Delegation from the city visits Belgian Bocholt

An official delegation from the city of Bocholt visited the Belgian twin town of Bocholt from 15 to 17 May 2026. The focus was on the long-standing European partnership, discussions about joint projects and preparations for the 75th anniversary of this town twinning next year.

The Bocholt delegation included Mayor Christian Mangen, city councillors Bernhard Lübberdink, Stefan Schmeink and Martina Schmeink, as well as Sebastian Mertens, Chairman of the Suderwick 1919 e.V. civic shooting club. The group was accompanied by Petra Taubach, European Affairs Officer for the city of Bocholt. The mayor of the Belgian twin town of the same name, Stijn van Baelen, welcomed the guests together with representatives of the "Gemeente" Bocholt. The programme included visits to the Martens brewery in Kaulille, a nature walk through the Abeek valley, a tour of the restored church in Reppel and a visit to the Sezoensrally.

Gennadii Lebid, Mayor of the Ukrainian solidarity partner city of Verkhniodniprovsk, also took part in the current visit. As a sign of solidarity, the city of Bocholt and the municipality of Bocholt presented a gift of money to support young people in Ukraine. "Even in difficult times, it shows what European partnership means: standing up for each other, building bridges and making concrete help possible", said Mayor Christian Mangen.

The discussions also centred on ideas for the anniversary year 2027, when the partnership between Bocholt in Germany and Bocholt in Belgium will be 75 years old. Meetings around 1 May 2027 in Bocholt as part of the Europe Weeks were discussed as a possible kick-off. Mayor Stijn van Baelen emphasised: "Our partnership thrives on personal encounters, trust and shared European values. The 75th anniversary is an opportunity for us to visibly celebrate this friendship and at the same time provide new impetus for the future."