HANSE-OFFICE

History of the Hanse-Office

The Hanse-Office was set-up as the first regional office in the EU by the city of Hamburg and was joined by Schleswig-Holstein in 1987. Set up as early as 1985 as an information desk of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, the Hanse-Office emerged in 1987 as the first regional office in the EU. It is a joint representation of the states of Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein to the EU. Temporarily also representing the state of Lower Saxony, the Hanse-Office has since successfully represented the interests of both states tothe European institutions. The successful collaboration between the two states in Brussels is unique and an example of a thriving Northern German cooperation.

Our tasks

The tasks include providing up-to-date information about current EU political affairs, legislative procedures and political developments in Europe. We have an extensive network of contacts in the European institutions, especially the European Commission, the European Parliament  and the Permanent Representation of the Federal Republic of Germany. Our excellent contacts enable us to incorporate the interests of Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein in the decision-making process on the European level early on.

In addition, we actively promote our regions by presenting the diversity of both states through events, conferences and cultural activities in Brussels. We maintain close ties with other regional offices in Brussels, especially with other Northern German states as well as the entire Baltic Sea region. By representing common interests and through joint activities, we are strong on a European level and contribute to an ever-closer integration of our region.