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Everything You Need to Know About EuroMediterranArabischer Länderverein e. V. (EMA e.V.)
Overview
EuroMediterranArabischer Länderverein e. V., also known as EMA e.V., is a non-profit association founded in 2008 in Germany. It focuses on strengthening development and economic cooperation between Germany and Europe on one side and the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries (the EMA region) on the other (de.wikipedia.org).
The association is politically and religiously independent. Its headquarters are in Berlin, with branch offices in Hamburg, Casablanca, and Tunis.
Administrative Structure and Leadership
EMA was initially chaired by Ralf Busch, followed by other leaders up to the current president Heike Fölster, in office since August 2021 (de.wikipedia.org).
Former president Christian Wulff led the association from 2014 to 2017 and remains an honorary president alongside Jordanian Prince Hassan bin Talal (de.wikipedia.org).
The current Secretary General is Clara Gruitrooy, supported by Vice President Abdelmajid Layadi (de.wikipedia.org).
Goals and Key Focus Areas
EMA’s work focuses on:
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promoting economic cooperation and sustainable development in areas such as green energy, food security, value chains, and agriculture (de.wikipedia.org).
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supporting entrepreneurship—especially among women—through the cultural and economic Ouissal project in Morocco and Tunisia (de.wikipedia.org).
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strengthening cultural and academic exchange through training and intercultural encounters.
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promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a core pillar of its work since 2014.
Services and Activities
EMA provides its members with various services, including:
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market entry programs and B2B matchmaking events between companies.
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tailored market studies and sector-specific analyses.
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training on cultural openness and negotiation approaches in Arab countries.
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translation support and standardized terminology between Arabic, German, English, and French.
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access to a database of international tenders.
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regular events: national and regional forums, roundtables, diplomatic meetings (Salon Diplomatique), hosting official delegations, and specialized expert discussions.
Notable Projects
Ouissal: A program aimed at businesswomen in Morocco and Tunisia, supported by the German Ministry for Family Affairs and BMZ (de.wikipedia.org).
A digital support system in Tunisia to enable companies’ digital transformation in cooperation with Club DSI Tunis (en.wikipedia.org).
Agriculture and sustainability projects in Morocco focusing on capacity building and developing sustainable supply chains, supported by BMZ and local universities.
Funding and Partnerships
EMA finances itself through:
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membership fees (165 members as of April 2024) (de.linkedin.com).
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grants from BMZ for projects such as Ouissal and others, ranging between €120,000 and €650,000 for 2023 (lobbyregister.bundestag.de).
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partnerships with institutions such as sequa gGmbH, German chambers of commerce, and certain ministries and sector-specific organizations (de.wikipedia.org).
Social Impact
EMA represents an effective platform for strengthening economic and cultural cooperation between Germany and the Arab/Mediterranean world.
Through its programs and regular activities, it offers an integrated model of sustainable development by combining economic, social, and cultural dimensions.
Conclusion
EMA e.V. serves as a development bridge between Germany and the Mediterranean/Middle East region, linking business, culture, governments, and civil society through its events and projects.
If you represent a company or association seeking expansion beyond Germany, or if you are interested in entrepreneurship and cross-border sustainable development, EMA offers real opportunities for cooperation and learning.
ـ* The website’s team of writers and editors strives to provide accurate information through extensive research and reviewing multiple sources when producing articles. However, some errors may occur or certain details may remain unconfirmed. Therefore, please consider the information in these articles as an initial reference and always consult the relevant authorities to obtain verified and confirmed information.
