Hanover has signed a memorandum affirming its support for Rouen’s bid to be named European Capital of Culture 2028.
On 12 October 2022, a Rouen delegation was in Hanover to sign a memorandum with the German city. The document sets out the framework for increased dialogue and cooperation between the two cities, most especially as part of the Rouen Seine Normande 2028 bid for the title of European Capital of Culture. It explicitly cites Hanover’s support for Rouen Seine Normande 2028, European Capital of Culture.
Konstanze Beckedorf, Culture Department Director for the City of Hanover, described the importance this signing holds for her and her city: “We are facing serious crises, making it crucial for us to strengthen our relationships in Europe. We support you in your bid for 2028. We have gone through this experience ourselves and, although we did not earn the title, we were still winners, because the bid (2025) gave us a new approach to culture, which has contributed decisively to the city’s unity, to stronger ties with Europe. Our two cities aspire to peace, to tackling climate change. We therefore stand with you and this, too, is the meaning of the memorandum we are signing.”
Sileymane Sow, Deputy Mayor of Rouen who oversees the economy, trade, attractiveness, and international relations, represented the aspiring ECOC city and had this to say: “I am thrilled about this important signing occasion and I know it will strengthen ties, old and new, between our two cities.”
This signature is the culmination of a lengthy period of work with Hanover, as with other European cities.
