NIkolaus Meyer-Landrut

The European Union has created a borderless European community built on values of respect, tolerance, solidarity, non-discrimination and the rule of law. Beyond  the technical aspects of the European accession process, the promotion of a common European identity can only be achieved through bringing citizens and societies closer to each other. Town twinning projects, implemented by the local administrations, which are the closest administrative units to the citizens, are  efficient instruments. They help develop intercultural dialogue between Turkey and the communities in the European Union. They seek common solutions to common problems at national and international level and increase awareness around EU policies at local level. Town twinning brings cities/communities closer to one another in a participatory and inclusive manner. It improves local diplomacy and city-to-city cooperation and also creates opportunities for local administration to influence decision making at national level. These are all crucial components of Turkey’s integration with the EU at the local level.