Today, in a video invitation to Italian and German municipalities united by twinning or partnerships, Deputy Minister Benedetto Della Vedova has presented the “Presidents’ Award for municipal cooperation between Germany and Italy”. The Award, promoted by the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, and the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, has been created to support municipal cooperation projects that help strengthen the sense of common belonging to the European family.
The initiative, jointly organized by the Italian and German Ministries of Foreign Affairs, will award future-oriented projects in four areas: Culture, Youth and Civic Engagement, Innovation and Social Cohesion. “I am sending a message to mayors and citizens to enthusiastically accept the invitation made by President Mattarella and President Steinmeier to Italian and German municipalities linked by a twinning relationship or cooperation” – Deputy Minister Della Vedova has said – recalling how between Italy and Germany “twinning, one of the traditional forms of collaboration, enhances the traditions of municipal autonomy rooted in the history of our two countries. Twinning between Italian and German municipalities has also promoted many solidarity initiatives during the hardest phase of the pandemic, which is clear evidence of a widespread and shared feeling of belonging to the European family”.
The Award co-financing shall be attributed 50% to the Italian Municipality and 50% to the German Municipality. The Ministries of Foreign Affairs shall receive applications by May 31.
The announcement and further information are available at the link.
