On 2 July 2026, our cultural and debate venue Werkraum Schöpflin in Lörrach once again took centre stage – this time as the setting for the presentation of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany to 13 people from southern Baden in recognition of their commitment. The ceremony marked the conclusion of the 19th »Ortszeit Deutschland«, during which the Federal President regularly relocates his official residence to different parts of Germany to meet and engage in dialogue with people on the ground. During a visit to the Schöpflin Foundation campus, the Federal President, together with Manuel Hagel, Deputy Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg, learned more about the work of the Schöpflin Foundation.

At Werkraum Schöpflin, the Federal President honoured people who are involved in areas including mountain rescue, integration, local politics and culture. In his speech, he praised their commitment as an example of social cohesion. »You take responsibility, you get involved, you care for others. You take part – and you inspire others to do the same,« said Steinmeier. The Order of Merit is an expression of gratitude to people who see responsibility not as an exception, but as a natural part of their everyday lives.

In his speech, the Federal President also emphasised the importance of places that enable people to meet and engage in social exchange. »If we want to stick together, we first have to come together,« said Steinmeier. He referred to Werkraum Schöpflin as a place »that gives space to these ideas and new impulses for society«. This idea of »placemaking« is a fundamental principle of our work: creating spaces where people can engage in dialogue, where new things emerge from different perspectives, and where social change can happen.