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1) About us

Who is PowerShift e.V.?

PowerShift is a non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Berlin. We work on trade and investment policy, raw materials and energy policy and climate justice – with a focus on sound research, political analysis and strategic advocacy.

What do we stand for?

For a socially and ecologically just transformation. We identify disincentives in the global economic and trade system and develop politically feasible alternatives – human rights-based, scientifically verifiable, close to the movement.

Since when does PowerShift exist and how is the association organized?

PowerShift was founded in 2010 as a registered, non-profit association and is part of various local, national and international civil society networks. The work is carried out by a team of full-time employees, a board of directors and dedicated members and supporters.

How do we work concretely?

We connect Recherche & Publications, political advocacy & lobbying, Education & Events (workshops, webinars, briefings) and Coalition work with partner NGOs, academia and civil society.

What is PowerShift's vision?

PowerShift is committed to a globally just global economy that respects ecological boundaries, upholds human rights and strengthens democratic participation. The focus is on the conviction that social-ecological transformation can only succeed if trade, raw materials and energy policy are consistently aligned with the common good.

How are we different from other NGOs?

In our specialisation in the interfaces between trade/investment, raw materials, energy and climate, in our internationalist view of development policy issues – and in the combination of in-depth research with political impact at local, national, EU and international level.

What are our greatest successes? What milestones has PowerShift initiated (selection)?

  • Supply Chain Act and EU Supply Chain Directive (CSDDD): Significantly boosted by the Supply Chain Act initiative;
  • Energy Charter Treaty (ECT): Germany to leave in 2022, the EU declares withdrawal in 2024 – a decisive step towards the end of the Treaty.
  • District heating & heating turnaround Berlin (2024): Repurchase of the district heating network – PowerShift is part of the successful civil society campaign that has successfully promoted the buyback
  • EU Mercosur: Along with over 450 NGOs We from the EU and Mercosur are strongly in favour of renegotiation. This has an effect, the signing is repeatedly postponed and improvements announced.
  • CRMA – Critical Raw Materials Regulation (2023): Civil society pressure led to Strengthening indigenous rights, more precise standards and higher recycling rates.
  • Raw Materials Coalition (2023): Co-founding an EU-wide civil society alliance; the PowerShift Steering Committee.
  • Raw materials summit (2022 & 2024): Organisation of and 2nd Civil Society Raw Materials Summit – strong platform for civil society demands on politics and business.
  • Bauxite mining in Guinea (2021): The campaign provided Hearing local concerns; We have continued our work with our partners and support a civil society alliance Action Mines Guinée, which, similar to the AK Raw Materials, deals with the raw materials industry and its impact on the environment and people in Guinea.
  • ISDS/Corporate litigation: European campaign with 150+ NGOs; 000 signatures They kept the issue high on the agenda.
  • Wallonia on EU Mercosur (2020): The Walloon regional government Calls on the Belgian Government to ratify the EU-Mercosur trade agreement; Not to be ratified – referring to our study.
  • Coal phase-out Berlin (2017): Resolution of the Berlin Senate to step out of the use of coal after intensive information and campaign work. We are part of the successful civil society alliance ‘Kohleausstieg Berlin’.
  • TTIP (2016): Civil society stops the Free Trade Agreement; Our research and educational work contributed to the mobilization.
  • Conflict Minerals Regulation (2015): In the network Stop mad mining Fighting with: EU due diligence obligations for gold, tantalum, tin, tungsten.
  • AK Raw Materials (2013): Settlement at PowerShift – since then, strong voice of civil society in raw materials policy.

In which networks is PowerShift active?

PowerShift is active on the following networks:

  • AG Deep-sea mining
  • AK Raw Materials
  • Alliance for Legal Security
    • Berlin development policy advice
    • Berlin Global Village e.V
    • Industry dialogue Energy industry
    • Berlin Renewable Alliance
    • Alliance of Berlin Roads for All
    • Climate Action Network Europe (CAN)
    • CorA-Corporate Accountability Network for Corporate Responsibility
    • EU Raw Materials Coalition
    • Forum Umwelt & Development / AG Handel
    • Fair World Trade Network
    • Network Resource turnaround
    • European Trade Justice Coalition – ETJC
    • Treaty Alliance

2) Topics

What topics do we cover?

In addition, cross-cutting issues such as climate and resource justice, human rights and global justice will be addressed.

