Kerstin Erkens and Eric Groters at the counter — *© Stadt Bocholt*

Co-organiser Lex Schellevis, deputy mayor Kerstin Erkens and Aalten alderman Eric Groters at the welcoming ceremony — *© Esther Nederlof*

13. May 2026Europe/International Projects

Freedom meal in Dinxperlo brings people together across borders

Conversations about freedom over drinks and freedom soup

The cross-border organised freedom meal can almost be described as a tradition. It was organised for the fourth time by a German-Dutch team. The ADFC was also involved this year and offered three cycle tours to the freedom meal, in which almost 50 people took part.

Around 200 visitors from Dinxperlo, Suderwick and the surrounding area came together on Tuesday evening to celebrate the Freedom Meal in Dinxperlo. For the fourth time, the Dutch-German organisation team invited people to focus on the importance of peace, freedom and good neighbourliness over soup, bread and conversation.

In their welcoming addresses, the deputy mayor of Bocholt, Kerstin Erkens, and the alderman of Aalten, Eric Groters, emphasised the special importance of cross-border cooperation in the shared border town of Dinxperwick. Especially in a time of global crises and conflicts, the close co-operation between Germans and Dutch is an important sign of understanding, cohesion and friendship across borders.

The guests quickly got talking to each other at the festively laid tables. Dutch and Germans engaged in lively discussions about peace and freedom, but also about everyday topics. The open atmosphere and the many personal encounters made it clear once again how natural living together on both sides of the border has become - 81 years after the end of the Second World War.

Pianist Peter Zandbergen provided the appropriate musical accompaniment with atmospheric background music. This year's Freedom Soup was served according to a recipe by the well-known Dutch chef and TV presenter Janny van der Heijden. The white soup, based on white beans, ginger and coconut milk, could be customised with various ingredients, providing additional topics of conversation at the tables.

The Freedom Meal was organised by the Dinxperwick Citizens' Initiative, DinXperience, the Grensland Museum and committed citizens. The Freedom Supper 2026 is made possible by the Germany-Nederland Interreg programme and its programme partners and co-financed by the European Union (EU).