Municipal partnerships; maintenance

The aim of the partnerships is to strengthen the feeling of European and non-European togetherness through mutual understanding and assistance, to enrich the lives of the people involved and their communities through lively civic exchange and to create the common ground necessary for peaceful coexistence.

The agreement of a partnership is a matter of local self-government. The municipalities in Bavaria act independently and on their own responsibility in matters relating to the local community. It is up to the municipalities to decide whether and with whom they establish a partnership. For this reason, a partnership cannot be assigned by the state.

As a rule, municipal partnerships are initiated by the municipalities themselves or through contacts made by citizens, clubs, associations or schools. The municipal umbrella organizations are also contacts for partnership issues.

Partnership activities can be organized by the municipal administration and/or a partnership committee/association. A lively partnership requires the involvement of all population groups and areas of life in a municipality. The municipality 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, citizens' meetings, work-related exchanges and economic ventures can all be part of an active partnership.

Bavarian state funding is not available for municipal partnerships. European Union funding programs provide limited 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"). Local authorities have been asked to inform the Ministry of new partnerships.