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This weekend, Berlin is firmly in the hands of the honorary consuls. The Association of Honorary Consuls from all sending states in Germany holds its annual meeting in the capital.

The members of Corps Consulaire e.V. (CCD) are discussing a current topic this time. Last year's annual meeting in Munich was more general about strengthening the reputation of honorary consuls and making their work more visible. Another aim was to highlight the importance of the association as a platform for supraregional exchange, a source of information, and a mouthpiece to the outside world.

Discussion on maximum age

This time, however, the focus is specifically on guidelines for term limits and age limits for honorary consuls. Should the duration of the honorary position be limited for a country of assignment? Should there be a maximum age? The German Consular Act (KonsG), which regulates the appointment of honorary consular officials, does not specify a minimum or maximum age. Participants will discuss this issue with their German colleagues this weekend, but also in a European context.

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Schengen visas as an ongoing issue

Another ongoing issue that honorary consuls have to deal with is the slow issuance of Schengen visas. Here, many would like more efficient procedures for sending states. This is to be promoted through talks with the Federal Foreign Office and with members of the German Bundestag.

What is the CCD?

The CCD is the consular association with the highest number of members in Europe. Its members are honorary consuls and honorary consuls general; career consuls can only become guest members.

The association is led by a presidium, which is supported by advisory boards from the various federal states. The current president is Prof. Dr. Roderich Thümmel, lawyer and long-standing Honorary Consul of the Republic of Iceland in the federal states of Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland.

The CCD is a respected interlocutor for the protocol departments of the federal states, but also vis-à-vis municipalities in the administrative districts and administrative bodies. At federal level, it is the point of contact with the Federal Foreign Office and other institutions.

What does the CCD do?

The CCD represents the interests of honorary consuls vis-à-vis public institutions and organizations at federal level. The association is committed to upholding and maintaining the rights and duties of honorary consuls, which were adopted in 1963 for all signature states in the “Vienna Convention on Consular Relations”. The CCD also represents the social, economic and cultural commitment of honorary consuls and their charitable projects in their sending states.

Consulates closed for cost reasons

Especially since more and more consulates are being closed for cost reasons, honorary consuls increasingly see themselves as modern service providers for their countries of assignment. The cost-cutting measures at full-time consulates are leading to an increase in the number of honorary consular representations.

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There are now more honorary consular representations in Germany than embassies and consulates general. As a result of this development, honorary consuls are playing an increasingly important role as a pillar of diplomacy.

How do you become an honorary consul?

In principle, Germany allows honorary consular missions. Establishing them is a discretionary political decision. It is based in particular on the principle of reciprocity and factual necessity in individual cases.

Before appointing an honorary consul, the sending state assures itself by means of a preliminary enquiry that the Federal Republic of Germany is prepared to admit the person.

The preliminary request is made in the form of a note verbally, which should contain at least the following information:

• Name, date of birth and place of birth of the candida

• Consular district

• Explanation of the need for honorary consular representation

• Address of the intended honorary consular representation

• Private address of the candidate

The verbal note must be accompanied by a curriculum vitae of the candidate in German.

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