This summer, ALDA successfully concluded its CERV Town Twinning training campaign, supporting municipalities across Europe and beyond in their journey to design and implement impactful projects.
Throughout July 2025, three dedicated online sessions were held in English, French and Italian, gathering a total of 259 participants. The trainings provided practical guidance and concrete tools to develop projects under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme, and specifically within the Town Twinning strand. The multilingual approach ensured broader accessibility, with 141 participants in the English session, 31 in the French one, and 87 in the Italian session, reinforcing one of the core objectives of Town Twinning: promoting intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding among citizens.
The campaign reached an impressive 259 participants in total, with 141 people attending the English session, 31 joining the French one, and 87 taking part in the Italian training. This wide participation underlined both the accessibility of the initiative and the growing interest in the CERV Town Twinning programme across different linguistic and cultural contexts.
Town Twinning is more than a funding opportunity – it is a tool to nurture a shared European identity grounded in diversity.
The initiative was further strengthened by the active contribution of the CERV National Contact Points from Germany, France and Italy, who provided valuable support to participants. Their insights not only clarified technical aspects of the programme but also encouraged organisations to approach project design with confidence and creativity. The Municipality of Birgu (Malta) shared its first-hand experience in implementing a Town Twinning project, while Denys Tkachov played a crucial role in extending the opportunity to Ukrainian municipalities, ensuring their inclusion in the European dialogue even in challenging times.
The remarkable turnout reflects the growing interest in the Town Twinning programme as a way to foster European citizenship. The engagement of nearly 260 attendees demonstrates the commitment of local authorities, civil society organisations and community representatives to initiatives that strengthen democracy at the local level.
Looking ahead, ALDA will continue to support its members and partners in engaging with the CERV programme and other EU opportunities. Strengthening European identity through projects that highlight the richness of diversity remains at the heart of ALDA’s mission, as we work together to build bridges across borders and create spaces where dialogue and participation thrive.
📌 For more information on the CERV programme and Town Twinning opportunities, visit the European Commission’s official page and stay tuned to ALDA’s channels.
