Municipal partnerships; maintenance

The aim of these partnerships is to strengthen the sense of European and non-European solidarity through mutual understanding and assistance, to enrich the lives of the people involved and their communities through active citizen exchanges, and to foster the common ground necessary for peaceful coexistence.

The establishment of a partnership is a matter for local self-government. Local authorities in Bavaria generally act on their own responsibility and independently in matters concerning the local community. It is left to the local authorities to decide whether and with whom they establish a partnership. A partnership cannot therefore be imposed by the state.

Local partnerships are usually initiated by the local authorities themselves or through contacts made by citizens, clubs, associations or schools. The central local authority associations are also points of contact for partnership-related matters.

Partnership activities can be organised by the local authority and/or a partnership committee/association. A lively partnership requires the involvement of all population groups and areas of life in a municipality. The local authority decides on the type and scope of partnership activities, also taking into account its financial circumstances. The possibilities of the partner side should be taken into account. Mutual personal contacts ensure the longevity of the relationship and are in line with the partnership idea. Official events, youth exchanges, sporting and cultural encounters, civic meetings, work-related exchanges and economic endeavours can all be part of an active partnership.

Bavarian state funding is not available for municipal partnerships. European Union funding programmes provide a limited amount of financial support for partnership activities.

A complete overview of all partnerships is maintained by the Bavarian State Ministry of the Interior, Sport and Integration (see "Related links"). The municipalities were asked to inform the Ministry of new partnerships.