Angela Merkel and EU Council President António Costa Highlight EU Sovereignty at Hamburg’s Matthiae-Mahl
Hamburg, March 7, 2026 – Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU Council President António Costa were the distinguished guests at the traditional Matthiae-Mahl in Hamburg’s City Hall on Friday evening. Hamburg’s Mayor Peter Tschentscher (SPD) used his opening speech to criticize the customs policy of US President Trump, setting a tone for discussions on international relations and trade.
The Matthiae-Mahl, celebrated since 1356, is considered the oldest still-observed banquet in the world, a testament to Hamburg’s rich history and its enduring commitment to fostering connections. This year’s event, held on March 7, underscored Hamburg’s role as a global trading hub.
Merkel’s Third Appearance at the Historic Banquet
Angela Merkel, a Hamburg native, was welcomed by Mayor Tschentscher on the Senate staircase before signing the city’s Golden Book. This marks her third attendance as a guest of honor at the Matthiae-Mahl, having previously participated in 2009 and 2016. Her presence highlighted the event’s continued significance in European political discourse.
Focus on European Union Sovereignty in a Changing World
The central theme of the 2026 Matthiae-Mahl was “The Sovereignty of the European Union in a Geopolitical Turning Point.” Despite having stepped down as Chancellor four years prior, Merkel’s expertise in European politics remains highly valued. In her address, she emphasized the necessity for Europe to take its destiny into its own hands, particularly in light of the United States’ approach to international organizations.
Merkel warned against the weakening and questioning of international bodies like the United Nations by the US, stating, “The previous order of cooperation is being replaced by an order in which the law of the stronger, rather than the strength of the law, increasingly prevails.”
Costa Echoes Call for Rules-Based World Order
EU Council President António Costa, who assumed his role in December 2024, reinforced Merkel’s message. Costa, a proponent of European defense capabilities, delivered a more direct speech, advocating for a rules-based world order. “The alternative to these rules is chaos and violence,” Costa asserted, adding that violations of international law could not be accepted, whether in Ukraine, Greenland, South America, Africa, or Gaza.
Hamburg Advocates for Free Trade Amidst Challenges
Addressing the approximately 400 guests, Mayor Tschentscher highlighted Hamburg’s historical ties to international trade and its support for EU free trade agreements. He noted that Hamburg’s economy experienced a significant downturn in exports to the US during the first three quarters of 2025, a consequence of the new US administration’s customs restrictions, with a drop of over 60 percent.
However, Tschentscher affirmed Hamburg’s resilience, stating that the city’s economy successfully diversified its foreign trade by exploring new markets and strengthening partnerships beyond China and the US. “We are able to diversify our foreign trade through new trade agreements and open up new markets and strong partners alongside China and the USA,” he explained.
The Matthiae-Mahl 2026 in Numbers
The intricate preparations for the Matthiae-Mahl underscore the event’s grandeur and historical significance. Key figures from the 2026 event include:
- 2 people spent a work week polishing the Senate’s silver.
- 25 police cadets served in old gala uniforms.
- 11 cleaning staff ensured cleanliness throughout the event.
- 20 chefs prepared the elaborate meals.
- Approximately 40 silver centerpieces adorned the tables.
- 80 waiters and waitresses served the guests.
- The banquet tables stretched a total of 142 meters.
- 140 kg of napkins and tablecloths were used.
- Floral arrangements included mimosa branches, oncidium blossoms, choysia leaves, daffodils, viburnum, carnations, umbrella fern, and citrus fruits.
- 44 tall five-armed silver candelabras with 220 candles illuminated the tables.
- 3,425 glasses were utilized.
- 3,000 porcelain pieces and approximately 3,400 silver cutlery items were employed.
In 2025, the Hamburg Senate allocated over 205,000 Euros for the Matthiae-Mahl alone, as revealed in response to a minor inquiry by the CDU, reflecting the significant investment in this historic tradition.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/matthiae-mahl-2026-mit-angela-merkel-und-eu-ratspraesident-costa,matthiaemahl-102.html
