Statement from the Presidium on the Foreign Ministers’ Weimar Triangle Meeting at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar

The Weimar Triangle was established in August 1991 and was intended to act as a discussion and cooperation platform with the aim of expanding cross-border relationships between France, Poland and Germany. Following long decades of division across Europe, the foreign ministers of the three countries involved at the time hoped to foster European exchange and help overcome prejudices and conflicts. The fact that this forum has succeeded for over 30 years, regardless of the respective governments’ political orientations, is among its greatest achievements. Numerous trilateral meetings have taken place, not only between government representatives, but also, for example, between members of parliament and young people since 1991. Today, in our increasingly complex world marked by a rising nationalist sentiment and inter-state conflicts, the forum is more important than ever. Regardless of political differences, the Triangle offers the guarantee of open conversation. We strongly believe that openness and dialogue are the keys to representing, strengthening and sharing our values.

Here at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, we are committed to openness, respect and exchange. The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar belongs to a tradition of recognising and embracing diversity that dates back over one hundred years. The core values at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar include respecting human rights, protecting minorities, respecting each individual regardless of religious beliefs, cultural background, sexual orientation or appearance. As such, we appreciate the concerns of the LGBTQIA* community at our university and stand staunchly against any form of threat or discrimination against minorities. The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar supports the values and principles put forth by the European Commission and the German government.

We have offered the three foreign ministers the opportunity to engage in discussions with our students. And thus an exchange between the French, Polish and German students of our university will take place during the Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Our university intends to demonstrate that active, sincere and respectful interaction with one another is the only way to engage in meaningful exchange and discussion. We stand firmly behind our values and believe that we can reflect with pride and confidence at how the ideals of the Bauhaus have been preserved and have evolved over the last hundred years.