A Visit of Friendship and Solidarity: Delegations of the Twin Cities of Nancy and Karlsruhe Headed by Their Leaders Visit Vinnytsia

The twin cities of Karlsruhe (Germany) and Nancy (France) are linked to Vinnytsia by a Trilateral Agreement ratified last year, but the history of our friendship began long before it was signed. They were among the first to lend a helping hand to the Vinnytsia community when the full-scale russian invasion began and continue to provide comprehensive support. The areas it covers are quite broad: from business and medicine to spatial planning and humanitarian policy. What has already been achieved through joint efforts and what tasks lie ahead were discussed during a series of events that took place today, 30 May, as part of the regular visit of delegations of European municipalities led by Mayors Frank Mentrup and Mathieu Klein. It all started in the session hall of Vinnytsia City Council.

The mayors of the twin cities were honoured guests of the plenary session. According to Vinnytsia Mayor Serhii Morhunov, last year, at this very place, he and his European colleagues ratified a trilateral agreement with Nancy and Karlsruhe, which was a step of true solidarity. And today's meeting confirms that our cooperation continues.

‘This year, Karlsruhe and Nancy celebrate the 70th anniversary of their twinning - an alliance that, after the Second World War, became a true symbol of European reconciliation between cities and countries that had been at war with each other. Their history is an example of dignity, responsibility and faith in a united Europe. Our next joint meeting in Vinnytsia is a continuation of this tradition of brotherhood. We feel your support every day, because throughout the year, Karlsruhe and Nancy have been actively sending humanitarian aid to educational, medical and veteran institutions in our community. This is a true horizontal relationship based on trust and humanity. Together, we are building bridges between communities and people, through which trust, experience, investments, new ideas and values that Ukraine is fighting for today pass. I believe that our trilateral cooperation can become an inspiration for other European communities as an example of how trust, sustainability and readiness to support each other can be achieved,’ Serhii Morhunov addressed his colleagues Frank Mentrup and Mathieu Klein.

The Mayor of Karlsruhe, Dr Frank Mentrup, noted that three years of partnership between Vinnytsia, Karlsruhe and Nancy have shown that the union of municipalities is a real force that can have an impact at the international level. For him, our partnership symbolises faith in people and concrete actions.

‘More than three years ago, President Zelenskyy called on us, Europeans, not to leave Ukraine alone. We heard this message - in Karlsruhe and Nancy - and made it our common mission. The longer this war lasts, the more people are killed and wounded, the higher the risks for all of us. That is why we are determined to continue our cooperation. We want to develop cooperation further - between municipalities, young people, educational institutions, transport and utilities. We are all part of Europe. Only together can we build our common future,’ said Frank Mentrup.

The Mayor of Nancy, Mathieu Klein, added that the visit to Vinnytsia is not a formality, but a gesture of solidarity that has a deep human and symbolic meaning.

‘At a time when Europe is facing serious challenges, our presence here is a confirmation of shared values, trust and faith in the future. Cities play a crucial role in the European dialogue. The partnership between Vinnytsia, Karlsruhe and Nancy is more than just cooperation between municipalities. It is a friendship that manifests itself in concrete assistance, exchanges, support for youth, culture, medicine and innovation. We are building Europe from the bottom up - through people and projects, not expectations,’ said Mathieu Klein, ’Vinnytsia is a city that creates, teaches, heals, and inspires, even in the darkest times. And we, the communities of Nancy and Karlsruhe, stand with you. Because your fight for freedom is our fight for a common Europe. We stand by your side.’

During the meeting, the mayors of Vinnytsia, Karlsruhe and Nancy were presented with a symbolic installation - the Triangle of Strength - which represents the unity of the three cities in times of great challenge. From now on, each of the mayors will keep one of the parts of this structure and bring it to joint meetings to form a single shape together as a sign of solidarity and cooperation.

As part of the business visit, the delegates had the opportunity to see Vinnytsia's potential for developing democratic values by talking to the leaders of the city's Youth Council and visiting the Vinnytsia Tourism Office.

The dialogue that took place during these meetings was dominated by a single thought: our strength is in unity, because only in this way can we develop and create successful cases worthy of scaling up both in Ukraine and abroad. At the same time, according to the participants of these meetings, it is also important to build intellectual and tourism potential in the context of the ongoing war. This solves two problems: it allows us not to lose contact with the world and lays the foundations for economic development, which is the foundation for achieving victory.

Immediately after the meeting, the European guests attended a presentation of the Crystal Innovation and Technology Park and took part in a press conference on international cooperation.

As part of the visit, the foreign partners also visited two medical institutions in the city - the Cardiology Centre and City Clinical Hospital No. 1, which, by the way, have modern equipment and consumables thanks to their support. One of these humanitarian supplies was recently delivered to Municipal Clinical Hospital No. 1 from the city of Nancy.