What does the work in the field of trade policy mean?

In the area of trade policy, PowerShift analyses free trade and investment agreements, assesses their impact on climate, human rights and democratic room for manoeuvre, and develops alternatives. The aim is a trade policy based on solidarity, which strengthens fair supply chains and pushes back corporate rights and one-sided privileges for investors.

What does PowerShift understand by commodity policy?

At PowerShift, raw materials policy aims at a ‘raw materials transition’ that reduces raw materials consumption, protects human rights along supply chains and counteracts environmental degradation. This includes analyses of mining projects, raw material strategies of the EU and Germany as well as demands for binding human rights and ecological standards.

What are PowerShift's priorities in energy policy?

In energy policy, PowerShift works on topics such as the energy transition, the phase-out of fossil fuels, the climate-friendly hydrogen economy and resource conflicts. The focus is on a socially just and democratically designed energy transition that avoids energy poverty and is based on renewable, resource-saving technologies.

What are PowerShift's priorities when it comes to ground justice?

We deal with land conflicts and land justice in the context of the energy transition. We are committed to ensuring that the energy transition does not come at the expense of traditional land rights, regional food production or respect for human rights. Energy projects take up land. Without equitable land use, displacements, conflicts and destruction of nature threaten – and thus a ‘green’ transformation that exacerbates rather than solves social and environmental crises.

 

What is PowerShift's focus on #Is the climate crisis not fake?

In times of increasing disinformation Actors who want to block climate protection measures are driving a targeted strategy: They spread Fake news, Doubt scientific findings and manipulate opinions. Necessary political steps are blocked in this way, which is very clear (but not only) in climate policy. Although global warming is progressing, the effects of climate change are clearly felt by all, there are no scientific doubts about the causes of climate change, doubts are being sown successfully and regressive policies are being made possible. As an NGO engaged in climate policy, commodity policy and trade policy, we are witnessing a worrying increase in disinformation around the climate crisis. This undermines effective climate policy and democratic processes, which has far-reaching consequences for society and the environment. We counter this with targeted public relations work. Since 2023, we have been using our channels to raise awareness. We must not leave the information and educational work to the populists.

 

3) Working method and effect

How does PowerShift work in practice?

PowerShift combines application-oriented research with educational, information and public relations work. This includes studies and background papers, political analyses, workshops, lectures, campaigns as well as participation in alliances and networks at local, national and international level.

Does PowerShift influence policy decisions?

Yes, PowerShift conducts advocacy work with parliaments, ministries and other decision-makers in order to strengthen binding rules for human rights, environmental protection and climate protection in trade, raw materials and energy policy. At the same time, civil society perspectives are introduced into political processes and public debates are initiated.

Does PowerShift work with other organizations?

PowerShift is active in numerous alliances and networks, such as mergers on raw materials policy, supply chain and trade issues, and climate justice. Through these cooperations, expertise is bundled, joint positions are developed and effective campaigns are implemented. All the networks in which we are active are listed in our annual report: https://power-shift.de/powershift-e-v-jahresberichte/

4) Independence, financing & transparency

Is PowerShift nonprofit?

Yes, yes. Donations are tax deductible; We issue grant confirmations.

How is PowerShift financed?

PowerShift's work is usually financed through project-related grants, public grants, foundation grants, as well as donations and membership fees. We pay strict attention to independence and reject means that could influence our positions.

Does PowerShift publish financial and annual reports?

Yes - information on finances, beneficiaries and projects can be found on our website (Report on Transparent Civil Society Initiative) https://power-shift.de/initiative-transparente-zivilgesellschaft-2/).

Is PowerShift politically or partisanally bound?

PowerShift works politically in the sense of social change, but is party-politically independent. We are guided by human rights, social-ecological justice and democratic principles, not by the interests of individual parties.

How does PowerShift ensure transparency?

PowerShift publishes information on objectives, structures, funding and projects and participates in civil society transparency initiatives, we are in the Transparency Register of the European Union https://transparency-register.europa.eu/index_de, in the lobby register of the German Bundestag https://www.lobbyregister.bundestag.de/startseite and the Transparency Database of the State of Berlin https://transparenzdatenbank.berlin.de/ registered. For example, supporters, funding agencies and the public should be able to understand how we work and what funds are used for.

5) Publications, materials, events

What offers are there for education and public relations?

