Municipal International Cooperation Dutch Municipalities and Municipalities in Migrant Countries

First Inventory

Pre-research for PhD research February- June 2007

Financed by Cordaid

Drs. Edith van Ewijk, PhD Candidate University of Amsterdam Amsterdam Institute for Metropolitan and International Development Studies

2 Content

1. Introduction 4

2 Municipal International Cooperation – Background and New Developments 2.1 General Characteristics of Municipal International Cooperation 5 2.2 MIC and Trends in Governance, Urban Development and International Cooperation 6 2.3 Cooperation between Dutch Municipalities and Municipalities in Migrant Countries – A New Phenomenon 6 2.4. Main Non-western Migrant Countries for the Netherlands 7 2.5 Non-western Migrant Countries and MIC 9

3. Inventory - Some Specific Characteristics per Country and Overview of Existing Linkages 3.1 Suriname 11 3.2 Turkey 15 3.3 Morocco 19 3.4 Netherlands Antilles 23 3.5 Ghana 26 3.6 Cape Verde 29 3.7 Indonesia 30

4. Main Characteristics of MIC between Dutch Municipalities and Municipalities in Migrant Countries 4.1 Initiative for Cooperation 32 4.2 Selection of Partner Municipalities 33 4.3 Objectives 34 4.4 Organization and Form 35 4.5 Themes for Cooperation 36 4.6 Capacity Involved 38 4.7 Methods of Cooperation 40 4.8 Natural Disasters 40

5. Organisations Involved and Political and Public Support for MIC 5.1 Involvement of NGO’s 42 5.2 Political Support 44 5.3 Public Support 45

6. Reciprocity or Mutual Learning 6.1 Reciprocity in Practice 46 6.2 Different Dimensions of Reciprocity 47

7. Conclusions 51

Annexes Annex 1: Information about this report in relation to the PhD research 54 Annex 2: Information on external funds available for municipal international cooperation 55 Annex 3: Sources of information 58

3 Introduction

This report provides a first inventory of Municipal International Cooperation between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrant countries.

Municipal International Cooperation (MIC) is also known as twinning, city-to-city cooperation, city link, jumelage, or decentralised cooperation. The most common form is based on an agreement between two local governments aiming to work together and encourage exchange of information. The main objective of MIC between Northern and Southern municipalities is to contribute to local development and capacity building of local government bodies in municipalities in the South. Under the umbrella of MIC, a wide range of organisations can be involved. MIC distinguishes itself by the process of knowledge transfer on a colleague-to-colleague basis.

A new focus is the growing interest by Dutch municipalities with large immigrant groups and establishing contacts with municipalities of the main migrant countries of origin. These are Turkey, Suriname, Morocco, the Netherlands Antilles, Ghana and Cape Verde Islands. Dutch municipalities involved in cooperation with migrant countries of origin generally also seek to promote mutual understanding between migrants and host societies, and promote the integration of migrants.

The aim of this research is to get a better understanding of existing twinning relations, backgrounds and objectives of organisation, themes covered, partners and capacity involved.

The research was set up as a desk study for PhD research on Municipal International Cooperation focusing on existing relations between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrant countries. The desk study constitutes one part of the overall PhD research. Cordaid has financially supported this first desk study. The first part of the PhD research (June 2007 – November 2008) is financed as a co- production of the Amsterdam Institute for Metropolitan and International Development Studies, University of Amsterdam and NCDO. For the second part of the research finance still has to be found. The PhD research started 1st February 2007 and is expected to be finished by the beginning of 2012. More information about the PhD research can be found in Annex 1.

The report is divided into seven chapters. The second chapter provides background information on MIC, local governance and the main migrant groups in the Netherlands. The third chapter presents an overview of existing twinning relations between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in the different migrant countries. To get a better understanding of the context, some general characteristics of each country are presented. Chapter four provides information on the main characteristics, while chapter five includes information on the public support for MIC and the involvement of the migrant community Reciprocity and mutual learning will be explored in the sixth chapter. Finally, chapter seven presents the conclusions so far and the main issues for further research.

Various sources of information were used to compile this report. The most important sources were several interviews with key people. Policy officers from VNG International working at the specific migrant countries provided a good overview of the existing ties and the policy and programmes of VNG International. Officers from municipalities shared their experiences with regard to the programmes for cooperation with municipalities in the migrant countries. Due to time constraints the majority of interviews with municipal officers were held by telephone. A few contact people from migrant countries added to the research. Some of the information provided in the interviews is not included in this report but will be used in the next phase of the PhD project. Apart from the interviews, several policy documents were analysed and an extensive web search was executed. Three meetings were attended; a conference on Municipal International Cooperation and the Millennium Development Goals, a meeting of the Platform Netherlands Antilles and a meeting of the Municipal platform Turkey. Furthermore the archives of VNG International were studied. These sources combined provided a wealth of information.

The author would like to thank all respondents for their time and willingness to contribute to this report. Furthermore she would like to thank her promoter Prof. I.S.A. Baud and co-promoter Dr. J. Post for their useful comments and advices with regard to writing this report. Lastly she would like to thank Cordaid for financing this research.

4 2. Municipal International Cooperation –Background and New Developments

This chapter provides information on general characteristics of MIC, its backgrounds and developments, in order to provide the basis of understanding for new developments in MIC.

2.1 General Characteristics of Municipal International Cooperation Municipal International Cooperation has experienced some major changes over the last 50 years. MIC between Dutch municipalities and those in developing countries began in 1969, when the General Assembly of the UN proclaimed the 1970s the ‘second decade of development’ and dozens of Dutch municipalities supported the UN campaign by educating the public or contributing financial resources (Schuman, 1994). Many contacts were established in the period of ‘solidarity’ movements in the 1980’s with Nicaragua and South Africa, such as the solidarity movement with the Sandinista Revolution in Nicaragua and the Local Governments against Apartheid movement with respect to South Africa. Several of these relations have existed well for over 20 years. Most of the ties between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in the South still focus on Nicaragua and South Africa.

Since the early 1990’s the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports Dutch municipalities and other local governments in their efforts to strengthen the governance capacities of their partners abroad through decentralised co-operation. A primary reason to do this was the potential for strengthening public support for international cooperation. However, as a consequence of an evaluation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (IOB), VNG International no longer includes ‘strengthening public support’ as one of the aims of MIC. Still 44% of the municipalities included in a study by VNG said that they did support activities on strengthening public support and informing the citizens about international Cooperation (VNG, 2006)

Whereas MIC used to focus on aspects such as solidarity, strengthening local governance in developing countries and countries in Eastern Europe, municipalities now increasingly regard international cooperation as a tool for working on their own programmes and projects in the municipality itself. Motives include economic benefits and gaining new knowledge on migrant groups, which is regarded as important in formulating new policies, e.g. in involving migrant groups. In general municipalities have experiences that the conventional methods of reaching citizens or involving citizens for specific municipal programmes (e.g. in health care) do not reach migrant groups. Municipalities feel they lack knowledge and methods in involving these groups of citizens. Municipalities think MIC might help them gain knowledge by being exposed to living conditions in the migrant countries or by discussing issues with partner municipalities in migrant countries. International cooperation should, in short, include reciprocity, which has become a more prominent issue in MIC. As a consequence a number of shifts in MIC can be identified. The most important shifts are; more focus on ties with municipalities with the main migrant countries and/or on ties with new EU member states.

A new development is to link between MIC and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were set by the United Nations. In April 2007 VNG started a campaign to involve as many municipalities as possible in meeting the MDGs. The campaign focuses on city to city cooperation to support municipalities in the South on issues such as water, education, health and waste management. It is hoped this cooperation could contribute to achieving the MDGs. Furthermore, municipalities are in a position to contribute to sustainable development by saving energy, using Fair Trade products, etc. (www.milleniumgemeenten.nl, conference “Wethouder waarom doen we dit” – 11th April 2007). This initiative is linked more to the conventional MIC with municipalities in developing countries. (see for more information on MDG’s: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals1).

