In 1992, several European countries, initially six and now 28, united in the European Union, creating a single market and common trade rules. However, as often happens, the new is well-forgotten old.

As early as the 12th century, merchants in Europe decided to unite for trade under common rules, creating the Hanseatic League, or simply the Hanse. Over time, this merchants' alliance transformed into a union of merchant guilds, and by the end of the 13th century, it grew into a league of cities. The Hanse's trading system was based on several representations, and one of the largest was located in Novgorod, alongside London, Bruges, Venice, and Bergen.

The Hanse ceased to exist in the 17th century, but in 1980, the idea of its revival emerged. The main goal was to develop and support cultural and economic ties between the cities of the new union. Veliky Novgorod became one of these cities in 1993.

On June 19, 2009, during the celebration of Hanseatic Days in Novgorod, the Hanseatic sign was installed. It features two boats, swaying on the waves and firmly connected: a Novgorod boat and a Hanseatic cog. Nearby is a fountain in the shape of a round slab, symbolizing a negotiating table, with 16 mosaic coats of arms of the participating countries. The project was developed by St. Petersburg designers and approved by the Novgorod Urban Planning Council.

In addition to Veliky Novgorod, the new Hanse includes Belozersk, Veliky Ustyug, Ivangorod, Kaliningrad, Kingisepp, Pskov, Smolensk, Tver, Tikhvin, Torzhok, Totma, and Vologda from Russia.