. Whether it’s the transition to more sustainable ways of living; the defence of democracy and pluralism in the face of ethno-nationalism; or the terrible reality of war in both Ukraine and the Middle East: never has there been a more important time to work for a Germany and a Europe that is peaceful, open to the world, and open to ethnic, cultural, and religious difference.

That’s why we’re here. Our motto of “breaking down borders” isn’t a radical or revolutionary call for anything-goes anarchy. It’s a call for a Europe that can truly be ‘home’, no matter where you’re from. For a Europe where people can feel both safe and welcome, regardless of nationality, culture, or religion. For a Europe of people who know that this continent’s past must help shape its present and future. For a Europe where people can live and discuss difference reasonably, respectfully, tolerantly, and – hopefully – compassionately.

As a voluntary society funded through membership dues, we are not formally affiliated with any political party or cultural and religious organization. Although our logo bears the flag of the European Union, we identify as critical citizens, friends, and supporters of the EU – not its unquestioning devotees. We are opposed to those groups and politicians who deliberately aim to increase and profit from divisions within our societies; but we warmly welcome all those who, regardless of background or political or cultural difference, share our underlying convictions.

…in Bamberg?

Bamberg is a city of over 80,000 inhabitants. More than one in eight of those had a migration background at the time of the European elections of 2019; and that number continues to grow. People from both Europe and all over the world come to live in the beautiful cathedral city on the Regnitz River and the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal.

We founded ‘Europe in Bamberg’ in 2021. We are Europeans who live in Bamberg and come from Germany or another European country. For us Bamberg is a place of positive stories of people coming, living, and working together. Some of us have been here for many years, others of us are just passing through for a season or two. We are delighted that people both from Europe and further afield are able to settle here, for however long: that they can make their home here, and make this city their home. It’s our mission to support them in this.

Here in Bamberg, Franconian, Bavarian, German, and European identities mix in complex and fascinating ways with myriad others. Ours is a World Heritage City in every sense of the name. Bamberg’s residents included citizens from all over Europe, and all over the world. Wherever we’re from, Bamberg is our shared home, and Europe is our shared home.

Interested? Click on 'About Us', above, to find out more about what we do. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, here!

You’ll find our constitution (‘Satzung’) via the link at the bottom of this page. For the legal reason that we are a German registered voluntary organization, our constitution is only available in German.

Von Links nach Rechts: Hayati Yilmaz, Lea Sopper, Eva Bollerhoff, Michaela Reimann, Monika Gruber, Iris Kroon-Lottes