According to a survey of VNG International (2006), 72% of the Dutch municipalities are involved in international cooperation. Of the municipalities with 50 000 to 100 000 inhabitants 95% are active in international cooperation, while all municipalities with more then 100 000 inhabitants are involved. (VNG International, 2006). However, only 21% of the municipalities have formulated policies on

1 The eight millennium developments goals are: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, Achieve universal primary education, Promote gender equality and empower women, Reduce child mortality, Improve maternal health , Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases, Ensure environmental sustainability and Develop a global partnership for development

5 international cooperation and 10% of the efforts in international cooperation are directed to developing countries (OESO-DAC - countries). (NCDO, 2006)

2.2 MIC and Trends in Governance, Urban Development and International Cooperation From the vantage point of the 1990’s, the main factors favouring the continued expansion of MIC are: decentralisation of public administration, decentralisation of development cooperation, decentralisation and democratisation, globalisation and localisation and heterogeneity (societies in the industrialised world have become more heterogeneous than ever before). (Schep et al., 1995)

Local governance has thus become more important as a result of widespread decentralisation processes, which are part of the consistent wave of democratization in the era of neo-liberalism. (Baud, 2004; UNDP, 2003; Helmsing, 2000). Not only do these reforms bring new powers and duties to local governments, they also stimulate local authorities to move beyond their traditional roles; local governments are expected to function more as ‘enablers’ (UNCHS, 1998). Urbanization itself leads to more challenges for local governments; both the pace and the magnitude of urban growth and the urbanisation of poverty make it difficult to provide land, infrastructure, housing, services to enterprises and the population at the necessary scale (UN Population Report 2007). At the moment 30% of all the world’s poor people live in urban areas. This figure is expected to grow to 40% in 2020 and to 50% by 2035 (RAWOO, 2005). Internationally, the quality of urban governance is considered the most important factor for the eradication of urban poverty and for making cities more prosperous. (RAWOO, UN Habitat, Helmsing 2001).

One important area in which governments can help to reduce poverty is by improving living conditions (Baud, 2004). Local governments coordinate many resources and control access to land, housing, and basic services, like water and sanitation (Baud, 2004; Satterthwaite, 2000). However, in fulfilling their new role most local governments in developing countries face several constraints, such as lack of technical and managerial capacity, and financial resources (Baud, 2004). Moreover, central governments are generally reluctant to hand over real power to the local level and facilitate the decentralisation process. Local governance calls for special skills, expertise and talents that cannot always be learned by past experiences available within the limits of national borders. In this regard trans-national cooperation may fill some substantial gaps (IOB, 2004).

The United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA) concludes that within one generation, in 2030 the number of inhabitants of cities in Africa and Asia will have doubled. UNFPA concludes that the potential advantages of urbanization will be bigger then the disadvantages. “Not a single country has ever reached significant economical growth without urbanization”. A good and clever policy on urbanization provides in the provision of land for new people, the establishment of facilities like streets, water facilities and sewage systems. The government should educate women about birth control, as will in the cities as in the rural areas. The director of UNFPA, Purnima Mane sees a role for ‘sister cities in the richer countries’ to contribute to the urban development. “National governments, companies, NGOs and sister cities should finance the facilities. “ It is an investment that pays back itself by economic growth”. (Volkskrant 28 juni 2006 “Aantal stedelingen Afrika en Azië in 2030 verdubbeld”).

2.3 Cooperation between Dutch Municipalities and Municipalities in Migrant Countries – A New Phenomenon As indicated earlier, a new focus is the growing interest by Dutch municipalities, which host large groups of migrant origin, in establishing contacts with municipalities in the main migrant countries of origin. Dutch municipalities involved in cooperation with migrant countries generally seek to also promote mutual understanding between migrants and host societies, to promote the integration of migrants and to get a better understanding of migrant groups in society. Municipalities are searching for ways to learn and benefit from international activities, and develop new policies towards MIC. Most of these contacts were established from the year 2000 onwards. In a publication in 1995 the ‘presence of ethnic minorities’ was mentioned as one of the motivations for municipalities to be engaged in international cooperation; other motives mentioned included political, humanitarian, economic, technical and human interest (including enhancement of cross-cultural understanding). Examples presented in this publication were from the City of Sao Vincente (Brazil) linked to Naha (Japan) through the Japanese community in Sao Vincente. The partnership between Marseille and

6 Dakar, which dates from 1968, was also inspired by the fact that each has a sizeable minority originating from the other city. The Vice Consulate of Pakistan chose the city of Sahiwal (Pakistan) as a counterpart for Rochdale (United Kingdom), because most Pakistanis in Rochdale originate from the Punjab, where Sahiwal is located. As mentioned in the paragraph above, heterogeneity was cited as one of the main factors favouring the continued expansion of MIC. As a result of this increased heterogeneity, many local communities are confronted with the issues surrounding the position of migrants (refugees and workers) and local reactions to them. More generally, these issues have also drawn increasing numbers of municipalities into dealing with certain exigencies of international affairs (Schuman 1994: 57) Schep et al. (1995).

A study on international municipal cooperation indicated that in 2006 21 municipalities (out of 243 in total) cooperated with one or more municipalities in migrant countries.

Table 2.1 Number of Dutch municipalities engaged in MIC per region

Region Number of Dutch municipalities involved in MIC Old EU member states (15 member states before extension 71 with 10 new member states 1st May 2004) 10 New EU member states (from 1st of May) 74 Countries in Central and Eastern Europe which are no EU 25 member state (including Turkey) The South (Africa, Asia, Latin America) 35 Migrant countries (no specific region)2 21 Source: ‘Een wereld aan kansen, de stand van zaken op het beleidsterrein gemeentelijke internationale samenwerking in 2006, VNG International, The Hague.

This report includes 22 municipalities which have municipal ties with one or more municipalities in migrant countries. More municipalities are, however, engaged in international cooperation on short term projects with several municipalities (e.g. Bergen op Zoom and Zaltbommel). The dividing line between a (more or less formal) city link or engagement in one or two projects is often hard to draw. Municipalities might be engaged in cooperation on a project base while they are cooperating with a particular municipalities for several years. Links between municipalities which imply cooperation for a longer period, at least several years, were included in this research. These ties might be more or less formal city links but might also be based on projects. Some municipalities have more than one relation with municipalities in migrant countries. In total 39 ties of cooperation/ twinning relations were identified3.

2.4 Main Non-western Migrant Countries for the Netherlands The CBS in the Netherlands distinguishes between migrants and ‘allochtonen’. A proper translation of the word ‘allochtonen’ does not exist in English. Use is sometimes made of the term ‘minority groups’ or people with a foreign background’. Although there are slight differences, in this report for practical reasons, use is made of the wider and more neutral term ‘migrants’.

A person is considered an ‘allochtoon’ if he/she was born outside the Netherlands or if at least one of the parents was born outside the Netherlands. A distinction is made between the western and non- western migrant countries. Non-western migrant countries include Turkey and countries in Africa, South America and Asia with the exception of Indonesia4 and Japan. Another distinction is made between the first generation ‘allochtonen’ and second generation ‘allochtonen’. The first generation are people who were born outside the Netherlands and the second generation are people who were born in the Netherlands but who have at least one parent who was born outside the Netherlands.

2 Since the migrant countries are not bound to a specific geographical region, the number of municipalities mentioned under this category might as well be counted under the category ‘Countries in Central and Eastern Europe which are non EU member states (including Turkey)and the South (Africa, Latin America and Asia) 3 This report is based on data gathered among key people; among others, all the coordinators for the specific migrant countries of VNG International were interviewed. Through their contacts with separate municipalities they have a good overview of existing ties within the specific migrant country. A number of municipalities is still exploring possibilities to be engaged in international cooperation with municipalities in migrant countries, while other might consider ending the relationship. The list of existing ties is likely to change rapidly. 4 In the 1940’s and 1950’s a group of migrants from Indonesia (former Netherlands Indies) migrated to the Netherlands. These migrants a strong orientation towards the Netherlands and were, at that time, not considered to be non-western.

