SAFU

Interactive map of EU member states as Twinning partners of the Republic of Croatia

One of the greatest challenges for new EU member states, accession countries, candidate countries or potential candidates for the EU membership is implementation of reforms, as well as adjustment and strengthening of public institutions for adoption of the Acquis of the European Union.

In order to face this challenge, the EU has devised Twinning as an instrument of administrative cooperation between public administrations of beneficiary countries and institutions of the EU member states with the aim of assisting and transferring knowledge related to application and implementation of the Acquis of the European Union. 

Twinning was launched in May 1998 as one of the primary EU tools for institution building, with the aim of providing assistance to the beneficiary country through modernization and reorganization of its public administration, human resources development, as well as harmonization of legislation and provisions with the Acquis of the EU.

Twinning projects are focused on realization of objectives related to relevant priority areas of the Acquis of the European Union. The objectives of Twinning projects must be properly defined, result-oriented, measurable and achievable. Moreover, projects’ results must be directly linked to the adoption of certain area of the Acquis of the European Union and give specific and direct contribution to institution building in the beneficiary country.

Key features of Twinning

Twinning projects are based on common objectives of EU Policies

The objectives of Twinning projects are based on Common EU policies. Twinning partners reach an agreement on a detailed Work Plan in order to achieve goals related to harmonization with the Acquis of the European Union, as stated in underlying political documents of the European Union.

Beneficiary country retains ownership over Twinning project

Beneficiary country selects Twinning partner, i.e. an EU member state, on the basis of submitted proposals during the call for proposals. The success of Twinning project highly depends on the beneficiary country’s determination to implement reforms and to perform required reorganization.

Twinning projects result in implementation of the Acquis of the European Union in relevant area

Twinning projects must achieve clearly defined results related to implementation of priority areas of the Acquis of the European Union. The implementation progress is monitored through regular reports.

Twinning projects are based on exchange of expertise between experts from the public sector

Twinning is based on the exchange of knowledge and expertise between experts from the public sector. The areas covered by Twinning projects fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the state.

The relationship between the member state and the beneficiary country implies partnership which includes joint responsibility for achievement of agreed mandatory results. Twinning provides technical and administrative assistance and it contributes to beneficiary country’s approximation to administrative practices of EU member states, as well as building long-term relations between the old, new and future EU member states. 

There are two modalities of Twinning projects: Twinning and Twinning light projects.