European commitment

Rodgau, as a "small part" in the heart of a large Europe, is committed beyond its partnerships.


The Europa Foyer

The Europa Foyer with its permanent exhibition in the town hall shows the connections between the town of Rodgau and its twin towns. In showcases, on the walls and on a map of Europe. The exhibition tells of encounters, joint projects and the cultural facets of the long-standing partnerships.

Guest gifts, memorabilia, photographs and impressions from

  • Nieuwpoort (Belgium)
  • Hainburg an der Donau (Austria)
  • Puiseaux (France)
  • Donja Stubica (Croatia)

The Europa Foyer is a visible sign of cosmopolitanism and Rodgau's commitment to European values such as cohesion, freedom and the rule of law. Visitors are given an insight into the history of town twinning. Anyone interested is invited to view the exhibits and be inspired by the pictures and stories of the twin towns.

The exhibition is freely accessible during the opening hours of the Citizens' Service Centre. Please send questions and suggestions to kultur@rodgau.de.

 


Europe Day

The Europe Days (5 and 9 May) commemorate the founding of the Council of Europe and the "Schumann Declaration", the cornerstone of today's European Union. Since 1986, festivals and events have been organised around these days throughout Europe.

In times when borders are being raised, we want to live solidarity. In times when exchanges cannot take place, we find ways to maintain friendship with one another. Because these are precisely the values that form the foundation for Europe and that we as a community carry within us. The town of Rodgau has always celebrated Europe Day in recent years.

2024 - 50 years of town twinning with Hainburg a.d. Donau (Austria) and Puiseaux (France)

2025 - 50 years of town twinning with Nieuwpoort (Belgium)

2026 - Ceremony with EU on Tour exhibition 

On 9 May 2026, the city invited all interested citizens to a small celebration in the redesigned Europa Foyer of the town hall.

In 2024 and 2025, the celebrations were combined with the town twinning anniversaries and the connection across Europe was strengthened with guests from our twin towns.

Group of eight people on stage at the town twinning ceremony, the third from the right is Max Breitenbach, several are holding certificates in their hands


On the picture from the left:

  • Hans-Peter Hermann (Chairman of the Rodgau Nieder-Roden and Hainburg a.d.D. town twinning working group)
  • Andreas Spott (Chairman of the twinning association Rodgau /Nieder-Roden - Puiseaux e.V.)
  • Karin Müller (State Secretary for Federal and European Affairs)
  • Alain Nebout (Councillor of the City of Puiseaux)
  • Dominique Lousieau (Chairwoman of the Association de jumelage de villes Puiseaux)
  • Max Breitenbach (Mayor of the City of Rodgau)
  • Johannes Gumprecht (City Councillor of the City of Hainburg a.d.D.)
  • Nikola Gospočić (Mayor of the town of Donja Stubica)



The Europe Prize

The Europe Prize (also known as the "Council of Europe Prize for Europe" or "Plaque of Honour") is an award of the Council of Europe. It is awarded to cities and municipalities that are particularly committed to European unification and exchange between the citizens of Europe.

General information

  • Introduced: 1955 by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
  • Objective: To promote the European idea and international understanding
  • Awarded by the Council of Europe, more precisely the Parliamentary Assembly
  • A special jury made up of members of the Assembly selects the award winners

Price gradations

The Europe Prize is part of a tier system that honours commitment to Europe in four ascending levels:

  1. Europadiplom
    - First recognition level
    - For first efforts in European exchange
  2. Flag of Honour of the Council of Europe
    - For continued commitment
  3. Badge of Honour of the Council of Europe
    - For outstanding achievements in European partnership
  4. European Prize (highest honour)
    - Awarded annually to one or two cities in Europe
    - For particularly far-reaching and sustainable European activities

Rodgau has recently been awarded both the European Diploma and the Council of Europe's Flag of Honour.

On the stage, from left to right, are former First Councillor Schüssler, Pierre-Alain Fridez, member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Mayor Breitenbach and Chairman of the City Council Kaiser, with the flag of honour and the flag with the Rodgau coat of arms in the background.
From left: former First City Councillor Schüssler, Pierre-Alain Fridez, member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Mayor Breitenbach and Chairman of the City Council Kaiser.


Why is the price important?

  • Promotes European cooperation at local level
  • Honours the commitment of citizens to a united Europe
  • Bringing European values to life in everyday life

The city of Rodgau has already received the second stage of the European Award in 2022.

The flag of honour was handed over on 16.10.2022 in the Dudenhofen community centre. This handover was celebrated together with many citizens of the town.