7 Migrants are all people who are part of the immigration and emigration flows, regardless their origin (CBS, 2006). Immigrants are people who arrive from another country to live in the Netherlands, and are registered in the municipal population registration. Municipal registration takes place if the person expects to stay in the Netherlands for longer than four months in the six months after arrival. (CBS, 2006).

Nearly one in 5 persons living in the Netherlands is considered an ‘allochtoon’. This group consists of 1.7 million non-western and 1.4 million western allochtonen (1 January 2006). The main non-western migrant groups in the Netherlands originate from Turkey, Suriname, Morocco and The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.

Table 2.2 Countries of origin of main non-western migrant groups in the Netherland and number of migrants living in the Netherlands: • Turkey (368 600) • Suriname (333 504) • Morocco (329 493) • The Netherlands Antilles/ Aruba 5 (129 985)

(CBS, 1 January 2007).

Table 2.3 Countries of origin of relatively smaller non-western groups in the Netherlands and number of migrants living in the Netherlands • China (44 700), • Iraq (43 800), • Afghanistan (37 200), • Iran (28 700), • Cape Verdie (20 100), • Somalia (19 900), • Ghana (19 500), • Egypt (19 000), • Vietnam (18 300), • Pakistan (18 200), • Hongkong (18 100), • India (14 700), • The Philippines (13 500) • Ethiopia (10 300).

(CBS, 1 January 2006)

Due to the unstable political situation in Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran and Somalia, a growing number of migrants have arrived in the Netherlands from these countries over the last few years. VNG International is involved in local government capacity building programmes in Iran and Iraq, but there are no city linkages (so far).

According to CBS the number of migrants from Asian countries who will settle down in the Netherlands for work and study will rise significantly in the coming years. It is expected that by the year 2020 430 000 Asian migrants will live in the Netherlands, which means they will be the second largest group after the Turkish migrants. The number of African migrants is expected to grow significantly as well.

The main western migrant groups living in the Netherlands originate from the former Netherlands Indies/ Indonesia (see footnote 3) Germany, Belgium, United Kingdom, former Yugoslavia, former Soviet Union, and Poland. The number of migrants of eastern European countries is expected to rise significantly after 1st of May 2007 because of the free open European labour market in the member states. As previously mentioned, a large number of Dutch municipalities are engaged in cooperation with municipalities in Middle and Eastern Europe; new EU member states or candidate member states. Some of these ties date back form the period after WW II. But ties were also recently established as a result of new policies by the Dutch municipalities. This research, however, focuses on cooperation with municipalities in the non-western migrant countries because of the additional objectives to contribute to the integration of migrants in the Dutch society, and the possibilities of mutual learning and reciprocity in this respect.

5 The Netherlands Antilles/ Aruba is in fact not a separate migrant country but is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

8 2.5 Non-western Migrant Countries and MIC Dutch municipalities cooperate with municipalities in the following non-western migrant countries; Morocco, Turkey, Suriname, Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, Ghana and Cape Verde. Interestingly there are no ties (focusing on strengthening local governance bodies) between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in China and only one tie between a Dutch municipality and a municipality in Indonesia. The tsunami of December 2004 triggered several municipalities to collect money for reconstruction after the tsunami in all of the countries affected, including Indonesia. The municipality of Apeldoorn has established a partnership with the municipality of Banda Aceh (Indonesia) since the tsunami. There is also cooperation between the Association of Indonesian Water Companies PERPAMSI, several PDAM water companies, Dutch Provincial Water company South Holland (PWN), Dune Water Company South Holland (DZH) Water company Amsterdam (WLB) and VNG International. The programme started in 2003 and was an initiative of the water company in Indonesia (budget € 12.300). As a result of the economic growth in China there are first signs of a growing interest in city links with municipalities in China (meeting Municipal platform Turkey, 7th June 2007)

Table 2.4 Cooperation between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrant countries; number of municipalities and number of twinning relations per migrant country

Migrant country Number of twinning relations6 Turkey 13 + projects in 1 municipality Morocco 7 + projects in 2 municipalities Suriname 6 Netherlands Antilles 7 + projects in 1 islands Ghana 4 Cape Verdie 1 Indonesia 1 Total 39 + projects in 4 municipalities/ regions Source: own survey, 2007

Table 2.5 Cooperation between Dutch municipalities and partner municipalities in migrant countries

Dutch municipality Cooperation with municipality Number of projects/links

Alkemade Kadjebi district (Ghana) 1 Alkmaar Bergema (Turkey) 1 Almelo Denizli (Turkey) 1 Almere Kumasi (Ghana) 1 Amsterdam See table 2.6 6 + projects in 2 other municipalities/regions Apeldoorn Bonaire (Netherlands Antilles), Banda Aceh (Indonesia) 2 Arnhem Suriname 1 Den Helder Curacao (Netherlands Antilles) 1 Delft Adapazzari (Turkey) 1 Deventer Luleburgaz and Erdine (Turkey) 2 Dordrecht Aruba (Netherlands Antilles) 1 Eindhoven Curacao (Netherlands Antilles) 1 Gouda Elmina (Ghana) Imzourène (Morocco) 2 Haarlem Emirdag (Haarlem) 1 Lelystad Lelydorp (Suriname) 1 Meppel Figuig (Morocco) 1 Nijmegen Gaziantep (Turkey) 1 Rotterdam See table 2.6 7 + projects in 2 other municipalities Utrecht See table 2.6 3 The Hague See table 2.6 2 Zeist Berkane (Morocco) 1 Zoetermeer Fatih (Turkey) 1

22 municipalities 39 + projects in 4 other municipalities/ regions

Source: own survey, 2007

6 Some municipalities are engaged in more the one city link in one migrant country. Some municipalities do not consider their involvement in cooperation as a city link but rather refer to projects.

9

Table 2.6 Cooperation between the four largest Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrant countries

Dutch Turkey Suriname Morocco Netherlands Ghana Cape All main Municipality/ Antilles + Verde migrant migrant Aruba countries countries Amsterdam Koceali Suriname Al Hoceima St Maarten Accra - 5 (finalised) + projects in 3 Curacao other Casablanca municipalities/ (projects) (+ projects in regions. Aruba) Exploring other options Rotterdam Istanbul Suriname Casablanca Curacao - Praia 7 (Nador) + projects in GölcüK two other (+ Izmir) municipalities Hoogvliet Marowijne (municipal ditsrict) The Hague - Suriname North - - - 2 Morocco Utrecht Adapazzari - Oujda - - - 3

Izmit (Marrakesh in preperation) Source: own survey, 2007

10 3. Inventory - Some Specific Characteristics per Country and Overview of Existing Linkages

This chapter presents an inventory of existing relations between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrant countries. Furthermore, some relevant background information is provided on the specific migrant countries; Suriname, Turkey, Morocco, Ghana, Cape Verde and the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. It is important to stress the differences between these countries. In all aspects - geographically, economically, historically - they are very different countries. With regards to MIC the governance structures and the history of migration to the Netherlands are the most important characteristics. These will briefly be discussed in this chapter.

Suriname, Ghana and Cape Verde are among the 36 partner countries of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Good governance is one of the focal points of development cooperation.

This chapter also includes information on VNG support programmes since these programmes have an important influence with regards to the subjects addressed in the twinning projects. Several Dutch Municipalities are involved in regional platforms where they exchange information on international cooperation with one of the migrant countries (Morocco platform, Platform Netherlands Antilles, Municipal Platform Turkey). The platforms are coordinated by VNG International.

