Berlin, 28 May 2026 — The New European People’s Forum (NEPF) held its Founding Assembly today, marking the formal completion of the organization’s re-establishment and re-registration process, with its new headquarters now officially located in Berlin.

The Founding Assembly, held online and chaired by Dr. Wolfgang Ressmann, confirmed the organizational, legal, and governance framework of NEPF under its renewed structure. The Assembly adopted the Articles of Association (Satzung), confirmed the registered seat of the organization in Berlin, and completed the election and confirmation of the organization’s leadership.

The Assembly elected the following leadership:

Dr. Wolfgang Ressmann – Chairperson
Lina Kushch – Deputy Chairperson
Xhabir Deralla – Secretary General
Dr. Eglė Čėlėšienė – Protocol and Institutional Coordination
Roger Casale – Treasurer

The meeting also addressed key administrative and operational matters, including legal representation, banking authorization, and further registration procedures, ensuring that NEPF can enter its new phase with a clear and functional governance structure.

However, the Founding Assembly was not only an administrative milestone. It was also a moment of reflection, shared commitment, and renewed vision for Europe.

Roger Casale, one of the founders of NEPF, addressed the Assembly and reiterated the organization’s programmatic and strategic orientation. Referring to NEPF’s core motto, “Shaping Europe from Ground Up,” he emphasized the importance of participatory democracy, civic engagement, and the defense of European values at a time when democracy faces growing pressure across the continent and beyond.

Dr. Wolfgang Ressmann, newly elected Chairperson of NEPF, presented a forward-looking vision for the organization’s future work, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation among citizens, civil society organizations, democratic actors, and communities across Europe. He underlined that NEPF’s renewed structure in Berlin provides a strong basis for expanding its role as a European platform for dialogue, participation, and practical democratic action, committed to an inclusive, resilient, and citizen-driven Europe.

The newly elected Deputy Chairperson, Lina Kushch from Ukraine, thanked the Assembly for the confidence placed in her and expressed appreciation for NEPF’s continued solidarity with Ukraine. She underlined that Ukraine’s struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and democracy is inseparable from the wider European democratic project, and welcomed NEPF’s commitment to civic participation, European values, and cross-border solidarity.

Participants shared thoughts on NEPF’s role in advancing a common European vision rooted in democracy, human rights, civic participation, solidarity, and people-centered progress.

With the successful completion of the re-establishment process, NEPF enters a new phase of development as a Berlin-based European civic platform committed to supporting participatory democracy, democratic innovation, civic engagement, and cooperation across borders.

Under the guiding ideas “People. Purpose. Progress.” and “Shaping Europe from Ground Up,” NEPF will continue to bring together individuals, organizations, and initiatives dedicated to building a more democratic, inclusive, resilient, and citizen-driven Europe.

New European People’s Forum

Media contacts:

Dr. Wolfgang Ressmann
nepf@ressmann.de

Xhabir Deralla
deralla@civil.mk