In the context of the preparation for the enlargement of the European Union, the European Commission launched Twinning in May 1998 as an instrument for targeted administrative cooperation and assistance to candidate countries, potential candidates and acceding countries to strengthen their administrative and judicial capacities. Through Twinning, these countries receive support in implementing reforms and harmonizing laws and regulations with the EU acquis. This results in strengthened and more adapted public institutions of the Beneficiary countries and brings them one step closer to joining the European Union.

Since 2004, Twinning has also been present in the Beneficiary countries of the EU’s eastern and southern neighbourhood. These countries are included in the partnership agreement with the aim of strengthening the administrative capacity of their public institutions and bringing their national laws closer to the EU legislation. Today, Twinning is also implemented in other partner countries around the world.

For more than 25 years, Twinning has been successfully helping partner countries in the development of European standards and the integration of European administrative principles into their practices. Financial resources for the implementation of Twinning projects are provided by the EU.