2025 was the year in which we marked 80 years of freedom following the Second World War. The Interreg Deutschland-Nederland Small Projects Fund and the Euregio Rhine-Waal itself supported a large number of initiatives in their working area centred on this theme during the years 2024–2025.
Within the Interreg Deutschland-Nederland Small Projects Fund of the Euregio Rhine-Waal, 24 mini-projects and 8 small projects were subsidised. In addition, the Euregio Rhine-Waal supported a further 36 projects using its own funds. The following examples illustrate this:
During an annual commemorative gathering, attention was paid to the Rhine Offensive, which caused great devastation in the border region and forced many residents to flee, but at the same time marked the beginning of the end of the war. Following the return in the spring of 1945, joint reconstruction efforts began, with the former hostilities between the Dutch and German populations quickly fading, in contrast to other parts of the Netherlands. The commemoration was attended by international guests from Canada, England and the US, as well as representatives from German border municipalities. The public was informed via local newspapers, and pupils from Year 8 of the Adelbrecht/Windekind primary school were given thematic preparation in advance and actively involved in the event.
80 years after the liberation from Nazism, the town of Rees, together with its partners the Comité Leefbaarheid Megchelen, Stichting De Moezeköttel, werkgroep Opdat Wij Niet Vergeten, the Oudheidkundige Vereniging Gemeente Gendringen, the Reeser Geschichtsverein RESSA 1987 e. V. and the Verkehrs- und Verschönerungsverein Rees e.V., commemorated the importance of freedom and a shared history. For the first time in 80 years, a cross-border, multifaceted programme for all generations was developed. From 26 January to 8 May 2025, 17 free events took place in the German-Dutch border region, including commemorations, cultural activities such as film and book presentations, exhibitions, workshops and excursions. The aim was to strengthen historical awareness and deepen cross-border contacts, particularly against the backdrop of current developments in global politics.
On 29 November 2025, ten short films by pupils from class Q2 at the Gesamtschule Am Lauerhaas premiered at the 8th Niederrhein Film Festival. Under the guidance of director Zuniel Kim, they filmed scenes from Paul Glaser’s book ‘Die Tänzerin von Auschwitz’, inspired by the life story of Roosje Glaser. The project strengthened a long-standing collaboration between the school, the festival and Paul Glaser. The films combine historical events with modern, experimental visual and audio concepts, focusing in particular on survival and education about democracy. In the ensuing discussion, it was emphasised how relevant these themes are today. The film adaptations were diverse, ranging from historical material to personal, contemporary footage shot by the young people. Paul Glaser concluded by underlining the importance of continuing to screen these films and passing on the story.
In the years 2029–2030, the Euregio Rhine-Waal will undoubtedly launch a similar initiative to mark the 85th anniversary of the liberation. Cross-border activities are, in principle, always welcome. For further questions about the project or funding opportunities under the small projects fund, please contact Ms Arntz. Further information can be found at www.euregio.org.
