new douzelage board pictured sitting on a bench in Sherborne, United Kingdom
Douzelage News

New Douzelage President and Board elected

Shane Smyth

A new president and vice presidential team has been installed to lead the Douzelage European Town Twinning organisation up to 2027. At the recent General Meeting held in Sherborne (United Kingdom), Shane Smyth from Bundoran (Ireland) was elected 6th president of the unique town twinning organisation which has been in existence since 1991. Douzelage has a partner town in every country in the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Three vice presidents – Evelin Koev (Tryavna, Bulgaria), Maria Črnac Rocco (Rovinj-Rovigno, Croatia) and Thorsten Wohleser (Judenburg, Austria) will complete the new Douzelage board who replace the former board that has been in place since 2016.

The new board with the outgoing board – back row L-R – Thorsten Wohleser (AT), Shane Smyth (IE), Maria Črnac Rocco (HR) and Evelin Koev (BG). Front row L-R Tibi Rotaru (RO), Annigje Kruytbosch (NL), Mette Sørensen (DK) and Miha Ješe (SL) – pic Uli Fielitz

Speaking at the General Meeting following the election, new president Shane Smyth said ‘having been involved in Douzelage since 2014 and becoming so passionate about the organisation and its aims, it is the highest honour for me to be elected as president to lead it for the next three years. Along with my three vice presidents, we are excited to bring Douzelage into the future as transparency and sustainability become such a huge priority for all Europeans. Through our network of towns we aim to make efforts in these areas so we can do our bit to follow EU policies and values.‘

New president of Douzelage – Shane Smyth (Bundoran, IE)

Outgoing President Annigje Kruytbosch added ‘Douzelage is in safe hands for the next three year term. Each member of our new board is passionate about the European Union and Douzelage and everything that it stands for. They want to progress the organisation and I wish them the best of luck in their endeavours as they carry the torch to 2027!’

Among the plans for the next three years is great visibility for the organisation by way of promotions, publicity and new Europe-wide events that will bring the citizens of the partner towns together and have them experience the unique cultures and customs that exist across the union. Another priority for the team will be a “Platform For Partnership” to facilitate member towns with finding partners for European projects.

More details on Douzelage can be found on the website Douzelage.eu as well as on the social media channels Facebook and Instagram (just search for Douzelage).