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International, Europe and town twinning
Not only is Münster a city which is known as the major centre of the Münsterland region but also as a city that is present on the international and especially European stage. Over the years, Münster has established ten city partnerships (York, Orléans, Kristiansand, Monastir, Rishon LeZion, Fresno, Ryazan, Mühlhausen, Lublin, Enschede), three climate partnerships (Rochester, Monastir and Bologna), a project partnership with Tamale in Ghana and a solidarity partnership with Vinnytsia (Ukraine). In addition, there is a sponsorship with Braniewo (Poland) and a partnership between Münster-Hiltrup and the French town of Beaugency. Each partnership is actively lived, thanks to both civic engagement and the work of the International Office in the City of Münster's Office for Citizens' and Council Services.
Furthermore, the City of Münster is active in European networks, for example EUROCITIES, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, EUREGIO, MONT, CNC100, ICLEI, Covenant of Mayors. By participating in these networks, the city of Münster plays an active role in shaping Europe’s multicultural identity.
The international work of the city of Münster is complemented by expert delegations from around the globe as well as international project cooperations. Moreover, the International Office is in charge of the Office for Municipal Development Cooperation and the topic "Fairtrade".
News
Book=Life
With this trinational project, Münster is working with the Polish twin city of Lublin and its Ukrainian twin city of Lviv to develop ideas and tools on how books can help children and young people cope with emotions.
During the Night of Libraries on March 17, 2023, in the Children's and Young People's Book Department of Münster Public Library, everyone was invited to come and exchange ideas about the "First Aid Book" on display. After the Night of Libraries the project will continue to be on display in the foyer of the public library. In addition to the interactive wall, there are also posters which are ideal decoration for a child's room and are available from us on request.
Delegation visit in pictures
Münster and Winnyzja officially seal partnership
The solidarity partnership between the City of Münster and the Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia was officially sealed on March 9, 2023: First Mayor Markus Lewe and Halyna Yakubovych, Deputy Mayor of Vinnytsia, signed the corresponding document in the Peace Hall of the City Hall. The reception in the Peace Hall was part of an official four-day visit of two delegations from Vinnytsia as well as from Münster's Polish twin city Lublin. Jarosław Pakuła, Chairman of the Lublin City Council, also signed a declaration in the Peace Hall pledging support to Vinnytsia together with Münster.
Official press release
Delegation visit in pictures
Delegation from Bologna informs themselves about climate protection in Münster
Since 2020, the intention of a climate partnership has existed between Münster and Bologna. For the first time now, a delegation from Bologna visited Münster to exchange information with experts on the topics of waste disposal and recycling, wastewater treatment, as well as the management of extreme weather conditions as a result of the climate crisis. The contact with Bologna emerged when Lord Mayor Markus Lewe travelled to Italy with a delegation of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in 2020. Their goal was to strengthen the municipal cooperation. Last September, Lewe visited the city in Northern Italy as part of the European Mobility Week. In summer, Münster and Bologna intend to sign a joint letter of intent.
Official press release
Reception "60 years of the Élysée Treaty" in pictures
Reception to celebrate 60 years of the Élysée Treaty
On the 20th of January, the municipalities of Münster and Orléans simultaneously invited guests to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Élysée Treaty. The two cities were connected through a live link. In Münster, the reception took place in the Erbdrostenhof, in Orléans in the Hôtel Groslot. The programme included speeches from representatives of the two twin towns as well as from different associations actively involved in the town twining . In the given context, the video project by the two Franco-German volunteers Kim Amelung and Clément Bacholle was shown for the first time.
Donations for Vinnytsia
The solidarity partnership with the Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia, which was decided by the Council in mid-December, has not yet been officially certified, but aid activities are still actively taking place. A bank account especially for donations has been set up. Together with the other aid organisations taking part in the alliance “Together for Münster” (DRK, Malteser, Johanniter), the ASB is requesting monetary donations for Vinnytsia. The city of Münster supports the campaign.
Official press release