3.1 Suriname

General characteristics: Number of inhabitants: 492 829 (census 2004; ABS ) Surface: 163 820 km² (4,8 x the Netherlands) Population density: three inhabitants per square km. State: Republic, independence since 25/11/1975 Parliament: De Nationale Assemblée (DNA), 51 members GNP: US$ 1 885 million (2004, estimation CIA); US$ 989 million (2002, IMF); US$ 888 million (2002, EIU) GNP per capita: USD 2250 (2004) Labour force per sector: 13% agriculture and fishery, 22% industry, 65% services (2001, estimation CIA)

Map 3.1 Suriname

Source: www.minbuza.nl

History of migration Suriname and the Netherlands have important historical ties, as Suriname was a Dutch colony and gained independence in 1975. The largest wave of migration took place just before and after Suriname gained independence. The Dutch language is spoken (together with Sranan Tongo) which facilitates the communication between Dutch and Surinamese partners. 331 900 migrants from Suriname live in the Netherlands while the population of Suriname itself is 492 829 inhabitants (census 2004; ABS). This results in strong transnational ties between the diaspora

11 and inhabitants of Suriname; most inhabitants of Suriname have family members living in the Netherlands.

Government Structure Suriname is divided into 10 districts. Paramaribo is the main municipality where the majority of the population lives. Due to the government structure, size and concentration of the population, Dutch municipalities mostly work directly with ministries in Suriname. Suriname is in a process of decentralization. Employees of the decentralization office of the Ministry of Regional Development have visited the Netherlands for working visits on several occasions. Working visits includes visits to the municipalities of The Hague, Rotterdam, Arnhem, and Amsterdam Zuid-Oost.

Aims of working visits are broad and diverse. They include: acquiring knowledge about themes such as district development plans, spatial planning, local public administration rules, citizen participation, renewing administration, financial decentralization and spatial planning, acquiring knowledge on Human Resource Management, good governance, integration policy, development plans, budgeting and labour force market and the economy. The Inter American Bank is financing a Decentralization and Local Government Strengthening Program (DLGP).

External Funds MIC Members of the Suriname Platform, coordinated by VNG International, include the municipalities of The Hague, Rotterdam. Amsterdam, Arnhem, Lelystad and Spijkenisse. Ms. Biekman, senior advisor of the municipality of The Hague is coordinator of the VNG International Logo South programme for Suriname as well. The country programme of VNG International was set up in collaboration with the Ministry of Regional Development and the Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation (PLOS), the Districts and the Platform Suriname Platform in the Netherlands. The programme was based as much as possible on existing contacts between municipalities in the Netherlands and Suriname. Projects and activities are focused on water management, social housing and administration. Projects directed to districts focus exclusively on decentralization of markets, roads, water management, and waste management.

Six municipalities and one municipal district are involved in international Cooperation with municipalities in Suriname.

Exchange fire brigade Amsterdam – Suriname. Source: www.brandweer.amsterdam.nl

12 Table 3.1 Municipal International Cooperation – Dutch municipalities and Suriname (June 2007) Dutch Surina- Year Initiative Main Smaller Budget in External Hours Involve- munici- me of by theme projects euros on funds in per week ment pality esta- Coopera- yearly euros on 9 NGO’s blish tion basis7 yearly ment basis8 Amster- Suri- 2002 Amster- Water & Decen- appr. 2,2 fte for Stichting dam10 name dam sanitation tralisa- 750.000 total Brasa + inlands tion for total internatio- Stichting interna- nal Sekrepatu Social Renova- tional Coopera- housing tion Coopera- tion De Meren tion Munici- (8 (AMC) and Health care Archives pality of projects) Psychiatric Amster- centre Coopera- Coope- dam (8 Suriname tion fire ration projects for brigade ports coopera- Stichting tion)11 herstelling, Coopera- Culture tion police SAO, Stichting gebouwd Erfgoed Suriname

Universi- ties Rotter- Suri- 2002 Rotter- Manage- 20 000 appr. 10 hours Hoge- dam name dam ment (travel and 190 000 coordina- school Archives, accomoda- 13 tion Rotterdam tion costs)12 10 hours Civil affairs Municipal Police 80 000 depart- department Communi- subsidy ments 14 cation program Zoo authorities private initiatives Museum all migrant countries Hoog- Maro- 2001 Rotter- Youth 10 000 2 hours Einstein vliet. wijne dam Lyceum + city 2006 Educa- Waaldijk- district for- tion school of ma- Rotter- lised Culture PCB dam Oudeland school + Fred Murray- school

Rotter- dams wijktheater

Stichting Welzijn Hoogvliet,

Naks (Suriname)

7 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 8 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 9 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 10 The municipality of Amsterdam is involved in more then 30 projects of cooperation. 11 The municipality of Amsterdam host an international desk which is responsible for the coordination of the following relations: Suriname, Morocco, Turkey, Ghana, Netherlands Antilles, Sofia, Budapest and Riga. The total budget is determined as 1 euro per inhabitant which means approximately € 750 000 per year. The international desk is equipped with 2,2 fte for all the international relations. 12 The municipality of Rotterdam spent 1,5 to 2 fulltime workforce on total cooperation with municipalities in migrant countries. 13 The municipality of Rotterdam estimated that the total amount of expenditure on projects in Suriname (municipality, other organisations and subsidies) for the period 2005 – 2009 will be € 758.000 of which the municipality itself committed € 170.000. 14 The capacity involved is an estimation.

13 Dutch Surina- Year Initiative Main Smaller Budget in External Hours Involve- muni- me of by theme projects euros on funds in per week ment cipality esta- Coopera- yearly euros on 17 NGO’s blish- tion basis15 yearly ment basis16 The Suri- 2002 The Establish- Educa- Several Several Several Hague name Hague ment tion Depart- depart- NGO’s are knowledge ments are ments are involved. institute involved in involved cooperation in New coopera- agreement tion (July 2007): Care for disabled people

Good governance

Economy, labor market, trade/ industry

Environ- ment and urban green areas Lelystad Lelydorp 2004 Munici- Information 30 000 - 3 hours Schools pality of and (MBO) Lelystad documenta- together tion centre with private new plans: initiative fire safety

health care

education

cultural exchange

trade Arnhem Para- 2004 ? Exchange 30 000 36 000: Hours VMBO maribo schools 10 000 staff Arnhem Nijmegen VMBO Mulo School Suriname 20 000 (?) Ministry of Justice

6 000 Euopean Platform 18 Several rebuilding munici- after floods palities in 2006 Source: VNG International, information municipalities combined with own survey, 2007

15 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 16 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 17 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 18 The total budget for three years project is € 200 000.

14 3.2 Turkey

General Characteristics Surface: 769 360 km2 (23 x the Netherlands) Number of inhabitants: 65 million (2000) 72.3 million (EIU - 2005) Population density: 8394 inhabitants per km2 (2005) Sate: Parliamentarian republic Parliament: Unicameraal; 550 members GNP: US$ 198,7 milliard (1999)€ 225,5 milliard (EIU - 2004) GNP per capita: US$ 3.021 (1999 ) € 3.131 (EIU - 2004) Labour force per sector: agriculture, fishery and forestry (36%), industry (18%), building sector (6%), trade, services and government (40%)

Map 3.2 Turkey

Source: www. minbuza.nl

History of migration: In the 1960’s and 1970’s many labour migrants from Turkey entered the Netherlands as a temporary work force and later on as permanent inhabitants together with their families. Most links between Dutch and Turkish municipalities were established around 2000 but some date back to 1995 or even beyond (Almelo – Denizli).

EU Turkey is an EU candidate state and therefore has specific features. With regards to international cooperation on the local level, during the Copenhagen Summit in 2002, it was decided that if Turkey fulfils the Copenhagen criteria19, the European Union will open accession negotiations with Turkey. This means municipalities face several challenges to develop public services. Within five years, for example, the waste collection and treatment has to meet EU standards.

Government Structure By Dutch standards the Turkish society is more politicised and central government is more influential. Both formally and informally, the ties between local and central government are strong and more clearly linked to party lines. Local administration, which functions under the administrative tutelage of the central administration, is divided into three main administrative ties, these are the special provincial administrative ties (81) and sub provinces/ districts (850), municipalities (3,225, of which 16 metropolitan municipalities), and village administrations (35.175). (LOGO East Twinning Framework Turkey 2006 -2007, VNG International).

