Historic City of Bruges demonstrates unprecented solidarity and commitment

July 4, 2008

In a letter from Mayor Patrick Moenaert we learned that on June 6th 2007 the Council of the historic Belgian City of Bruges decided to make a firm annual commitment to the Mayors for Peace 2020 Vision Campaign. 

Starting in 2009 the Council decided to dedicate 0,025 Euro/inhabitant annually all the way up to 2020 towards the elimination of nuclear weapons. With 117.000 inhabitants this means 2,925 Euro for 2009, or an estimated 35,000 total up to 2020.

Mr. Patrick Moenaert, the Mayor of Bruges, sends his best wishes to all the members of Mayors for Peace in our common struggle for the abolition of nuclear weapons.

The Mayors for Peace 2020 Vision Campaign is honoured by the solidarity demonstrated by the City and citizens of Bruges.

The 2020 Vision Campaign team are also honoured and impressed by the support of the five other cities around the world that have chosen to pass landmark Council resolutions, firmly committing annual donations up until and including the year 2020. These cities, which undoubtedly deserve special mention, are: Geetbets (Belgium), Melle (Belgium), Beersel (Belgium), Chetwynd (Canada) and Riudecanyes (Spain).  In offering a concrete, reliable commitment such as this, these cities have shown recognition of the challenging task that faces the emergency Campaign this year, and every year, until we achieve our 2020 Vision of nuclear abolition.

Some other cities whose annual financial commitments have been heartening are: Bloemendaal (Netherlands), Durbuy (Belgium), Zottegem (Belgium) and Tielt (Belgium).  These cities have promised indefinite annual contributions matching the rate of 0.025€ per inhabitant, demonstrating an admirable long-term commitment to the cause of nuclear disarmament.