How a Giessen café became a 15-year beacon of activism and equality
Café Amélie has been a unique presence in Giessen for over 15 years. Located in the Trade Union High-Rise on Walltorstraße, the cooperative café was founded in 2007 by activists fighting tuition fees. Since then, it has grown into a hub for solidarity, free education, and political engagement.
The café began as a protest against rising education costs. Its founders wanted a space where people could learn, discuss, and organise without financial barriers. Over time, it expanded into a cooperative where every member has an equal say—regardless of their financial contribution.
Membership is open to anyone willing to invest at least €100 in shares within their first year. Each person gets one vote, ensuring decisions stay democratic. Profits don't go to individuals but are reinvested in projects that match the cooperative's values, chosen together in plenary meetings. The café hosts a wide range of events, from panel discussions and lectures to art exhibitions, film screenings, and live concerts. These activities reflect its core principles: anti-fascism, environmental protection, fair trade, and the emancipation of all people. Employees also earn the same minimum wage, reinforcing the commitment to equality. While Café Amélie operates independently of any labour union, its landlord is the DGB Youth organisation. Despite its influence, no similar political cooperative projects have emerged in other German cities.
Café Amélie remains a rare example of a self-managed space blending activism with everyday life. Its model—rooted in fairness, education, and collective decision-making—continues to shape Giessen's cultural and political scene. The cooperative's approach to work, profit, and community sets it apart in Germany's social landscape.