External Funds MIC Turkey falls under the LOGO East Programme of VNG International with a special focus on public service delivery which means Dutch municipalities can only apply for funds for projects falling under the category service delivery. The Dutch municipalities involved in international Cooperation with municipalities in Turkey were in the process of setting up a Municipal Platform Turkey at the time of this research to coordinate their international efforts. There are several funds on European level, which

19 The so-called Copenhagen criteria define the membership conditions and require that the candidate country has achieved: stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities (political criteria); the existence of a functioning market economy as well as the capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union (economic criteria), the ability to take on the obligations of membership including adherence to the aims of political, economical and monetary union has created (criteria of the adoption of the acquis).

15 are open for Turkey as well. Examples are MATRA – KAP (kleine Ambassade projecten), LIFE, EU program ‘Civil Society Dialogue. For more information see Annex 1.

There are 13 operational twinning relations between the Netherlands and Turkey at the moment. Most municipalities focus on links with municipalities in West Turkey, which is more western and more developed then the Eastern part of Turkey. A significant group of migrants, however, originate form Anatolia, which is located in the eastern part.

Table 3.2 Municipal International Cooperation – Dutch municipalities and municipalities in Turkey (June 2007)

Dutch Turkish Year of Initiative Main Smaller Budget External Hours Involve municip municip establish by theme projects in euros funds per week ment ality ality ment Coopera- on in euros 22 NGO’s tion yearly - yearly basis20 basis21 Alkmaar Berga- 1998 first Civil Complaints Education 5 000 130 000 4 Alkmaars ma contacts society/ procedure VNG – (coordi- uitwisse- Migrant Coopera- LOGO nation) lings 2001, organi- Monuments tion East comite friendship zations preserva- chambers 27 agree- in tion of (munici- Schools ment Alkmaar commerce pal (primary, (KvK) depart- and 2004 ments, secon- twinning Justice and 7 persons dary) formalized integrity involved) Hospitals Health care Chamber Culture of Com- merce

Court

Council for the Disabled Almelo Denizli First Almelo Waste Women 3 500 125 000 32 Denizli contacts manage- adult for VNG- (coordi- commit- 1970’s ment literacy Denizli Logo nation tee 1995 commit- East23. and 2007 Social tee acquisi- Schools twinning service tion funds (MBO, 700 000 agree- delivery ROC van MATRA ment 40 Twente), (BUZA) (for 5 project projects) Welfare Disabled 24 organisa- at Work tion Scoop, 15 000 KAP- Energy MATRA company environm Cogas, ental project Twente milieu

Waste mana- gement company Twence.

20 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 21 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 22 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 23 In 2005 a subsidy was acquired of € 65.000 GST programme VNG (VNG program before LOGO East).

24 Part of the capacity is financed through subsidies.

16 Dutch Turkish Year of Initiative Main Smaller Budget External Hours Invol- municip municip establish by theme projects in euros funds in per week vement ality ality ment Coopera- on euros - 27 NGO’s tion yearly yearly basis25 basis26 Amster- Koceali 1999 World Institutiona- Health appr. 70 000 2,2 fte for dam (In 2000 Bank lisation care, 750 000 LOGO total formali- approa- Monument for total East for interna- zed) ched preserva- Fire safety interna- project tional Amster- tion tional monu- Coopera- dam Social coope- ments tion (after welfare ration Amster- earth- (handicap- Amster- dam – 8 quake) ped dam – 8 programs people) pro- grams28 Delft Adapa- 2001 Munici- Fire safety Cultural 1 250 Project 2 hours Stichting zari pality of exchange fire Coordina- partner- Delft Establish- safety tion stad Delft together ment of part of a – Adapa- with Cultural large EU Project zari migrant centrum program fire safety organi- Adapazari (5 million 8 hours sations euro’s) (finished) Deven- Lulebur- 2005 Deventer Setting up exploring Time Local 7,5 hours Etty ter gaz front office coopera- spend admini- a week Hillseum tion fire stration Lyceum, Strengthe- brigades 5 000 support ning public and waste 75 000 Centre service actors for Music delivery Other ex- and support changes Dance, Improve- contacts 25 000 ment secondary Fire internal schools brigade communica- tion cultural exchanges Deven- Erdine 2004 Deventer Social Contacting Time 69 000 7,5 hours Spolu ter service Roma spend (VNG) a week delivery (support) Cambio NGO’s 5 000 Employ- witch each Circulus ment other within creation European Habitat (Roma) networks Platform

Cultural Universi- exchange ties

EDROM Haarlem Emirdag 1995 first Civil Waste Health care 21 000 65 000 6 hours Stichting contact, society manage- elderly (VNG) coordina- Haarlem 2005 Haarlem ment tion Emirdag official Culture 7 hours agree- municipal NV ment Education depart- Spaarne- ments landen

2 hours Schools/ NV gardens Spaarne- landen Eco (Waste tourism manage- ment) Hospitals

25 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 26 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 27 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 28 The municipality of Amsterdam host an International Relations Office which is responsible for the coordination of the following relations: Suriname, Morocco, Turkey, Ghana, Netherlands Antilles, Sofia, Budapest and Riga. The total budget is determined as 1 euro per inhabitant which means approximately € 750 000 per year. The international desk is equipped with 2,2 fte for all the international relations.

17 Dutch Turkish Year of Initiative Main Smaller Budget External Hours Invol- municip municip establish by theme projects in euros funds in per week vement ality ality ment Coopera- on euros - 31 NGO’s tion yearly yearly basis29 basis30 Nijmeg- Gazian- 2006 Nijme- Sheltered 35 000 68 000 15 hours Several en tep gen Employ- (VNG) NGO’s ment are Scheme for involved the disabled 32 Utrecht Adapa- 1999 Private Rebuilding 55 000 55 hours 6 cultural zari initiative/ school and (total (total institu- & Utrecht institution budget capacity tions Izmit after earth- migrant migrant squake coun- countries) 1999 tries) (finished)

Cultural exchange – Preparation festival 2008 Rotter- Istanbul 2000 Rotter- Waste Cultural 5 000 - 10 hours ROC dam 33 2005 dam manage- exchange (trave- coordina- Albeda formal ment ling and tion and agree- accom- Ichtus ment Trade moda- Time college tion) municipal (higher Waterfront/ depart- educa- Connecting 80 000 ments ion) City and subsidy (DS+V) port program Trade private and initia- Invest- tives all ment migrant Centre coun- Turkey tries Port of Rotter- dam Rotter- Gölcük 1999 Rotter- City Munici- 70 000 Municipal dam dam information/ pal VNG capacity (after map system budget: coordina- earth- (infrastruc- see tion: see squake) ture) coopera- coopera- tion tion Istanbul Istanbul + Capacity dienst gemeente werken Zoeter- Fatih 2006- Munici- Waste - 31 000 4 hours - meer 2007 pality of manage- VNG coordina- Zoeter- ment LOGO tor + meer East internal (council) expertise municipa- lity Source: VNG International, information municipalities combined with own survey, 2007 Remarks

29 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 30 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 31 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 32 Stichting breed, CWI, University Gaziatep, Blixem, shop/ café, Driestroom, Stichting Dagloon, Werkenrode, St. Maartenskliniek, Dedicon Grave, Pluryn Werkenrode Groep, Sensis Regio Nijmegen, Coffijn Koffiebranderij en straatvegersproject, WIG, Universiteit Nijmegen, faculteit Economie, Voorlichtingscentrum Int Business & communication OKC’s Nijmegen, SSgN, Royal Haskonig, Stichting Bouworde 33 The contacts of the municipality of Rotterdam with Turkey are not exclusively focused on Istanbul and Gölcük. There are some relations with Izmir as well.

18 In September 2006 the Mayors of Istanbul, Amsterdam and Rotterdam agreed to cooperate in the field of Urban Planning. The cooperation started in April 2007. In the period April 2007 – August 2007 two workshops were held in Istanbul.

