THE EU-TOWN TWINNING PROGRAMME FOR ISTANBUL STARTS

Applications for the Town Twinning Programme within the scope of Istanbul Preparing for the EU Project, which is conducted under the coordination of Istanbul Governorate and supported by the Ministry for EU Affairs started. 

The announcement of and call for application for the programme, which will be conducted with the support of the Union of Municipalities of Turkey was published on the web sites of the Ministry for EU Affairs, Istanbul Governorate, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the Union of Municipalities of Turkey.

Istanbul Preparing for the EU Project which was launched with a protocol signed on 26 April 2012 by the Ministry for EU Affairs, Istanbul Governorate, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the Union of Municipalities of Turkey is being implemented within the scope of Provinces Preparing for the EU Programme conducted by the Ministry for EU Affairs.

In his statement on the issue, the Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis said, “A European Union which lacks this beloved city where each corner smells history and civilisation and seeds of peace sprout in every point and which is not represented with Istanbul with all its aspects will be in a state to talk to humanity with a low and weak voice. I think that all districts of Istanbul, which obviously surpassed some cities of the European Union through the investments made in recent years, its peaceful atmosphere and its very dynamic international structure, should be active participants of the European Union process and that there are many messages they could give to Europe one by one. In this respect, I believe that the Town Twinning Programme could provide important opportunities for Istanbul to introduce its socioeconomic and cultural values to Europe properly and strengthen its European identity.”

Information about the Town Twinning Programme:

The Town Twinning Programme aims to enable districts in Istanbul to exchange knowledge and experience concerning implementation of the EU acquis at the local level with the EU member cities and present common projects.

10 districts from Istanbul and local authorities from EU countries which will be selected according to the applications shall be matched in a workshop to be held in Istanbul to work together on subjects of common interest.

Within this context, districts from Istanbul will be provided with the opportunity to develop their capacity to cooperate at international level, share their knowledge and experience concerning local administration practices with foreign partners, take part in international cooperation networks and prepare common projects with their European counterparts.

Deadline for applications for the Programme is 14 December 2012. The publicity meeting for the Town Twinning Programme will be held on 22 November 2012 in Istanbul with the participation of Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis.

Detailed information about the programme and application form are available at www.ab.gov.tr, www.istanbulab.gov.tr, www.ibb.gov.tr, www.tbb.gov.tr, www.istanbulab.com.