Representation in Berlin

Schleswig-Holstein’s Representation to Berlin Staatskanzlei

Schleswig-Holstein – like the other 15 German Länder - is represented in Berlin. The central task of the Permanent Representation of the Land Schleswig-Holstein is to represent the interests of Schleswig-Holstein in the federal system of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Further to its work at the Bundesrat (Federal Council of Germany), it also organises events to promote debates, presentations as well as cultural events on political and social issues. The Permanent Representation is the connecting link between the Land and federal politics. It is related to the State Chancellery. Secretary of State R. Olaf Bastian is the Representative of the Land Schleswig-Holstein to the Federal Government.

The work at the Bundesrat is the centre of activities of the Permanent Representation of the Land Schleswig-Holstein vis-à-vis the Federal Government. By means of the Bunderat, the Länder are involved in decisions regarding legislation and norms, as well as in the administration of the Federal Government. The same applies to European Union directives and ordinances Germany has to approve (Art. 23 GG). In the Bundesrat, every Land – depending on the number of its inhabitants – has three to six votes of a total of 69 votes. Schleswig-Holstein has four votes that can only be cast as a block. The voting procedure is determined by the Land Government of Schleswig-Holstein. The civil servants of the Permanent Representation prepare the sessions of the Bundesrat and take part in the sessions of the Committee of Experts. This happens in very close cooperation with the Ministries of the Land Government.

As in many other areas, politics also depends on good contacts. The more thoroughly and faster a Land is informed on political developments, the more successful it can promote its own interests at the federal level. The staff of the permanent representation of the Länder thus cultivate the contact with Federal Ministries, visit the German Parliament (Bundestag) committees and plenary sessions and keep in touch with interest groups. In this way, the Permanent Representation constitutes a link between federal and Länder politics.

Moreover, it is the “showcase” of Schleswig-Holstein in the German federal capital. It organises events for discussion, presentations and culture regarding political and social issues. Businesses and their associations, as well as cities, regions and persons engaged in the cultural sector from Schleswig-Holstein can take part in it. Beyond that, the members of the German Parliament of the Land regularly meet in the Permanent Representation.

How to contact the Permanent Representation of the Land of Schleswig-Holstein to the Federal Government:

In den Ministergärten 8
D - 10117 Berlin
Phone: +49(0)30 - 72629 - 0500
Fax: +49(0)30 - 72629 - 0505
E-mail: poststelle@lv.landsh.de