Oss - Samsun – The municipality of Oss is involved in first stage of cooperation with the municipality of Samsun. The municipality tries to stimulate the establishment of contacts between a private initiatives with a similar organization in Samsun. If this cooperation works well the municipality will discuss the possibilities to get involved at a municipal level. The main objective of the municipality of Oss is to stimulate the integration of the different organizations of Turkish migrants. The municipal budget is € 10 000 for the organization of activities and € 20 000 for building and strengthening of organizations (working within Oss).

Municipalities exploring possibilities for cooperation: • Hengelo - Yozgat; cooperation at level of civil society. The municipality itself is not involved. • Arnhem - Yozgat Arnhem made a financial contribution for the reconstruction after the earthquake. The municipality organizes events to focus on one of the main migrant countries. There is no cooperation with a particular partner municipality so far.

Mayors of the municipalities of Denizli (Turkey) and Almelo (The Netherlands) Source: www.almelo.nl

3.3 Morocco

General Characteristics Surface: 446 550 km² (11x the Netherlands). Morocco uses the number of 710.850 km², which includes Western Sahara. Population: 33.2 million (2006, estimation CIA World Fact book) Population density: 74 inhabitants per km² (2006) State: Constitutional monarchy (Kingdom) Parliament: Chamber of population representatives 325 members, Chamber of Advisors 270 members. GNP: US$ 62.2 milliard (2006, estimation EIU) GNP per capita: US$ 1873.49 (2006) Labour force per sector: Agriculture 40 %, Industry 15 %, services 45 % (2003, estimation CIA World Fact book)

Map 3.3 Morocco

www.minbuza.nl/nl/reizenlanden/landen,landkaarten-groot/Marokko.html

19 History of Migration Like Turkey, the migration from Morocco to the Netherlands started as labour force migration: in the 1960’s and 1970’s migrants were actively recruited to work in the industry, as a temporary work force. Later on they became permanent inhabitants together with their families.

Government Structure Morocco has the formal characteristics of a parliamentarian democracy. In the year 1996 a parliament with two chambers was established after a referendum. The chamber of representatives from the population (325 members) is elected in the general elections for the period of three years. The chamber of advisors (270 members) is elected indirectly, once every 3 years one third of the members are replaced.

Morocco considers the Western Sahara to be its territory and it is divided administratively into 16 regions, consisting of 39 provinces and 8 prefectures. Morocco aims at further regionalisation. Governmental tasks are directed to the regions, which will gain further competency in managing social economic issues. (www.minbuza.nl)

Morocco Platform Municipalities in the Netherlands and in Morocco are joining forces in the Morocco Platform34. The Platform was created in 2000 as a vehicle for Dutch municipalities interested in exchange with Moroccan ones. This interest is born out of the great societal and political changes of Morocco during the reign of King Mohamed VI, the many citizens of Moroccan descent in Dutch cities and towns, and the economic and political impact of migration from one of Europe's southern neighbours. The Platform is currently in its second phase. The Royal Netherlands Embassy and the Interchurch Peace Council (Dutch acronym IKV) are partners of the Platform.

Dutch municipalities participating in the Platform: Amsterdam, Utrecht, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Veenendaal, Zeist, Bergen op Zoom, Meppel , Arnhem, Zaltbommel, Gouda and Leidschedam. Moroccan municipalities participating in the platform: Maârif (deelgemeente Casablanca), Sidi Maarouf (deelgemeente Casablanca), Ben Msik (deelgemeente Casablanca), Al Alaroui (ville de Nador), Zaio (ville de Nador), Figuig, Berkane, Larache, Oujda, Assilah, Guercif, Jrada, Imzourene (ville de Al Houceima), Tétouan-Alazhar, Midar (ville de Nador), Nador, Dahir, Al Houceima.

External Funds MIC Morocco does not come under the LOGO South programmes of VNG International. Since 2006 a special MATRA programme (for information see Annex 1) has focused on participation and good governance in Morocco. As a first pilot programme a waste project in the municipality of Berkane was financed, as well as a project in the municipality of Oujda (cooperation with municipality of Utrecht) and municipality of Casablanca (cooperation with municipality of Rotterdam).

The celebration of 400 years of relationship between the Dutch and Moroccan government has given an important impulse to the cooperation. Many municipalities have taken this opportunity to organize different events, mostly related to cultural exchange. VNG International has played an important role in focusing some of the activities on good governance. A programme to involve Moroccan administrators in the Dutch election in 2006 was part of the 400 years celebration.35

By May 2007 seven municipalities were truly engaged in cooperation, while two other municipalities were preparing for cooperation.

34 Cordaid finances the platform secretariat in Morocco.

35 Most activities were supported, financially by NCDO.

20 Table 3.3 Municipal International Cooperation – Dutch municipalities and municipalities in Morocco (June 2007) Dutch Morocc Year of Initiative Main Smal- Budget in External Hours Involvem municipa- an establish by theme ler euros on funds in per ent lity munici- ment coope- pro- yearly euros - week 38 NGO’s pality ration jects basis36 yearly basis37 Amster- Al 2004, after Municipa- Protec- ca. 750.000 88 hours - dam Hocei- earth- lity of tion for total (2,2 fte) ma quake Amster- civile internat- for total (finali- dam ional interna- sed) Coopera- tional tion – 8 Coope- Casa- programs40 ration blanca (8 pro- (few grams) projects )39 The Hague North 2004, after Municipa- Cultural 2 500 4 hours Several Moroc- earth- lity of The centre Morocco coordi- migrant co41 quake Hague platform nation organisa- + tions Incidentally Capacity budget for munici- establish- pal ment depart- cultural ments centre

subsidy COS Haag- landen to support migrant organisa- tions Gouda Imzou- 2007 Municipa- Rebuil- Gene- 10 000 200 000 Mosque, rène lity Gouda ding ral (munici- fire + civil school exchan pality brigade, society ge Gouda+ schools fundrai- sing + NCDO) Meppel Figuig 2006 Municipali Waste 6 000 20 000 1 ty of manage- (part of (+ Meppel ment wider voluntary MATRA work) Water prog-ram) manage- ment Rotterdam Casa- 2000 Municipa- Transfer Culture 5 000 - 10 hours Trade blanca lity of of park traveling coordi- and 42 Rotter- to and nation informa- dam botanical accommo- + tion garden dation Time centre depart- Morocco 80 000 ment subsidy gemeen- World program te- museum private werken Rotter- initiatives appr. 5 dam all migrant hours countries

36 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 37 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 38 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 39 The municipality of Amsterdam is exploring possibilities for cooperation with other large municipaities in (North) Morocco. 40 The municipality of Amsterdam is involved in cooperation with Suriname, Morocco, Turkey, Ghana, Netherlands Antilles, Sofia, Budapest and Riga. 41 The municipality of The Hague has supported the establishment of a cultural centre in Nador after the earthquake in 2004, together with the municipalities of Amsterdam and Utrecht. The Hague is in the process of exploring other possibilities to cooperate on cultural exchange whereby the focus will not be purely on Nador but on on the North of Morocco.

21 Dutch Morocc Year of Initiative Main Smal- Budget in External Hours Involvem municipa- an establish by theme ler euros on funds in per ent lity munici- ment coopera pro- yearly euros week 45 NGO’s pality -tion jects basis43 – yearly basis44 Utrecht Oujda46 2006 Morocco Ex- 55 000 30 hours platform/ change (total (total VNG/ and budget budget Utrecht/ mainte- migrant migrant Oujda nance countries) countries public ) parks

citizens partici- pation Zeist Bar- 2003 Municipa- Waste Parks 12 000 for 20 000 6 hours Schools kane lity of mana- cooperation (part of working Zeist gement Storks Berkane. wider time (Birds) MATRA 6 hours Tax program) free time collec- 3500 1 hour tion Wilde municipa Ganzen/ l depart- IKON ments

2 hours external organi- zations47 Several Al 2004 Dutch Renova- municipal- Hocei- municipali tion/ lities48 ma ties rebuil- participati ding ng in primary Morocco school platform Fire brigade

Assis- tance centres

Rebuil- ding and newbuild ing of 150 houses in Al Hoceima Source: VNG International, information municipalities combined with own survey, 2007

Remarks The municipalities of Bergen op Zoom, Leidschendam, Veenendaal and Zaltbommel are participating in the Morocco Platform but are not involved in cooperation with a particular municipality. They do participate in specific activities; e.g. hosted a delegation from Moroccan administrators in the local elections.

