Inhalt
The Free State
Bavaria in the Federal Republic, in Europe and in the World
Bavaria in Berlin
The Bavarian Representation in Berlin is a beautiful piece of Bavaria. The ‘white and blue embassy' near the Brandenburg Gate is the Free State's representation in the Federal Republic. From this base, Bavaria works together with the "Bundestag" and the "Bundesrat', the two chambers of the German Federal Parliament, and with the Federal Government. Its wide range of interesting events, attractive exhibitions and lectures on current affairs also makes the Bavarian Representation a popular venue in the cultural and political life of the federal capital.
Bavaria in Brussels
Bavaria is a European state. The European Union continues to expand and its influence is on the increase - for the people in Bavaria as well. That is why it is important for Bavaria that the Free State is represented in Brussels. Bavaria's representation in the European Union in the historic building of the former Institut Pasteur is located in the immediate vicinity of the European Parliament and the European Commission. From here, Bavaria co-operates with the various institutions of the EU and with neighbouring countries and regions in Europe. At the same time the Bavarian Representation in Brussels is the appropriate partner for all questions and problems relating to the EU from citizens and firms in Bavaria.
Bavaria - a Region in Europe
The European regions are the cornerstone of the house that is Europe. Bavaria is committed to the idea of a Europe of and for the people, where political decisions are made as far as possible with their interests at heart. Bavaria particularly supported the establishment of the Council of Regions in the EU. In the Council of Regions, Bavaria supports as far as possible unbureaucratic and citizen-friendly decisions.
Federalism
Promoting federalism is of particular concern for Bavaria. Federalism means that the sixteen states that comprise the Federal Republic co-operate with the federal authorities in carrying out those duties that concern the whole of Germany and at the same time retain their own regional and cultural identities. Bavaria is involved in federal legislation through the "Bundesrat", the second chamber of the German parliament next to the "Bundestag", which consists of representatives from the individual states. The size of Bavaria's population means that it is allocated six of the total of 69 seats in the "Bundesrat".
Bavaria's Partners throughout the World
Bavaria has partners all over the world. At the core of our international co-operation stand the states and regions closest to Bavaria: the Czech Republic in the east, and Austria, Switzerland and Italy across the Alps. A second ‘ring' of co-operation involves regions and states throughout Europe, with some of whom Bavaria has long maintained close links. The focus here is on the countries in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, which are constantly becoming more closely integrated in Europe. In the last few years co-operation with selected partner regions overseas has become increasingly important, particularly in North America and Asia. Since 2002 the regional leaders of Bavaria, Quebec, Upper Austria, Shandong, West Cape and more recently Sao Paolo have held regular meetings. These partnerships have given rise to numerous joint projects, for example in the fields of research and technology, as well as education and youth work, language and culture. 19 foreign missions support the Bavarian economy's access to the major world markets and encourage foreign firms to open branches in Munich.
Bavaria in the Heart of Europe
