Answer to 1. war of aggression Ukraine

1. war of aggression Ukraine

Our twin cities Vladimir and San Carlos are in authoritarian regimes and have not condemned Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. I therefore suggest that the City of Erlangen clearly communicates through its channels to these twin cities that we as a city and community condemn the war of aggression in Ukraine. This can be done in various formats, for example in writing or at conferences, but also at town twinning events, for example by making clear statements at the "Fiesta for San Carlos".

Response from the Mayor's Office and Press Office:
With the city partnerships, the city of Erlangen maintains relationships with partner municipalities worldwide. One feature of the city partnerships is that the contacts are at the lowest political level, close to the citizens, and thus the ability to act can be maintained beyond the political climate and cooperation with civic actors remains possible. However, this does not mean that problematic political developments are ignored. With regard to Nicaragua, it is not only the war of aggression against Ukraine that should be mentioned here, but also the fundamental developments since 2018, and these topics have been addressed at various activities and meetings and will continue to be part of the discussions (e.g. also with regard to the Mayor's trip to San Carlos in March 2023). Erlangen's position with regard to the war of aggression against Ukraine has also been clearly formulated on various occasions, e.g. by the Mayor at the volunteer reception or as part of the debate surrounding the FDP parliamentary group's motion on the partnership with Vladimir. Last but not least, the solidarity partnership with the Ukrainian city of Browary sends out a clear signal. And in talks with partnership stakeholders anyway. In this respect, the desired statement by the city of Erlangen is already being practiced anyway, albeit perhaps in a less high-profile manner.
However, we also consider it necessary to consciously choose the framework and manner for such statements. A statement that, for example, puts San Carlos under pressure from the central government and thus forces it to discontinue partnership activities that serve the civilian population or changes the framework conditions for NGOs in such a way that cooperation is no longer possible or even cooperation partners are endangered (especially with regard to civic actors) is not in our interest.