Zaltbommel used to cooperate with Maarif in the period 2000-2003. The cooperation stopped because of limited capacity of the municipal staff and low priority given to the initiative by the political parties in Zaltbommel.

42 The municipality of Rotterdam established an economic focal point in Nador; in the Rif area where most Moroccan migrants originate from. 43 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 44 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 45 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 46 Utrecht is exploring possibilities to cooperate with Marakesh. 47 The municipality of Berkane mentioned they spend approximately 12 hours per week on the Cooperation. 48 Amsterdam , Utrecht, Arnhem, Bergen op Zoom, Schoonhoven, Sittard Geleen are involved.

22 3.4 The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba

General Characteristics Population: the Netherlands Antilles 176 700 inhabitants (estimated, 2001); More than 85 percent of the inhabitants of the islands reside on Curaçao; the next two most populous islands are Saint Martin and Bonaire. Curaçao: 130 000, Bonaire: 10 000, Sint Eustatius 2 300, Sint Maarten 33 000 and Saba 1 400 inhabitants. Population Aruba approximately 95 000 inhabitants.

Map 3.4 The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba

http://www.minbzk.nl/onderwerpen/de-nederlandse/algemene-informatie

History of Migration As previously mentioned, The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba are part of the ‘Koninkrijk der Nederlanden ’Kingdom of the Netherlands; A political entity of Holland, Aruba and the Netherland Antilles. Until November 1975, when Suriname gained independence, Suriname was also part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Migration from the Netherlands Antilles is highly related to economical conditions. In 1980, the second half the 1980’s and the end of the 1990’s bad economical conditions, due to malaise in the oil industry, in the Netherland Antilles and economical growth in the Netherlands has led to a relatively large group of migrants from the Netherlands Antilles. Most migrants from the Netherlands Antilles originate from Curacao (75%), 16% from Aruba, 3% from Bonaire and 3% from Sint Maarten, Sint Eustastius and Saba (CBS, 2004).

Government Structure The Netherlands Antilles are a self-governing part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands. A governor, nominated by the local government and appointed by the crown, is the formal head of government and representative of the monarch. Executive authority is vested in a Council of Ministers headed by a prime minister. The council is responsible to the unicameral legislature (Staten), which is elected by universal adult suffrage. At the 1st of January 1996 Aruba gained a specific status as a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius has a direct connection with the Netherlands; their position within the Netherlands resembles that of Dutch municipalities. The Dutch legislation has replaced the legislation of the Netherlands Antilles with some exceptions (the specific characteristics of the Netherlands Antilles are taken into account). The population has the right to vote for the Dutch and the European parliament. Each island(group) has it’s own board, consisting of the island council, board of governors and the person in charge (In Dutch: het bestuurscollege en de gezaghebber)

Several Dutch municipalities are involved in short time projects like stage programmes. The main objectives of Dutch municipalities to be engaged in cooperation with the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba are directed towards capacity building of local government bodies. Dutch municipalities also include the objective of the integration of migrant within the Dutch society. They are particularly concerned about the integration of a small group of young people coming form the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.

23 External Funds MIC The Netherlands Antilles are part of the kingdom of the Netherlands and the island-group is therefore not considered a developing country. Co financing agencies do not have programmes in the Netherlands Antilles. The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations in the Netherlands, however, has developed a special support programme targeting municipalities in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba to prepare for their new status (www.minbzk.nl). VNG International coordinates a funding programme for work and study visits, which is financed by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.

Seven municipalities have twinning relations with a particular island of the archipelago of The Netherlands

Table 3.4 Municipal International Cooperation – Dutch municipalities and the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba (June 2007)

Dutch Island Year of Initia- Main theme Sma Budget in External Hours per Involvem munici- coopera- establish tive by coopera- ller euros on funds in week 51 ent pality tion ment tion proj yearly euros – NGO’s ects basis49 yearly basis50 Amster- St. 2004, Amster- Policy on ca. 750.000 88 (2,2 fte) - dam52 Maarten agreement dam integrity for total for total coopera- internatio- internation tion in Develop- nal al preparation ment of Coopera- coopera- house style tion – 8 ion – 8 programs programs Public affairs

New themes: Health

Archeology

Citizin administra- tion Amster- Curacao 2007 Archeology ca. 750.000 88 (2,2 fte) dam for total for total Support internatio- internatio- chair Youth nal nal and Coopera- coopera- Education ion – 8 ion – 8 University programs programs Netherlands Antilles

New themes: Health

Citizin administra- tion

Education Apel- Bonaire 2006 Apel- Fire safety - 20 000 9 doorn Agree- doorn and dealing Ministry ment for with of inter- coopera- disasters nal tion affairs

49 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 50 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 51 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 52 The municipality of Amsterdam is involved in projects in Aruba and Curacao as well.

24 Dutch Island Year of Initia- Main theme Sma Budget in External Hours per Involvem municipa cooperat establish tive by coopera- ller euros on funds in week 55 ent lity ion ment tion proj yearly euros – NGO’s ects basis53 yearly basis54 Den Curacao 2004 Den Safety Travel and 8 police, Helder Helder (setting up accommo- youth ‘safety dation costs care, care house” – people integrated with approach) addiction, prostitu- tion Dordrecht The Since appr. Initia- Varied; -56 - Different Nether- 1997 tives strengthe- organisa- ands come ing local ions; Antilles form governance, schools, both ITC/ e- social sides governance, organisa- addiction, ions, safety, health remigration care, etc. Eindho- Curacao 1996 Eindho- Administra- - 135 000, 18 hours Coopera- ven (first ven/ tion citizens Ministry tion with contacts) Curacao of CBS 2001 57 Information internal (formali- provision affairs sed) through Curacao Rotter- Curacao Develop- 25 000 15 hours Fire dam ment plan Traveling coordina- brigade and tion Monu- accommo- + Hoge ments dation Time school municipal Rotterdam Traffic 80 000 departmen safety subsidy ts (DS+V, Erasmus program RIAGG, University Youth private Dienst initiatives JOS, St. De Develop- all migrant gemeente Meeuw, ment port/ countries werken) St. Relief tourism Scheep- Fire safety vaart en transport education college,

Port of Rotterdam

World museum Rotterdam

Police Rotterdam Rijnmond Source: VNG International, information municipalities combined with own survey, 2007

53 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 54 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 55 Estimations by coordinators of the Dutch municipalities. 56 The municipality of Dordrecht is cooperating with the Netherland Antilles since they formulated a policy on migrant groups from the Netherlands Antilles. Dordrecht is considered to be a good example of policies and projects towards migrants from the Netherlands Antilles and is approached frequently by actors form the Netherlands Antilles and the Netherlands to learn from their experiences. Dordrecht cooperates with different Islands (mainly Curacao and also Aruba. and Bonaire) on varied issues. The municipality has an extensive budget for policy towards migrants form the Netherlands Antiles (700 000 - 750 000) but no special budget for international cooperation with the Netherlands Antilles. 57 In 1996 an employee, born in the Netherlands Antilles and working for 25 years at the municipality of Eindhoven, was detached by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to work in the Netherlands Antilles. This led to the cooperation between the Municipality of Eindhoven and Curacao. The cooperation was formalised in 2001.

