FARUK KAYMAKCI

Recent developments remind us yet again how critically important it is to have strong relations between Turkey and the EU for serenity, peace and prosperity in the region. What matters aside from intergovernmental relationships and political developments, and maybe even more important, is to have a dialogue between the local and regional actors from both parties. In this sense, it is of utmost importance for the advancement of Turkey’s EU accession process that cities stand in solidarity with one another, develop mutual working relationships and respond to common challenges together and in an active manner. Town Twinning between Turkey and the EU Project executed by the Directorate for EU Affairs furthers cooperation between cities under different themes and helps overcoming bilateral prejudices. Nowadays, where regional and international solidarity has come to the forefront even more noticeably with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is of vital importance for all European cities and local actors, especially those in Turkey, to carry through with their projects focusing on cooperation in areas such as health, the environment and climate change.