Education

The Danish and German partners of the Fehmarn Belt Committee are stepping up their efforts to create a stronger and more integrated Fehmarn Belt Region ahead of the opening of the fixed Fehmarn Belt link.

With a focus on the economy, labour market, healthcare, tourism, schools, culture and education, the Committee plans to establish a number of working groups consisting of Danish and German representatives from politics, business and educational institutions.

The first of these groups, “Culture – Education – Schools”, has already begun its work.

Building an Integrated Danish-German Region
The Fehmarn Belt Committee was established in 2009 and today consists of 32 members. In addition to politicians, its members include representatives from business, the labour market, culture and tourism.

The chairmanship alternates between Denmark and Germany and is held this year by District Administrator (Landrat) Timo Gaarz of Ostholstein District.

“With these working groups, we are taking the next step in developing a shared Danish-German growth and cooperation area. The goal is to create projects and activities that strengthen integration and ensure that we achieve the greatest possible benefits from the future fixed Fehmarn Belt link,” says Timo Gaarz.

He also welcomes the strong support from experts and institutions on both sides of the border.

“It is essential that people with practical experience and professional expertise become actively involved in this work. This provides the best possible foundation for achieving results that make a real difference for the region’s citizens and businesses,” says Timo Gaarz.

First Working Group Underway
Twelve representatives from primary schools, upper secondary schools, vocational colleges, language schools and music schools in Denmark and Germany make up the working group “Culture – Education – Schools”.

The group’s objective is to ensure Danish-German cooperation from primary education through vocational and higher education to adult learning.

“Cross-border cooperation does not happen by itself. It requires committed people who establish contacts, develop projects and see activities through to completion. Teachers, lecturers and staff at educational institutions therefore play a crucial role in the success of this cooperation,” says Dorothee Schönfeldt, Project Coordinator at Femern Belt Development and Danish Secretary of the Fehmarn Belt Committee. On the German side, this role is carried out by Ostholstein District.

In the longer term, the aim is to make it possible for young people and adults in the region to study, work and cooperate across the border.

“When more people gain experience of the neighbouring country, use the language in practice and get to know one another better, it strengthens educational opportunities, the labour market and a shared regional identity,” says Dorothee Schönfeldt.

Roskilde University (RUC) and Christian Albrechts University of Kiel are now launching a two-year master’s program, the "Double Master's Degree in Business Administration." Students will complete the program partly in Roskilde and partly in Kiel, working on projects with fellow students from both universities. Through project work and coursework, students will learn to identify opportunities and challenges in business management, particularly in collaborations between Danish and German companies, authorities, and organizations.

The program awards students a master’s degree from both Roskilde University and Christian Albrechts University of Kiel.

International Business Collaborations
The forthcoming Fehmarn Belt connection is the backdrop for this Danish-German educational collaboration. This connection necessitates new knowledge, increased cooperation, and innovation on both sides of the border. This educational program provides students with a unique opportunity to study international business collaborations, both in the Fehmarn region and in other regions in Denmark and Germany.

In-depth Knowledge of Danish-German Collaboration
Students enrolled at RUC begin their first semester in Roskilde. The second semester takes place in Kiel, where they meet German students and undertake a project together over the following two semesters.

"The advantage for students in this program is that they gain in-depth knowledge of Danish-German collaboration and business culture in both countries. Germany is Denmark's largest export market, and there is high demand for professionals with expertise in this area," says Associate Professor Margit Neisig, RUC, in a press release.

Program Conducted in English
It is not necessary to know German to complete the new program, as it is conducted in English. However, there is an option to take German language courses alongside the studies.

"With this program, Roskilde University emphasizes that we are the region's university. Region Zealand is focused on developing Danish-German cooperation, as the Fehmarn connection will transform us into a border region with significantly closer ties to Germany. This can boost the entire area," says Associate Professor Margit Neisig, RUC.

The double master’s degree program will be launched in the autumn of 2024.