Fehmarnbelt Days 2025: BSR Cultural Pearls Celebrates Democracy and German-Scandinavian Friendship
From June 14 to 16, 2025, the Fehmarnbelt Days took place in Lübeck (DE). At the citizens’ festival on June 14 and 15, the BSR Cultural Pearls project was represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Areas, European Affairs and Consumer Protection (MLLEV) of Land Schleswig-Holstein. In addition to companies, associations, and sports clubs, numerous other initiatives presented themselves. Visitors enjoyed a rich program of live music, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. Under perfect weather conditions, the BSR Cultural Pearls project also offered a diverse range of cultural activities and participatory experiences.
On Saturday morning, visitors were invited to draw their favorite places on a large map of the Fehmarnbelt region, with support from artist Volker Sponholz. These entries sparked many conversations about beloved ice cream parlors, summer houses, or North Sea islands. It became clear that favorite places are often those where we feel a sense of belonging, enjoy good company, or engage in meaningful cultural activities.
At 15:00 CET, the project hosted a panel discussion titled “Culture Creates Connection”. The guest speakers – Barbara Gessler (Head of the European Commission Representation in Berlin), Anne Riecke (Cultural Policy Spokesperson of the FDP), Anette Röttger (Cultural Policy Spokesperson of the CDU), and Julia Pfannkuch (Spokesperson of the Cultural Policy Society of Schleswig-Holstein) – brought together regional and European perspectives in a dynamic exchange. Together, they explored how culture can be used as a resource to strengthen communities, connect people, and create spaces for dialogue and participation.
In the afternoon, the MeerManege brought along circus equipment and invited visitors to take part in activities such as juggling, plate-spinning, and other fun circus skills – much to the audience’s delight. In addition, the team provided insights into their approach to education for sustainable development.
The city of Helsingborg (SE) – Cultural Pearl 2025 – joined the event and brought along the award-winning Swedish choir “Pearls of the Sound”, which captivated the audience with two energetic and engaging performances.
Despite a sudden downpour, another panel took place at 17:00 CET on Sunday. This time the discussion featured Ulf Kämpfer, Mayor of the City of Kiel, and Kaarina Williams, Deputy Head of the Baltic Sea Department at the Ministry of European Affairs of Schleswig-Holstein and Coordinator for the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region’s cultural policy. Kiel had held the Cultural Pearl title in 2024. The central message of the conversation: culture is not merely decorative – it is a vital resource. A powerful force that can unite and strengthen communities, especially in uncertain times.
The next Fehmarnbelt Days will take place in 2027 and will be hosted by the city of Helsingborg.
