PowerShift's work for a just global economy
Our goal is an ecologically and socially just world. With extensive research, we examine political processes, identify the problems of an unjust global economic system and develop alternative courses of action. Through lobbying, we encourage decision-makers in politics to set the necessary political framework conditions for change. We carry out actions and campaigns and forge strong networks with other organisations, social movements and citizens. Together we get involved!
Our history
2024
The German Supply Chain Act: The law, for which we have worked together with many other organisations within the framework of the Supply Chain Act initiative, comes into force.
Repurchase of the district heating network: Berlin is buying back the district heating network. This is a decisive step for the regional heat transition. Our campaign, in which we have engaged with many other organizations, has been successful.
Withdrawal of the European Union from the Energy Charter Treaty: The EU follows many of its member states. This is a further step towards full withdrawal from the Treaty.
2. Commodity summit: The AK Rohstoff organizes the second civil society raw materials summit in order to once again provide a strong platform for civil society demands and voices from the Global South vis-à-vis decision-makers from politics and business.
2023
EU Mercosur: Together with more than 450 other NGOs, we have again prevented the signing of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement this year. The delay tactic is successful, the agreement is about to be terminated.
Critical Raw Materials Regulation (CRMA): The pressure from civil society has strengthened indigenous rights, clarified standards and increased recycling rates in the new European law.
Founding of the European Raw Materials Coalition: Ten years after the founding of AK Rohstoff, we founded the Raw Materials Coalition at European level together with more than 50 other civil society organisations, where PowerShift is represented on the Steering Committee.
2022
Germany's withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty: Our campaign to withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty is having an impact. Germany will withdraw from the contract in December 2022. Other countries will follow suit and shake the entire treaty.
Commodity summit: The AK Rohstoff organizes the first civil society raw materials summit and gives civil society demands a voice to decision-makers from politics and business.
2021
Supply Chain Act: PowerShift is committed to the Supply Chain Act initiative. In 2021, the Bundestag adopts the German Supply Chain Act. The law obliges companies to fulfil their responsibilities in the supply chain with regard to respect for internationally recognised human rights and certain environmental standards.
Bauxite mining in Guinea: Our bauxite mining campaign in Guinea generates public opinion and supports the local population to be heard. Their demand for a functioning infirmary and improvement of the drinking water supply is fulfilled.
2020
EU-Mercosur Agreement: The Walloon Regional Government calls on the Belgian Government not to ratify the agreement in its current form. In its decision, it refers to our study on the EU-Mercosur Agreement for the European Greens.
2019
European campaign against corporate litigation rights Our networking work pays off. Together with more than 150 European NGOs, we fight against corporate litigation rights and ensure that the topic remains in the public eye. 847,000 supporters sign our call and give their voice to the cause.
2017
Coal phase-out Berlin Our information and campaign work pays off: The Berlin Coal phase-out is decided by the Berlin Senate.
2016
TTIP Civil society is stopping the free trade agreement TTIP. Our research and educational work have made an important contribution to mobilization.
2015
Stop mad mining Our information and campaign work in the Stop Mad Mining network pays off: Finally, European mining companies are legally bound to human rights in the mining of gold, tantalum, tin and tungsten (Conflict Minerals Regulation).
2013
Working Group on Raw Materials AK Rohstoff will be based at PowerShift and civil society will have a strong voice in raw materials policy.
2012
inauguration PowerShift Office PowerShift e.V. moves into the House of Democracy in Berlin with its own office
What we stand for – Our values
At PowerShift e.V., we are clearly against any form of exclusion:
- Racism, sexism and discrimination based on poverty, social origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and physical ability are at odds with our core values and principles of human rights, dignity and social justice.
- We are aware that there are actually no non-dominant and non-discriminatory spaces. We see this as a permanent learning process and try to critically question our own privileges, hierarchies and power dynamics.
- We rely on the findings of science and clearly distance ourselves from anti-Enlightenment currents such as the lateral thinking movement, which spread conspiracy theories and misinformation.
Specific measures and commitments:
- No participation in males (panel on which only men sit as experts)
- As far as possible, no signing of press releases in which only men are quoted
- Observance of the checklist to avoid racism
- Signing of the Alliance's Call to Rise Against Racism
- Signature of the position paper "Leave no one behind! For a cosmopolitan, solidarity-based society”
- Own child protection code
- Support of Indivisible
- Our Netiquette on how to use social media
Our partners
