Mayor of Champigny-sur-Marne: Friendly visit to Bernau!

Mayor of Champigny-sur-Marne: Friendly visit to Bernau!

Friendship is very important in Bernau! On June 16, 2025, Mayor Laurent Jeanne from the French twin town of Champigny-sur-Marne visited Bernau to maintain the firmly rooted town twinning and to talk about developments in the city and in the twin town. This trip took place as part of the 63rd year of German-French friendship and served as an intensive exchange. Barnim Current reports that after the official reception in the New Town Hall in Bernau, the French delegation entered into dialogue with Mayor André Stahl, the district administrator and business representatives.

A special highlight of the visit was the professional exchange that took place the following day. Topics such as education, sports facilities and forestry were particularly on the agenda. A visit to the Sparkasse Arena in Bernau left the delegation enthusiastic; the various possible uses of the arena were particularly well received. Mayor Stahl emphasized the enrichment that such encounters bring, especially in the areas of education, infrastructure and urban greenery. Bernau Live adds that education is also of great importance in Champigny; A new school campus with space for 1,200 students was recently opened.

60 years of town twinning

Laurent Jeanne's visit is not a one-time affair. This year the two cities are celebrating 60 years of town twinning, which began in 1962 with the signing of a partnership agreement by the then mayors Dr. Hans Ärmer and Louis Talamoni was brought to life. This long-standing connection has developed into an exchange that encompasses cultural, social and economic dimensions. The contract was renewed last Saturday during the celebrations, marking another step in their shared history. Bernau Live reports that the ceremony took place in the New Town Hall, where, in addition to speeches by the two mayors, there was also a concert by the Brandenburg Concert Orchestra.

The framework of this partnership was particularly important during the Cold War, as it made an important contribution to the recognition of the GDR under international law. Initially the exchange was one-sided because the GDR was not recognized, but from 1973 onwards it became much easier with recognition by France. Over the last two decades, regular encounters and exchange projects have taken place between the two cities, which are now steadily flourishing in an interplay of actions and reactions.

Looking into the future

The activities in the coming months promise to be just as exciting. A return visit by the Bernau delegation to Champigny-sur-Marne is planned for autumn, which could further deepen the exchange. Mayor André Stahl was confident that the town twinning can send a strong signal of cooperation even in geopolitically turbulent times. Barnim Current quotes Stahl, who particularly emphasized the importance of this partnership in today's world.

Overall, the partnership between Bernau and Champigny-sur-Marne is a shining example of international friendship and cooperation. A look into the past and current reporting shows how much blossoming this exchange has brought about in the last 60 years and how much potential remains for the future.