"dealing with each other "
The motto for the 27th International Hanse Convention 2007 in Lippstadt
Dear hanseatic friends!
Together with ten thousands of guests we celebrated and enjoyed the 27th International Hanse Convention from 10th – 13th of May 2007. People from 15 different nations have celebrated, discussed, chanted, danced and laughed together. Lippstadt’s citizens have opened their homes and hearts; they have provided their beds and shown an impressive engagement. The salary for this was unpayable. Happiness, gratefulness and real friendship cross all boarders.
Europe was meeting in Lippstadt. The cultural groups, musicians and singers, dancers and craftsmen, artists and economic, trade and politic referents have been great hanseatic ambassadors who vitalised and provided a wonderful flair in the whole city.
The jointly cooperation shaped an unforgettable milestone in the history of our city and a party of friendship which we all will remember with great pleasure.
We have been glad and proud to be host of the 27th International Hanse Convention 2007 and it was a special pleasure to experience the great hanseatic zest for life.
We hope to see you again safe and sound in Salzwedel. Lippstadt says:
Thank you!
Christof Sommer Dr. Heinz Günther Focken Carmen Harms
Mayor First Chairman of the KWL Kultur und
Hansa Society Lippstadt Werbung Lippstadt GmbH
Dear Guests of the 27th International Hanse Convention 2007,
Dear Residents of Lippstadt,
Europe needs trade, Europe needs togetherness and people who stand up for it. That’s why it is a particular pleasure and honour for me to become patron of the 27th International Hanse Convention 2007 in Lippstadt, which is being organised under the motto “dealing with each other“: from 10th to 13th May 2007 Lippstadt will be the location of many European encounters, at cultural, economic and political level, between partners and friends.
The International Hanse Convention has developed into an excellent forum for establishing new relationships, for the transfer of knowledge and cultural exchange. In the process, the flourishing town network of the NEW HANSEATIC LEAGUE thrives on its own dynamics, its civil commitment, its wealth of ideas and the enthusiasm of everyone involved.
Every International Hanse Convention is something special. In presenting and organising this European festival of encounters, not size nor the number of residents of the host city is key but solely their creative potential. With the economic forum and the Hanse Art Project which will be celebrating their premiere in Lippstadt, backed by a comprehensive programme of events and the varied and special activities of the Hanse Convention, Lippstadt has shown already in the run-up that this festival ranks as one of the trump cards of the Hanse Family.
I am very much looking forward to getting to know Lippstadt and its guests during the 27th International Hanse Convention und wish the event and its organisers every success.
Günter Verheugen
Vice President of the European Commission
As a cross-Europe trading co-operation, the Hanseatic League has secured the European exchange of goods, ideas and culture and as such the Hanseatic Cities exerted a major influence within Europe. Thus, the Hanseatic League not only represents an historical opportunity for the cities but points to topics and developments that are more current than ever: through the political balance between the different economic interests of the cities and regions, it has secured the future of the entire community with lasting effect – and as such already during the Middle Ages was a living example of the European unification process.
Today’s Hanseatic League brings numerous formerly allied towns and cities back together again. We have made it our aim, through joint action and collaborations, to keep alive the spirit of the Hanse as a lively and cultural community and to breathe new life into the once flourishing trade relations between east and west – to the benefit of all.
Bernd Saxe
President of the Hanseatic League
Mayor of the Hanse City Lübeck
