Town twinning is a reality in today's Europe, as an important number of municipalities are linked to each other through a formal town twinning agreement. Such partnership aims at encouraging cooperation between the towns and mutual understanding between their citizens. The Town twinning movement has developed after the Second World War, in parallel to the progress made by the European integration process. One of the major developments was the establishment of new town twinning links between EU Member States and countries from Central or Eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall, anticipating and preparing their integration in the European Union.

Town twinning represents a unique and dense network and therefore has a specific role to play with regard to the challenges of today's Europe.

First, town twinning relies upon the voluntary commitment of citizens, in collaboration with their local authorities and local associations. It is therefore both a sign of, and an incentive to active participation. Second, it encourages exchanges of experiences on a variety of issues of common interest, thereby raising awareness on the advantages of finding concrete solutions at European level. Finally, it provides unique opportunities to learn about the daily lives of citizens in other European countries, to talk to them and very often to develop friendships with them. Thanks to the combination of those elements, town twinning has a real potential to enhance mutual understanding between citizens, fostering a sense of ownership of the European Union and finally developing a sense of European identity.

Giuseppina Piera Quadro; mayor of Casorate Sempione and John Boxall, mayor of Birgu

Following the visit to Casorate Sempione, the largest pot in the world was brought to Malta. A risottata was held with the proceeds going to charity. A number of sponsors helped including the students from the Institute of Tourism Studies and the Malta Tourism Authority.

Jerry Johansson (Mayor) of Arvidsjaur together with Anton Mifsud (mayor) of Mtarfa and other councillors involved in the town twinning delegation. Also in the photo Paul Gatt - executive secretary and Rosanne Galea who was responsible for getting the two towns together.

Town twinning – Naxxar and Mornago

During the past few days the mayor of Naxxar, Dr Maria Fatima Deguara and Mr Paul Gatt visited the town of Mornago to start preparations of the town twinning with Mornago. The delegation from Naxxar was taken around Mornago by the mayor Dr Paolo Gusella and Dottoressa Lorena Mercandelli. Officials from Mornago plan to visit Naxxar in the coming months.

Commune di Mornago and local council of Naxxar

Paola Gusella – mayor of Mornago and Maria Fatima Deguara – mayor of Naxxar