"The current international system still focuses largely on the nation-state level and often does not recognize the independent role of cities, but only considers them "stakeholders." Increasingly, however, cities are acting alone or in associations as independent actors in international relations. This German government's guideline on international cooperation for sustainable urbanization "Partners in a World of Cities" illustrates that cities (municipalities) are becoming increasingly important. According to the CEMR database, there are approximately 38,000 town twinning arrangements within Europe. Despite the high quantitative weight and the resulting frequent contact with town twinning, the function of town twinning concerning European integration remained open within European research.
The present study is therefore intended to illuminate town twinning from the perspective of European integration.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Current State of Research
3 Central Definitions
4 Consideration of town twinning in theoretical approaches
5 The municipal level as a factor in the integration process
6 Town twinning in Europe and the CEMR
7 Development of town twinning
8 Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
This paper examines the role and significance of town twinning schemes within the broader context of European integration. It explores how subnational entities, specifically cities and municipalities, contribute to the political and social unification of Europe, filling a gap in traditional integration research which predominantly focuses on the nation-state level.
- The influence of town twinning on the European integration process.
- Theoretical frameworks for analyzing municipal transnational cooperation.
- The historical development and quantitative growth of town twinning in Europe.
- The institutional role of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR).
- The municipality as a mediator between the state, the EU, and the citizen.
Excerpt from the Book
1 Introduction
"The current international system still focuses largely on the nation-state level and often does not recognize the independent role of cities, but only considers them "stakeholders." Increasingly, however, cities are acting alone or in associations as independent actors in international relations. This German government's guideline on international cooperation for sustainable urbanization "Partners in a World of Cities" illustrates that cities (municipalities) are becoming increasingly important. According to the CEMR database, there are approximately 38,000 town twinning arrangements within Europe. Despite the high quantitative weight and the resulting frequent contact with town twinning, the function of town twinning concerning European integration remained open within European research."
"The present study is therefore intended to illuminate town twinning from the perspective of European integration."
"The research question for the thesis is: What contribution do town twinning schemes make to European integration? This question deserves special attention against the background of the strengthening of municipalities in recent years. They are considered the necessary carriers of democratic freedoms and the EU's construction and the airlines and mediators of the European idea since a united Europe can only come into being if the population actively participates in the integration process and develops initiatives for the political unification of Europe."
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Introduces the research question regarding the contribution of town twinning to European integration and defines the scope of the study.
2 Current State of Research: Reviews existing literature on town twinning and identifies the scarcity of research specifically linking this phenomenon to integration theories.
3 Central Definitions: Establishes a formal, working definition of town twinning and distinguishes it from related concepts like ring twinning and town sponsorships.
4 Consideration of town twinning in theoretical approaches: Applies various integration theories, such as neo-federalism and functionalism, to the practice of town twinning using a five-factor analysis scheme.
5 The municipal level as a factor in the integration process: Discusses the shifting focus of integration research towards subnational levels and the dual role of municipalities in political decision-making.
6 Town twinning in Europe and the CEMR: Provides quantitative data on twinning arrangements across Europe and highlights the objectives and lobbying efforts of the CEMR.
7 Development of town twinning: Traces the historical evolution of town twinning from its post-1951 origins to its expansion following the various stages of EU enlargement.
8 Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, acknowledging that while a clear correlation exists, direct political influence remains difficult to quantify, and suggests an optimistic long-term role for municipalities.
Keywords
Town twinning, European integration, municipalities, CEMR, transnational relations, subnational level, neo-federalism, functionalism, community building, local authorities, city partnerships, political unification, social integration, European identity, local self-government.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research?
The research explores the phenomenon of town twinning and its specific contribution to the process of European integration.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The work covers integration theories, the political role of local authorities, the institutional influence of the CEMR, and the historical development of transnational municipal partnerships.
What is the primary research question?
The study seeks to answer: "What contribution do town twinning schemes make to European integration?"
Which scientific methods were employed?
The author utilizes an analytical framework based on integration theories (neo-federalism, neo-functionalism) to assess twinning, supported by primary data from city archives, EU databases, and municipal associations.
What is the focus of the main section of the paper?
The main section analyzes the municipal level as a potential factor for integration and evaluates the historical correlation between major European treaty milestones and the proliferation of twinning projects.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include Town twinning, European integration, municipalities, CEMR, subnational level, and local authority cooperation.
How does the author define town twinning for this study?
The author defines it as a formal, temporal, and factual unlimited partnership between two equal partners, based on a contract, which is open to all social groups.
What role does the CEMR play in this context?
The CEMR serves as a critical database provider, promoter of partnerships, and the most influential lobby organization for municipalities within the European Parliament.
Did the study provide a definitive answer to the research question?
The study could not provide a clear, quantifiable answer due to the diffuse political influence of twinning, but suggests that municipalities are becoming increasingly important participants in the EU's integration landscape.
- Quote paper
- Hüseyin Ugur Sagkal (Author), 2020, What contribution do town twinning schemes make to European integration?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/956793
