With the new administration taking office in the United States in January 2025 and the resulting shifts in the international landscape, Europe and Germany are facing a strategic test: They must continue to guarantee security, economic resilience and the ability to take political action despite the changed circumstances.
In a period of growing uncertainty, the Bertelsmann Stiftung remains true to the spirit of our founder, Reinhard Mohn, and to our role as a representative of civil society in Germany. In keeping with our bylaws, our mission is to strengthen the bonds underlying social cohesion and shape society so it can respond to current and coming challenges. This is not an abstract goal, but a concrete task: Peace and freedom cannot be taken for granted; they are precious commodities and the basis for society’s future viability. They result from the stances we take, the responsibilities we assume and the institutions we uphold.
Democracy thrives on direct and empowered participation – on cooperation, on constructive debate to find the best solutions, on commitment, and on seriously listening to and accepting the concerns and ideas of the public and civil society. A liberal system of government needs effective state structures as well as an engaged civil society. At the Bertelsmann Stiftung, we see ourselves as a catalyst and partner: We want to offer guidance through analysis and drive change through pilot projects and the scaling of robust solutions.
A special highlight in 2025 was the awarding of the Reinhard Mohn Prize to Maia Sandu, president of the Republic of Moldova, and to entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael Otto. Both are individuals who live, share and hold themselves accountable to democratic values in an exemplary manner – with prudence and clarity, determination and courage. Based on her own experience, Maia Sandu has concisely expressed what democracy needs at the present moment: “Democracy thrives when people stand up for it, even in the face of adversity.”
In 2025, our programs provided new impetus for society in multiple areas, from school education and health care to digital sovereignty. This is a path we will continue to take. In particular, we have repeatedly helped young people get involved. Our interactions with them increasingly focus on recognizing the possibilities that youth and pop culture offer for self-expression. To that end, we engage with teenagers and young adults through the analogue and digital channels present in their daily lives. For example, our GenNow initiative created a space at the KOSMOS Festival in Chemnitz for exchange and mutual empowerment, encouraging young people to engage actively and collaboratively with society and their own future. The topics and approaches ranged from gaming, music and social media to entrepreneurship, occupational training and Germany’s role in Europe.
Future generations must see to it that democracy endures as a liberal system of governance predicated on clear values. Their efforts will need both support and spaces in which trust can grow. Our shared task in Germany and Europe will be providing that support and creating those spaces.
In the past year, we made €76.2 million available for our nonprofit activities. Our 2025 Annual Report provides an overview of the resources we committed to our project work, while providing insights into the issues we are addressing at the foundation.
If you would like more detailed information about specific topics or projects, please feel free to contact our experts directly. We look forward to hearing from you!
