Over the last weekend of May, the village of Esch (NL) turned into a true European meeting point as part of the 60th edition of their traditional Bierpompfeest!
Thanks to our Dutch local partners Friends of Europe Esch, young people from 8 different Charter towns came together for a joyful and meaningful celebration — filled with culture, connection, and community spirit.
From Roman-themed walks and local brunches to market stalls where our youth shared their countries’ traditions, every moment reflected the Charter’s mission: connecting rural Europe through its people.
Friday brought Dutch traditions to life with a visit to the Willebrordus Guild and some friendly sports competitions, while Saturday added a creative twist with clog painting and canoeing down the Essche Stream.
The weekend wrapped up with a lively BBQ and karaoke evening — the perfect ending to a cross-border celebration of friendship and togetherness.
A huge thank you to all the host families, volunteers, and the young delegates who made this event unforgettable. This is what the Charter is all about: celebrating what unites us.