PowerShift offers workshops, lectures, educational materials, background papers and studies on trade, raw materials, energy and global justice. These offers are aimed at civil society groups, multipliers, educational institutions, the media and interested citizens.

Where can I find PowerShift publications and studies?

Publications such as studies, factsheets, policy briefs and position papers are available free of charge on the website. Many materials can be downloaded directly or ordered in printed form if required. https://power-shift.de/publications/

How can I use or quote PowerShift publications?

Our content may be Source ‘PowerShift e.V.’ They like to be used and quoted. For image/graphic uses as well as translations or extensive acquisitions, we ask for prior request.

How does PowerShift ensure quality?

Four-eyes principle, fact-based research, source directories, if necessary external technical feedback. We accept correction instructions at any time.

Does PowerShift offer events and campaigns that I can participate in?

Yes, PowerShift regularly organises specialist events, public discussions, workshops and campaign campaigns on current topics. Dates, registration options and information on participation are usually announced in the event calendar and via newsletters or social media. Participation in events is free of charge.

6) Politics, administration & parliaments

How can elected representatives work with PowerShift?

We offer Background discussions, Technical briefings and Short analyses on, as needed.

Does PowerShift provide expert input in hearings?

Yes, on request.

7) Press & Media

Press contact / interview requests?

Journalists can reach us via the contact form https://power-shift.de/kontakt/  or via an e-mail to Adrian Bornmann adrian.bornmann@power-shift.de. We teach experts, o-tones and background.

Press mailing list & Media material?

Registration for the press mailing list https://power-shift.de/presse/medienverteiler/ is possible; Logos, images and fact sheets are available on request.

8) Participate & Support

How can I support PowerShift?

You can support PowerShift through a one-time or regular donation, a sponsorship membership. All information about donations can be found here: https://power-shift.de/spende/. The dissemination of information (analogue, digital and in our social media channels), participation in events and participation in local alliances are also valuable contributions.

Are donations to PowerShift tax deductible?

As a non-profit association, PowerShift can issue donation certificates so that your donation can be claimed for tax purposes. We send these unsolicited at the beginning of the following year in which the donation was made. If you need them earlier, please contact us: https://power-shift.de/kontakt/

Can I volunteer?

Yes, on a case-by-case basis, e.g. at events, public relations support. Write us a short sketch of your skills/interests. Please use the contact form: https://power-shift.de/kontakt/

Do you offer jobs or internships?

We publish current calls for tenders in the ‘Jobs& Internships’ section of the website: https://power-shift.de/ueber-uns/jobs-praktika/

Cooperations with organizations/municipalities/science?

Gladly – from co-publications to event collaborations to research partnerships. Contact us: https://power-shift.de/kontakt/.

9) Education, Events & Podcast

What educational opportunities are there?

Workshops, seminars, webinars and briefings, including on commodity transition, supply chain care, trade agreements, energy and climate policies.

Does PowerShift have a podcast?

Yes: ‘World economy compass“ https://power-shift.de/podcasts/ – We offer: Current analyses, with insights into the latest developments and research and diverse perspectives to promote a comprehensive understanding of the complex interrelationships. Follow-ups can be accessed via our website and common platforms.

10) Newsletter & Social Media

How do I stay up to date?

Through our newsletter, RSS and social media channels. We inform you about new publications, dates and political developments. It's best to sign up for the newsletter right away https://power-shift.de/newsletter-bestellen/ Follow us on our channels.

11) Languages & Accessibility

In which languages does PowerShift publish?

Primarily in German; Central materials are often also published in English, some in other languages depending on the project.

How accessible is our website?

We are constantly working on improving accessibility (readable PDFs, alt texts, contrast). Here you can find our current accessibility report https://power-shift.de/barrierefreiheitserklaerung/. Hints are welcome.

12) Data protection & Legal

How does PowerShift handle data?

We process personal data in accordance with the GDPR and only for specific purposes (e.g. sending newsletters). Details can be found in our privacy policy. https://power-shift.de/erklaerung-von-powershift-zum-umgang-mit-daten/

Where can I find imprint & legal notices?

In the footer of the website under ‘Imprint’ and ‘Privacy’.

13) Contact us

How do I reach PowerShift?

About the Contact form https://power-shift.de/kontakt/ on the website or the telephone/e-mail contacts mentioned in the imprint. For press, politics and cooperation enquiries, please briefly name the purpose; we forward to the appropriate contact person.

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