2,500 visitors had been expected – as many people came from all over Germany and other European Countries to the Federal Congress at the AWD Dome in Bremen. The 11th Federal Congress was the largest congress in the history of BAG WfbM.

Günter Mosen opened the congress with a sweeping speech themed “Putting People First – Future, Opportunity, Work”. As a major representative of the German economy, Norbert Walter (Deutsche Bank) spoke about the ethical relationships between corporate finance, employment and unemployment. Götz Werner, founder of “dm - chemist’s shops”, presented his concept of the unconditional basic income. On the evening of the first congress day, the Senate of the City of Bremen had invited to a reception at the Old Town Hall.

On the second congress day, participants were offered 80 lectures. Though varying in attendance, most of them met the interest of the participants. The Thursday evening was marked by two cultural events: Pago Balke enthused nearly 400 enthusiastic guests. Most participants enjoyed the cheerful evening in the pavilion with the band “Squeeze”, which filled the dance floor within minutes.

On Friday, Professor Paul Kirchhof delivered a stirring speech themed "Man Between Human Dignity and Legal Claim." He was followed by the welcome address of the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Mechtild Rothe, who spoke about the common challenges in Europe. The congress closed with Günter Mosen’s keynote address "Structural Employment - the Social Labour Market".

During the congress, numerous media representatives were constantly present. The Board and BAG WfbM office are grateful for the extensive positive feedback on the event, its organisation and its content.