Together we are strong
SH in Europe
Schleswig-Holstein is on the ground in Europe: with the Hanseatic Office, the joint representation of the federal states of Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg in Brussels. Such cooperation between two states is unique and a good example of successful North German collaboration.
The Hanseatic Office informs citizens about current EU policies, legislative procedures and funding programmes. Here, the representatives of the federal states work to ensure that the interests and concerns of northern Germany are heard in Europe. At the same time, the Hanseatic Office promotes the local locations through events, meetings and cultural events in Brussels.
In the current HansEUmschau you can find out what is currently relevant for the two federal states in Europe.
Schleswig-Holstein borders directly on EU member Denmark. This shared border and a friendship that has grown over decades connect Schleswig-Holstein and its neighbour to the north. Cooperation with Denmark is therefore an important political priority for the state of Schleswig-Holstein and has many different facets - from the economy to European policy and culture. The partnerships with the regions of Syddanmark and Sjælland (Zealand), the INTERREG project cooperation and the established cooperation at municipal level in the Sønderjylland-Schleswig region are just some examples of this.
Institutions
European Parliament
The European Parliament is the legislative body of the European Union, consisting of elected representatives of the Member States. It drafts EU laws, monitors the executive and influences political decisions. Delegates work in committees on specific topics. The European Parliament promotes European democracy and integration by representing citizens' interests and conducting important political debates.
HanseOffice
The Hanse-Office was founded in 1987 as an EU information office for Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein. It successfully represents the federal states at EU institutions and emphasises North German cooperation. Its tasks include providing information on EU policy, liaising with institutions and presenting the region at events. Co-operation with other regional offices strengthens European presence and regional growth, especially in the Baltic Sea region.
Cooperation between Schleswig-Holstein and Denmark
The German-Danish border region has a special place in German-Danish relations.
With the German-Danish Action Plan signed in August 2022, Germany, Denmark and Schleswig-Holstein have committed to promoting and further developing cross-border activities.’
Ausschuss der Region
The Ausschuss der Regionen (AdR) is an advisory institution whose members represent the interests of the regions and municipalities within the EU and incorporate them into European legislation. Its members also provide information on the content of EU policy in their regions. Its members are made up of elected representatives at regional and local level. The AdR thus plays a key mediating role between Europe's regions and European policy from Brussels and Strasbourg.
Eka von Kalben (Member)
