Mayor Bovenschulte shows impressive EU funding projects in Bremen!

Mayor Bovenschulte shows impressive EU funding projects in Bremen!

On June 25, 2025, Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte had the opportunity to visit three important institutions in Bremen: Hoppenbank e.V., the Helmut Schmidt School and the Transfer Center for Artificial Intelligence Bremen AI. The aim of this tour was to show citizens how EU funding actually works in Bremen and improves the living environment of those affected there.

Particularly noteworthy is the Hoppenbank e.V. project 'Integration Coaching Work and Health', which makes it easier for people to make a new start after prison. In Bremen, this project offers individual support around the clock in areas such as career advice, health care and finding accommodation. The whole thing is made possible by the European Social Fund and the state of Bremen, which shows that such initiatives have strong financial backing. Interestingly, even prisoners can take part in certain offers, which further increases inclusion and integration. Further information about this valuable project can be found on the [Hoppenbank] website (https://hoppenbank.info/projekte/integrationscoaching-arbeit-gesundheit/).

Education as key

The Helmut Schmidt School, as a certified European school with an international focus, focuses on practical learning experiences. Through school partnerships with institutions in the Netherlands, Slovakia and Norway, the school integrates European themes into its lessons. A special highlight are the mobile-supported learning stays abroad as part of the Erasmus+ program. Mayor Bovenschulte emphasized that such initiatives are particularly important in order to not only impart theoretical knowledge to students, but also to give them the opportunity to gain international experience.

Artificial intelligence for SMEs

Another stop took Bovenschulte to the transfer center for artificial intelligence Bremen AI, which focuses on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Transfer4KMU project increases networking and facilitates access to artificial intelligence technologies. The aim is to reduce fears of contact and to develop marketable application scenarios. EU funding also plays a key role here, as it enables the implementation of such forward-looking projects.

But what about the inclusion of people with disabilities in this context? Around 87 million people in the EU live with long-term physical or mental impairments. Access to events, work or information is often difficult. Therefore, the EU plays an active role in improving the quality of life of these people. This is done through wide-ranging strategies set out in the “Disability Rights Strategy 2021-2030”. The goal? To create equal opportunities in different areas of life.

Conclusion

The mayor's visit once again made clear how important the EU's support is for Bremen. Institutions such as Hoppenbank e.V., the Helmut Schmidt School and the Transfer Center for Artificial Intelligence are taking innovative approaches to improving the realities of life for many people and promoting integration. The role of the EU should not be underestimated in this context - it actively works to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their background or abilities, have equal opportunities in social life.

For further information about the EU initiatives and the quality of life of people with disabilities, we refer to the detailed information from the Federal Government, which deals intensively with the topic.