Mercator Foundation

Stiftung Mercator is a private and independent foundation promoting science, education and international understanding. Through its work it strives for a society characterized by openness to the world, solidarity and equal opportunities. In this context it concentrates on strengthening Europe; increasing the educational success of disadvantaged children and young people, especially those of migrant origin; driving forward climate change mitigation and promoting science and the humanities.

Stiftung Mercator feels a strong sense of loyalty to the Ruhr region, the home of the founding family and the foundation’s headquarters. None the less, the foundation is active both nationally and internationally, and addresses the challenges faced by Europe from a perspective extending beyond the borders of the European Union. One of Germany’s foremost foundations, Stiftung Mercator symbolizes the connection between academic expertise and practical project experience.

With the initiation and funding of the Mercator Dialogue on Asylum and Migration (MEDAM), the foundation pursues two objectives: to improve the understanding of the inter-related challenges facing the EU and its member states in the areas of asylum, migration and mobility, as well as to engage European policy makers and civil society in a broad debate about comprehensive, implementable solutions.