2 évtizedes testvérvárosi kapcsolat - 2 decades of town twinning

Lábatlan Town Twinning 2025 

From 5 to 7 September 2025, our delegation had the pleasure of participating in the Lábatlan Town Twinning 2025 event, hosted by the Municipality of Lábatlan. Over the course of three days, the town became a vibrant centre of cultural performances, community gatherings and meaningful discussions devoted to strengthening cross-border cooperation and celebrating the shared values that unite our European communities. The event was organised within the project “2 évtizedes testvérvárosi kapcsolat - 2 decades of Town Twinning”, co-funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV).

The programme opened on Friday at the Danube Podium, where our delegation, together with representatives from the other partner municipality, was welcomed by Mayor Péter Teller and local officials. Throughout the opening ceremony, the hosts presented the aims of the project and the long-standing cooperation linking our towns. A Europe Direct information stand introduced visitors to EU opportunities, mobility, citizenship and rights, while an interactive workshop allowed children to familiarise themselves with European symbols through playful activities. The evening continued at the Gerenday Community House, where each delegation presented its municipality, exchanged insights about past cooperation and discussed future areas of partnership. The day concluded with the opening of a joint photography exhibition created by artists from Lábatlan and Rechnitz, followed by the traditional Wine Promenade in the Gerenday Garden. Here, regional wines and pastries created a warm and friendly atmosphere that encouraged conversation and strengthened personal ties among participants.

Saturday offered a remarkably rich programme reflecting the values of cooperation, creativity and community spirit. The day began with an international public forum, where experts and local leaders discussed topics such as the psychological impact of war, mental-health resilience, solidarity and volunteering, and the significance of equality and inclusion in shaping Europe’s future. Additional contributions highlighted the role of knowledge, digital and green skills, environmental responsibility and the everyday contribution citizens can make to climate and biodiversity protection. Meanwhile, the Lábatlani Sirályok Water Sports Club hosted a dynamic kayak–canoe demonstration on the Danube, where participants from all three municipalities experienced the sport firsthand and strengthened bonds through joint activity.

One of the artistic highlights of the weekend was the joint dance performance by fifty dancers from Lábatlan, Kravany nad Dunajom and Rechnitz, who presented choreography rehearsed together online over several weeks. Their performance symbolised the power of cross-border cooperation and the joy of creating something together. Later, we joined the lively Danube riverside cooking competition, where local teams and delegations prepared pumpkin-themed dishes in an atmosphere of friendly rivalry and cultural exchange. Families enjoyed a diverse children’s programme, including an interactive fairytale village showcasing traditional crafts, inflatable attractions and a sightseeing mini-train exploring Lábatlan’s heritage. Evening concerts by Kingfishers and W. Renaatoo, followed by the Town Twinning Festivities with the Stöcker Melody band, created a joyful and festive atmosphere for all ages.

On Sunday, our delegation participated in the event’s closing international forum, which provided an opportunity to reflect on EU membership, cross-border cooperation and the challenges and opportunities facing local communities in today’s Europe. The discussions touched on euroscepticism, the sustainability of EU-funded projects, the role of civil society and the importance of solidarity in uncertain geopolitical times. An anonymous opinion box allowed citizens to share their thoughts, many of which expressed the desire for peace, stronger youth opportunities and more frequent town-twinning activities that maintain personal connections across borders. The weekend concluded at the Danube riverside, where families enjoyed a cheerful concert by the Csurgó ensemble and a captivating giant-bubble show.

Our delegation returned home enriched with new experiences, strengthened friendships and a renewed commitment to cooperation. Lábatlan Town Twinning 2025 clearly demonstrated that when our municipalities come together in the spirit of partnership and shared European values, we contribute to a more resilient, connected and open-minded future for all our communities.

Note: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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