"Warm and Intense Gathering of Camaraderie"
In the heart of Europe, two cities - Meerbusch in Germany and Fastiv in Ukraine - have forged a bond of mutual support and understanding. The twinning partnership between the two cities was officially confirmed on February 1, 2024, when Mayor Christian Bommers and Fastiv's Mayor Mykhailo Netiazhuk signed cooperation agreements.
Back in April 2023, the cities showed their solidarity by delivering a minibus, a fire truck, and additional aid supplies to Fastiv. The first aid supply transports included essentials like food, hygiene items, clothing, and medication, providing much-needed relief to the people of Fastiv. Meerbusch also lent a truck from its municipal road maintenance fleet for construction work.
The people of Fastiv have found shelter in both municipal accommodations and with Meerbusch families. This act of kindness has not gone unnoticed, with Mayor Netiazhuk expressing gratitude for Meerbusch's help, stating that it gives people in Fastiv the strength to endure, resist, and move towards victory.
A unique aspect of this partnership is the musical exchange established between the municipal music schools in both cities. This cultural initiative fosters mutual understanding and cooperation, further strengthening the bond between the two cities.
As the partnership continues to grow, Mayor Bommers aims to establish independently acting initiative groups for mutual interaction and support between Meerbusch and Fastiv residents. Several individuals have come forward to participate in these groups.
Citizens interested in engaging with the Meerbusch-Fastiv partnership could look for similar calls or initiatives locally and at the EU level that encourage participation in cultural, educational, or social programs derived from city twinning. These efforts typically emphasize bringing together people from different socioeconomic, cultural, and age groups to promote integration and shared learning.
A "friendship circle" similar to those with twin cities Fouesnant and Shijonawate is being sought to foster mutual interaction. For those who wish to contribute and participate further in the twinning initiative, the contact email is [email protected].
The atmosphere during the twinning event between Meerbusch and Fastiv was described as intense, warm, and touching by Mayor Bommers. As of February 2024, Meerbusch had taken in approximately 600 refugees from war zones.
The people of Meerbusch and Fastiv are eager to meet soon to discuss and collect more ideas about the twinning. While no new cooperation agreements were signed in the recent meeting, the spirit of cooperation and mutual support remains strong, making the Meerbusch-Fastiv partnership a beacon of hope in these challenging times.
[1] Town Twinning-Call with a deadline of September 17, 2025: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/news/news-article/town-twinning-call-with-a-deadline-of-17-september-2025
- In the context of the Meerbusch-Fastiv partnership, Mayor Bommers intends to broaden the cooperation by establishing independent initiative groups, focusing on cultural, educational, and social programs related to the twinning, as these efforts often encourage integration and shared learning among people from diverse backgrounds.
- Amid the challenges of war-and-conflicts, sports, politics, and general news, the twinning partnership between Meerbusch, Germany, and Fastiv, Ukraine, has stood as a beacon of hope and solidarity, with citizens participating in cultural initiatives, providing aid, and welcoming refugees, fostering a unique bond that transcends borders.
