Twinning Peaks—Potential and Limits of an Evolving Network in Shaping Europe as a Social Space

Abstract

In the context of the current crisis, many researchers as well as practitioners claim that the European integration process has to be complemented by a strong social dimension or what is sometimes called ‘horizontal Europeanization’. This article looks at town twinning in Europe, a specific instrument for fostering social exchange and partnerships across national borders. Different hypotheses concerning its development are tested on the basis of a cross-sectional full network analysis as well as longitudinal data from Germany and France from the early 1950s until today. The data suggest that important historical developments and turning points, such as the Cold War or the transformations in Eastern Europe after 1989, as well as structural context effects all have an important impact on twinning statistics in Europe. What is more, the European Union has (both directly and more indirectly) influenced twinning activities, most notably via its enlargement policy and the granting of financial support. Against the background of declining twinning figures in recent years, the article outlines a number of policy recommendations that seek to make top-down support for town twinning more effective. Finally, the article discusses the need for further research on the effects of town twinning on individuals' attitudes towards Europe and on the role of civil society in shaping town twinnings from the bottom up.