The Southeast Europe Association (Südosteuropa-Gesellschaft – SOG) is an organization that seeks to bridge political debate with scientific dialog and socio-cultural exchange about Southeast Europe. Special measures are provided for young scientists

The SOG is based on individual membership and is being supported institutionally by the German Federal Foreign Office in Berlin. Since its establishment in 1952 the SOG is an important liaison organization for German foreign policy.

Objectives

• To further the scientific, political, economic and cultural relations with countries in Southeast Europe;
• To accentuate the knowledge about historical and contemporary developments in the region;
• To enable an independent and non-partisan dialog between representatives from the Federal Republic of Germany and the countries in Southeast Europe;
• To provide a forum for exchange and communication;
• To offer policy advisory and facilitating the exchange of expertise in relevant policy making discussions on Southeast European affairs;
• To build collaborative networks of researchers, policy-makers and business representatives between individuals, organisations and institutions in Southeast Europe and across the whole of Europe;
• To disseminate research findings and the variety of views on Southeast European affairs through publications and public events.

According to its statute the Southeast Europe Association is a private, non-profit association. Its members have different professional backgrounds ranging from academic researchers and politicians to representatives from business, culture and media. Its head office is located in Munich. In addition, the SOG has a network of regional branches across key university locations in Germany.
Through the accumulated expertise of its members the SOG provides different settings that enable an independent and non-partisan dialog between representatives from the Federal Republic of Germany and the countries in Southeast Europe. To pursue its objectives the Association organizes conferences, lectures and workshops for experts and the general public. Equally, various publications – including the bi-monthly journal Südosteuropa Mitteilungen – and the promotion of young academics complement its activities.

Partner Countries in Southeast Europe

The partner countries of the SOG are: