1979 - Graz
It has actively supported the action of the Council of Europe by performing a pilot function with regard to preservation of historic centres. Graz shows respect not only for its heritage but also for its inhabitants through its ambitious sustainable development policy, having become an exemplary “eco-city”. Its geographical position enables it to achieve outreach to the adjacent areas of Hungary, Slovenia and Italy. Graz has organised numerous twinnings which for geographical and historical reasons incorporate the towns of Maribor (Slovenia) and Pula (Croatia) whose participation is very energetic. It is also twinned with the Scandinavian town of Trondheim (Norway). Sustained contacts and cultural and sporting exchanges take place with the twin towns of Coventry (United Kingdom), Darmstadt (Germany) Groningen (Netherlands) and Trieste (Italy). These twinning bonds also encourage the hosting of foreign visitors and disseminate the European idea among the population.