In 1980, the Dutch town of Zwolle celebrated its 750th birthday and called together all of the former Hanseatic towns. 43 towns participated in the first meeting and restored the Hanseatic dream in its historical way. The centre of the Hanseatic movement is Lubeck. In 2001, a commission, which gathered the representatives from Germany, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Norway, Poland and Russia, was founded and their task is to organise the work of the modern Hanseatic League during the time between the annual meetings. Until 2010, Estonia will be represented by Pärnu.
 
The goals of the modern Hanseatic League are:

• to revive the ideas and spirit of European cities through the Hanseatic goals;
• to raise awareness among Hanseatic towns, to promote common characteristics, and to develop collaboration;
• to enhance the economic and commercial contacts;
• to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and culture;
• to develop tourism.

 
Over 200 towns from 17 countries have joined the modern Hanseatic movement. They meet annually at the International Hanseatic Days.