CEMR survey highlights evolving practices, challenges and opportunities for town twinning in Europe
Town twinning has long been recognised as a bridge between communities, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Since 1951, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) has championed this practice, helping municipalities and regions across Europe build partnerships that transcend borders.
A new CEMR survey, with 315 responses from 27 European countries, reveals how twinning is adapting to today’s challenges. While cultural exchanges remain important, local and regional governments increasingly view twinning as a tool for practical cooperation, from joint projects and workshops to exchanges of best practices. Nearly 80% of respondents expressed their intent to further develop twinning activities, with national associations showing particularly high engagement.
At the same time, the study identifies three persistent barriers: limited financial resources, shortages of staff, and gaps in knowledge or experience. Respondents highlighted the need for more structured support to help municipalities realise their ambitions.
Looking to the future, municipalities and associations are especially interested in using twinning to:
- Build sustainable networks that go beyond one-off exchanges;
- Access and manage EU funding opportunities for joint projects in areas like economic development, agriculture, and new technologies;
- Strengthen local capacity through training and guidance.
CEMR concludes that twinning remains a relevant and powerful practice, but unlocking its full potential requires a multifaceted approach: more funding, better information on financing opportunities, and dedicated training programmes to empower municipal staff.
With its long-standing commitment to twinning, CEMR is uniquely placed to drive this renewed agenda, helping towns and regions use partnerships not only to connect communities, but also to advance shared European priorities, from innovation to the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
For more information, contact:
Project Officer – Twinning and Partnerships Building
