After Brexit

Between France and Germany there is the great example of the Franco-German youth organization. After Brexit, one should probably also think about a British-European youth organization and thus enable the youth, who voted with an overwhelming majority to remain in the EU, to continue a close and friendly exchange.

Sport can play an important role in fostering German-British relations, as  it has succeeded in building bridges several times in different historical contexts. In addition, cultural policy will be a connecting bilateral element.

In addition to intensifying existing formats, a new institution similar to the Atlantik-Brücke could be created that bundles different levels of relationships, for example in different subgroups or working groups.

The UK government should ensure cultural exchange programs, initiate bilateral exchange programs and boost German language teaching in schools. Public broadcasting in both countries could play a role in fostering the relations .

I would like to see a much closer exchange between the Bundestag and the House of Commons. I am thinking, for example, of mutual visits by specialist committees, opportunities for exchange for employees of the Bundestag and the House of Commons, joint guest programs, etc. 

We need funding for initiatives in both countries that seek to challenge the negative stereotypes evoked during the Brexit campaign.

Video conferencing tools should be used to improve parliamentary dialogue. Through the use of Select Committees in the UK Parliament and Bundestag, for example by inviting MdBs to give evidence and vice versa through Zoom.

We need a close coooperation between Parliaments, with regular exchanges, and between sister political parties and trade unions. 

Numerous cultural institutions in the UK are actively networking internationally, as culture is at a risk of dying from lack of cultural exchange. Establishing connections, networking and transferring information are extremely valuable in these times.  Specifically institutions and organisations outside of London should be supported. They can make crucial contributions to counteracting the strong division in British society.

Personal exchange (especially targeted to pupils, students and youth encounters) should have priority.

We must use all existing formats from town twinning and exchange programs to regular dialogue with the political parties in order to stay in touch and develop ideas together.

German authorities could realise an opportunity in better recognising and mobilising dual citizen status in Germany, that in the case of dual British/German citizens, has grown exponentially since the Brexit referendum. This new British European identity is a long term mutual investment in German-British-European relations.

Partnerships between the German state parliaments and regional parliaments in the UK should be used and strengthened. We must not forget: the Kingdom is not just made up of Brexit supporters. We can already see what wounds the vote has left in pro-European regions and also in the border areas in Northern Ireland. Political contact must be maintained there.

Maintaining and fostering dialogue is key, especially for the next generation in business and society. Student exchange programmes and international internship programmes must not only be continued but significantly enhanced.

Return the previous automatic right to keep one’s original citizenship when naturalising as British / German. This right currently only applies in German law to those with EU or Swiss citizenship - though the law contains a provision that makes it possible to extend right this by international treaty.

Allowing British-German dual citizenship again would both enable and encourage greater civic and democratic participation for a group of the citizens who in both their personal and professional lives are best placed to strengthen ties and improve understanding between Germany and the UK.

Musicians exchange. This can take the form of a dual tour involving a 'gig swap' between the two countries. A 'gig-swap' is when a two bands from different cities make an agreement, that when one visits the others city, they will perform as an opening act for the host, and visa versa. This is how a lot of bands are able to tour and build their audiences. We can take this smaller model and apply it to a larger tour for groups of musicians. These can be up and coming bands or solo acts. Britain can host German bands for a series of dates for a couple of weeks across the country, then a few months later Britain can visit Germany, being opening acts for the same acts which visited Britain. One of the main advantages of this idea is that the music performances can help pay for this exchange, and can be carried out in a way which is beneficial and fair for all. We could integrate cultural tourism into these tours in a number of ways. Visitors can go to museums, national parks and monuments, to see the city, and to experience the local cuisine.

The music exchange is a means for groups of young people to meet people from another country in their industry, to travel, to experience, and to learn from one another about music and many other things. One of the industries being hit hard by Brexit is the music and entertainment industry. Free movement for musicians has been limited just like other sectors. A strengthening of a link between Britain and Germany could offer musicians a window. Through music, young people can forge connections with people and places between the two countries, which have a proud history of musical interchange. They can be ambassadors for a future of cooperation between the two countries.