Position of THE HANSA on the Russian War of Aggression

The decision was taken in the context of the approval of an updated position paper, in which the Union of Cities THE HANSA declare its position regarding the Hanseatic cities in Russia and Belarus.

The withdawal is due to Russia's unprovoked war of aggression and large-scale invasion in Ukraine, which has been going on for more than three years. The Union of Cities THE HANSA stands for a united and peaceful Europe based on democratic values, cooperation across borders and international understanding. As long as there is no peace, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine are not fully re-established, THE HANSA does not see a basis for any cooperation with the Russian and Belarusian Hanseatic cities.

The withdrawal of the International Hanseatic Days does not entail the exclusion from the Union of Cities THE HANSA. Although any participation of Russian and Belarusian cities in the activities and events of the union has been suspended since the beginning of the war, the cities remain members of THE HANSA.