Joint Statement by Institutions in Germany Designated as “Undesirable Organizations”

Recently, it became known that the German Association for East European Studies (DGO), the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, the Lew Kopelew Forum, OWEN – Mobile Academy for Gender Democracy and Peacebuilding, and the XZ Foundation have been added to the list of “undesirable organizations” in Russia.

This brings the number of affected German organizations on this list to over 20 out of more than 145 total. These organizations are active in the fields of politics, civil society, and academia – representing key pillars of democratic society.

Being designated as “undesirable” in Russia is effectively equivalent to a ban. Russian citizens face criminal charges if they cooperate with us – even outside the territory of Russia. Any form of collaboration, whether in events, research projects, or publications, may lead to fines or, in repeated cases, prison sentences of up to six years.

The consequences for the listed organizations vary, depending on the extent of their activities in Russia. However, we are united in our understanding that this is not merely about obstructing or halting our work. Above all, these designations serve as a pretext for repression aimed at intimidating the Russian population. They are also part of an effort to exert influence on the German public.

Against the backdrop of Russian presidential elections, which were neither free, fair, nor transparent, we believe it is crucial to draw urgent attention to these developments. The elections further solidified Vladimir Putin’s grip on power, and it is to be feared that domestic repression will intensify and that additional measures directed against the West will be implemented.

We wish to emphasize the following points:

• The threat of draconian punishment is intended to deter Russian citizens from collaborating with Western institutions. This is not aimed solely at individuals critical of the regime, but at society as a whole.

• The real burden of this designation falls on Russian citizens who work for or with an organization that has been declared “undesirable.”

• The Moscow regime’s strategy of decoupling Russian society from the West has reached a new level. The aim is to isolate Russian society and to sever all ties with Western actors. The foundation for any future cooperation is being gradually dismantled.

• This is also about the regime in Moscow securing control over the narrative regarding the situation inside the country. Critical voices and objective academic analyses are to be silenced. It is, therefore, a direct attack on freedom of speech and academic freedom.

• The listing of “undesirable organizations” is also directed at the German public. By framing German institutions as enemies, fears and uncertainties are being sown in society. This is part of the information war being waged against Germany. Moscow is actively trying to influence public opinion in Germany, spread disinformation, and divide society. The polarization reinforced by the designation of institutions as “undesirable” is being used strategically.

From this, we draw the following conclusions:

We must not allow Russia to define which measures against the regime are appropriate or which forms of support for Ukraine are legitimate. We must not be intimidated by those who cite any Russian outrage as proof that Germany’s actions are too escalatory or excessive. Political decisions must be made with sovereignty and clarity.

Our classification as “undesirable organizations” in Russia will not deter us from continuing to advocate for a democratic and free society in Russia. We do so with due caution to protect our Russian partners.

Academic Network Eastern Europe (akno e.V.)
On behalf of the Board and the SCIENCE AT RISK Emergency Office:
Dr. Philipp Christoph Schmädeke, Stephan Kaschner, Dr. Sven Jaros

Austausch e.V.
Coopera e.V.
German Association for East European Studies (DGO)
European Exchange
Stefanie Schiffer, Managing Director

Heinrich Böll Foundation
Jan Philipp Albrecht

XZ Foundation
Centre for East European and International Studies (ZOiS)
Center for Liberal Modernity (LibMod)