Linden celebrates European cohesion: A village connects six nations!

Linden celebrates European cohesion: A village connects six nations!

linden in Schleswig-Holstein is much more than just a small place. It is a bright example of living European partnership and friendship. The municipality, with its approximately 870 inhabitants, maintains a remarkable connection to another four linden trees in Europe: Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Spain. This international cooperation goes far back into the past and began in 1961 with a letter from a Linden school class to her peers in Austria.

The intention was simple: building bridges between young people to promote exchange. The then teacher Gerhard Schwabe headed the project, which included photos, newspaper clippings and personal stories. "It was about learning how the others tick," said a statement from the community. Who would have thought that this letter would be the beginning of a long -term friendship and cooperation? In 1974 the city partnership was officially sealed and a network of connections between the six linden trees was created.

city twinning in focus

in Linden the European idea is alive. Representatives from the partner communities attract the annual Europe days. In 2024, linden trees will be the host and expect around 40 guests from the other linden trees. It is celebrated, excursions are done together and workshops. It is interesting that none of these friendships are accommodated in large hotels. Rather, guests will find accommodation in their own four walls of the Lindener - a sign of warmth and trust.

These connections inspire the village community, and many friendships beyond the official meetings have developed. There has been no shortage of activities in the past five decades: Youth meetings, artist encounters and various events always create new opportunities to exchange and learn.

recognition for commitment

The persistent work and the commitment of the municipality of Linden in Europe do not remain unnoticed. The advice of the municipalities and regions of Europe estimated the number of German city twinning at around 5,500, but few are as active and highly excellent as the small village. In 1977 it received the Council of Europe's honor and the European Plaque in 1989, one of the highest awards for communities with international partnerships.

Willi Köster, the former mayor, emphasizes the importance of these partnerships: "I see and experience after 50 years even today what drove us: curiosity about everyday life and the opinions of the other Lindeners." He emphasizes that all generations in Linden kept alive the idea of a common Europe. The exchange of cultures is not regarded here as a burden, but as an enrichment.

at a time when it is often discussed about a supposed Europeanness that the reality looks very different. Here the life of a united Europe is not discussed theoretically, but is lived very practical. These cross -border friendships offer a valuable insight into the diversity and common ground that Europe has to offer. The links of the community are therefore not only an encouraging narrative, but also an example of others, such as friendship and cooperation between different cultures, regardless of the political discussions.

For further information on this topic, See the current reporting www.tagesschau.de .