Retreat of Revanchism Take Center Stage
Evolution of the Federal Association of Expellees (BdV) since 2014: Shifting Focus and Public Image
Since 2014, the Federal Association of Expellees (Bund der Vertriebenen, BdV) has undergone significant transformations in its strategic direction and public perception, mirroring broader societal shifts and advancing historical dialogues in Germany.
- From Advocacy to Integration and Reconciliation
The BdV, traditionally focused on advocating for the rights and restitution claims of Germans expelled from Eastern Europe post-World War II, has increasingly prioritized the integration of expellees and their descendants within contemporary German society and fostering dialogue with neighboring countries, particularly Poland and the Czech Republic. This change signifies a move from a primarily grievance-based stance to one promoting reconciliation and mutual understanding.
- Expansion Beyond Expellee Issues
The BdV has expanded its mission to encompass matters related to cultural preservation, education about expellee history, and the promotion of European understanding. This evolution aligns with Germany’s contemporary focus on European unity and multicultural coexistence.
- Embracing Modernization and Public Engagement
The association has embraced modernization, including increased use of social media and digital platforms, to engage younger generations. It strives to balance historical memory with relevance to current political and social contexts, distancing itself from previous associations with nationalist rhetoric.
- Controversial Public Image and Political Positioning
Despite efforts to modernize, the BdV’s public image remains somewhat divisive. Some view the organization’s activities as nostalgic or politically sensitive due to historical grievances. However, since 2014, the BdV has generally adopted a more moderate and diplomatic tone, seeking partnerships across the political spectrum and with civil society groups.
- Engagement in European Memory Politics
The BdV has become more active in European initiatives commemorating World War II and its aftermath, contributing to broader discussions on displacement, human rights, and historical justice. This helps position the organization as a stakeholder in pan-European memory culture rather than a solely national interest group.
For additional details or specific events highlighting this evolution, feel free to ask!
- Bernd Fabritius served as the Federal Government's Commissioner for Expellee Affairs and National Minorities from 2018 to 2022 and has held this position again since late May 2025.
- BdV President Bernd Fabritius stated that worldwide, more than 122 million people are displaced.
- Controversies over the orientation of the expellee associations persist, as does the old nationalist language.
- The BdV occasionally posts on social media.
- Fabritius stated that expulsions are injustice and have been observed throughout history.
- The BdV primarily remembers the integration achievement of the expellees and the fact that they renounced "revenge and retaliation" in their basic document.
- The BdV will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Charter of Expellees on a specific date (not specified).
- The BdV lobbies for worldwide recognition of expulsions and interprets the "right to a homeland" as a universal human right to cultural identity and preservation of heritage.
- The BdV celebrates the "Day of the Homeland" annually on August 6.
- Among the refugees are many who will probably never return to their homeland and become expellees.
- In line with the modernization of the Federal Association of Expellees (BdV) since 2014, the association has expanded its focus beyond traditional expellee issues, incorporating matters related to cultural preservation, education about expellee history, and the promotion of European understanding.
- The evolution of the BdV's mission also includes engaging with contemporary political and social contexts through the strategic use of digital platforms like social media, seeking to balance historical memory with its relevance in policy-and-legislation, politics, and general-news discussions.
