Suche
Warsaw seniors conquer Berlin: Olympiad 60+ promotes encounters!
Treptow-Köpenick promotes exchange between seniors from Warsaw and Berlin with activities from September 29th to October 2nd, 2025.
Warsaw seniors conquer Berlin: Olympiad 60+ promotes encounters!
From September 29th to October 2nd, 2025, the project “Let’s get to know each other better!” took place in the Treptow-Köpenick district of Berlin. instead of. The activities, which serve to activate and integrate people over 60 from Warsaw and Berlin, were initiated by German-Polish cooperation. Twelve seniors from Warsaw took part in this exchange, which was also part of the Olympiad 60+. The aim of the event was to consolidate the existing twin town relationship between Mokotów in Warsaw and Treptow-Köpenick, which has existed since 1993. District Mayor Oliver Igel emphasized the importance of such encounter projects as they help to promote understanding and cooperation between the countries.
The project is financially supported by the Foundation for German-Polish Cooperation, which is committed to strengthening relations and exchange between the two nations. The Partner Treptow-Köpenick e.V. association and the German-Polish Society Berlin e.V. are also involved as project partners to enable integration and intercultural exchange.
Promotion of youth and cultural projects
The initiative is part of a larger network that supports the numerous German-Polish municipal partnerships. As dpjw.org reports, the platform for these partnerships offers inspiration and contacts for youth and cultural projects. This also includes the interactive map, which shows more than 800 partnerships between German and Polish cities and communities. This map provides an overview of the duration of the partnerships as well as further links and information on relevant institutions.
The aim is to provide suggestions for establishing contact and cooperation during youth encounters. Best practice examples in seven different subject areas, including diversity, sport and culture, show how successful projects have already been implemented. Step-by-step instructions for planning and implementing projects are also available to make it easier for those interested to get started.
Historical roots of the partnerships
The relationship between Germany and Poland is deeply rooted, including in the history of town twinning, which dates back to the 1970s. According to the German Poland Institute, the desire was expressed at that time to overcome the aftermath of the Second World War and to create an exchange. In the 1990s, the partnership took on a new lease of life, especially with Poland's accession to the European Union, which helped Poles feel part of the European family.
Nowadays, relationships are more like partnerships and based on specific projects. However, these partnerships face challenges, such as the lack of ideas for new contacts and the difficulty of getting young people excited about the exchange. The importance of committed people driving partnerships forward remains crucial to their success.
These initiatives and the diverse collaboration are an expression of a vibrant European identity and underline the importance of intercultural encounters in a globalized world.