The German Association for East European Studies (DGO) has been declared an “undesirable organisation” by the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation. The same measure had already been instituted against the German Centre for East European and International Studies (ZOiS) and other organisations. The DGO is the largest German language umbrella organisation in this field, disseminating knowledge about political, economic, social and other developments in Eastern Europe and promoting academic and public dialogue. It is an important and valued partner for the SWP.
Designation as an “undesirable organisation” is clearly an attack on academic freedom. The DGO is now prohibited from working in Russia and Russian citizens and organisations who collaborate with it risk legal persecution. This creates massive obstacles to contact and exchange between the German-speaking academic community and their Russian counterparts (whether inside Russia or in exile).
The SWP declares its solidarity with the DGO and other affected institutions and will continue to collaborate with them without reservation.