The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung or FES (Stiftung is the German word for foundation) was founded in 1925. The Foundation, which was immediately banned by the Nazis in 1933 and not re-established until 1947 after World War II, today is a non-profit making, political public-interest institution committed to the principles and basic values of social democracy in its educational and policy-orientated work
In its practice-orientated research work the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung attaches particular importance to analyzing the economic, social and political problems in connection with the German unification process. In this respect the Foundation sees its role as providing a (think-tank and) discussion forum for the future development of social democracy. Through its research projects, symposia, debates and a wide variety of publications in the fields of economic policy, labor and social research, technology and society, social and contemporary history as well as foreign policy research, the Foundation annually attracts thousands of experts from economic and political life, public administration, the trade unions, the academic world and the media.
In its scholarship program the Foundation supports students and young post-graduates with outstanding academic qualifications from Germany and abroad. In the Foundation’s offices in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania, approx. 130 German staff and 600 foreign nationals are involved in projects in the fields of economic and social development, socio-political education and information, the media and communication and providing advisory services.
The Foundation has offices in 25 of the OECD countries, in Central and Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the Middle East. Together with its partners in the trade unions, education and research, public administration, local government and various social groups and organizations, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung fosters dialogue amongst all democratic forces with the aim of bringing about a balance of interests, solving conflicts and developing policy options.