25 3.5 Ghana

General Characteristics Surface: 238 538 km2 (7 x the Netherlands) Inhabitants: 22.6 million (2005, estimation) Population density: 95 inhabitants per km2 State: Constitutional Republic Parliament: parliamentarian democracy since 1992. One chamber consisting of 230 members. GNP: US$ 12.6 miljard (2006, schatting EIU) GNP per capita: US$ 409 (2004) Labor force per sector: Agriculture and fishery (47,9%), industry (16,2%), trade and services (19,3%), services (5,9%), professional (8,9%), remaining (1,8%)

Map 3.5 Ghana

www.wikipedia.nl

History of Migration From 198358 onwards many Ghanaians migrated to Europe. The Ghanaian migration is largely economical migration. Ghana has sizeable economic problems, which have negatively influenced the living standards of the Ghanaian people. Export prices dropped and import prices raised, the value of the cedi (Ghanaian currency) declined and the agricultural sector is sensitive for drought and plagues. Some other factors contribute to the migration: firstly Ghana has a history in seasonal migration, secondly many Ghanaians finish education outside Ghana (in the past higher education was not available in Ghana) and a large group of Ghanaians speak English. Finally, the political situation played a role in the migration. Most Ghanaians migrated to Great Britain and Germany. A smaller group migrated to the Netherlands. Once a small community emerged in the Netherlands, chain migration led to the growth of the community. Another explanation for the migration to the Netherlands can be found in the past as the Netherlands and Ghana had a longstanding trade relationship (Kraan, 2001).

The Netherlands and Ghana share a part of the history related to the slave trade. The Dutch government and Ashanti rulers negotiated on number and conditions for slave trade. The slaves were transported form St. George fort in Elmina, most of them to Suriname. Today Elmina still has a Dutch cemetery, a Dutch neighbourhood and many inhabitants have a Dutch name.

The origin of twinning relations between Ghanaian municipalities and Dutch Municipalities is not so much related to the fact that the Netherlands host a migrant population from Ghana. Only the city link between Amsterdam and Accra was established on the initiative of Amsterdam, as a result of their policy to focus their international activities mainly on migrant countries (and candidate member states of the EU). Nearly the whole migrant population coming from Ghana lives in the municipal district Amsterdam Zuidoost. Most Ghanaian migrants originate, however, from the Ashanti region around Kumasi. Therefore there is no direct link to the region of origin and the twinning between Amsterdam and Accra.

58 In 1983 a group of approximately one million Ghanaian migrants living in Nigeria were ordered to leave Nigeria due to political tensions between the two countries and a economical crisis in Nigeria. This large exodus of people back to Ghana is generally considered as the main event in the migration history of Ghana. In the same period Ghana suffered from extreme drought which lasted for two years and caused a famine. After that the political conditions were unstable. Furthermore, due to structural adjustment programs of IMF and the World Bank the government had to economize, which meant a loss of jobs and lowering or disappearance of several subsidies. (Ter Haar 1998:133, Moerkamp 1997: 59-62 in Kraan, 2001)

26

In general strong relations exist between organisations in the Netherlands and Ghana. On NCDO Annual Day participants were asked whether they knew the reasons for the strong ties. Some participants felt that trade is a common characteristic between Dutch and Ghanaian people which facilitates the cooperation. Important is the English language, which considerably facilitate the cooperation.

Government Structure Decentralisation has become an increasingly widespread and significant dimension of political and administrative reform in Ghana. More pronounced policies on decentralisation were enacted from 1988 onwards and resulted in several features of the 1992 constitution. However, the idea of decentralised rule in the territory of the state of Ghana dates back to the policy of indirect rule by the British colonial authorities.

The new local government system, introduced by the 1988 legislative reforms, is a four-tier structure with the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) at the top, followed by the Metropolitan/ Municipal/ District Assemblies, them the Urban/ Zonal/ Town/ Area Councils (UZTA) and at the very base the Unit Committees. The ten regions are headed by Regional Ministers who are appointed by the president. The regions all have an RCC, which are made up of representatives of District Assemblies and from the Regional House of Chiefs. Each district has a District Assembly. Traditional leaders have two formal inputs, through appointed members at the District Assembly and through the supervision of the District Assemblies by the regional Council.

External Funds MIC The Logo South Programme is directed to waste management and tax collection to address waste programmes. The subject was determined with stakeholders in Ghana; the Ministry, local governments, SNV and the Institute of local governments came together to determine the theme.

There are four twinning relations between Dutch and Ghanaian municipalities.

Delegation from the municipality of Almere visiting the municipality of Kumasi (Ghana) Source: www.samenwerk.nl

27 Table 3.5 Municipal International Cooperation – Dutch municipalities and municipalities in Ghana (June 2007) Dutch Ghana- Year of Initiative Main Smaller Budget, External Capacity Involvem munici- ian esta- by theme projects in euros funds, in (hours ent pality munici- blish- coopera- on yearly euros – per NGO’s pality Ment tion basis yearly week) basis Alkema- Kadjebi 2003 VNG Waste Aware- 30.000 95.000 8 hours + St. Atta de district Interna- manage- ness VNG appr. 4 tional/ ment creation hours Schools Alkemade (finished) Environ- Campina Sanitation mental (company health – milk) Registra- clubs tion Churches

Almere Kumasi 1996 Private Waste Children 95 565 50 000 32 hours Samen- (forma- initiative/ manage- home coordina- werk lised University ment tion + (NGO 2001) of Amster- Women Capacity coordina- dam Tax project Municipal tion collection (hand- depart- twinning) craft) ments Stichting women concern

Schools Amster- Accra 2004 Amster- Financial Public ca. 2,2 fte for - dam dam manage- transport 750.000 total ment for total interna- Cultural interna- tional Urban Heritage tional coopera- manage- Coopera- tion (8 ment tion ( 8 projects project coopera- Registra- coopera- tion) tion tion) Gouda Elmina 2004 VNG Waste Health 25 000 25 000 8 hours Schools Internatio- manage- care (invest- (investment coordinati nal/ ment ment costs) on + Ambu- Gouda Tourism\ costs) + 50 000 capacity lance Educa- traveling, projects services tion acoomda- appr. 3 tion, salary hours Fire costs depart- external ment forces (VNG Waste Internatio- collection nal)59 company Cyclus Source: VNG International, information municipalities combined with own survey, 2007

59 The total budget for the project of three years is € 200 000.

28 3.6 Cape Verde,

Cape Verde consists of nine inhabited islands.

General Characteristics: Surface: 4 033 km2 (8,5 x smaller then the Netherlands) Population: 511 000 (2005, estimation EIU) Population density: 127 inhabitants per km2 State: Republic Parliament: National Assembly (72 elected members for period of 5 years, 66 members are elected by inhabitants of Cape Verde and 6 members by Cape verdians living abroad. GNP: US$ 1 019 (2005), US$ 955.6 million (2004), US$ 825.7 million (2003) GNP per capita: US$ 1 915 (2004) Labour force per sector: agriculture and fishery (53%), Industry (21%), Trade and services (25%) (1998, source: EIU)

Map 3.6 Cape Verde

www.minbuza.nl

History of Migration While approximately 500 000 people live in Cape Verde, approximately 600 000 Cape Verdians live abroad. Rotterdam hosts the third largest group of Cape Verdians living outside Cape Verde. (The largest group lives in Boston- US, followed by a community living in Lisbon-Portugal). Migration to the Netherlands took place in three waves: a first wave of sailors who came to work on the Dutch boats, from 1950 until Cape Verde gained independence in 1975, a second wave, after Cape Verde gained independence, and a third wave after 1991 when a multiparty system was established in Cape Verde. The last wave consisted mainly of higher educated people who came to the Netherlands to study and for employment (gemeentearchief Rotterdam). The majority of Cape Verdian migrants live in Rotterdam, therefore it is not surprising that the only twinning relation with Cape Verdie is Rotterdam – Praia. The community of Cape Verdie living in Rotterdam is generally very active in international cooperation.

Government Structure Cape Verde gained independence in 1975. After independense de Partido Africano da Independencia do Guiné e Cabo Verde (PAIGCV) came into power. (In 1980 the same party became de PAICV) In 1991 elections were held and the former opposition party Movimento Para a Democracia (MPD) came into power. The new government made some fundamental adjustments to the internal political policies. The constitutional state gained importance while the military received less power, decentralisation of the administration and simplified rules and regulations., The PAICV, won the elections of 2001 and 2006 and took over most of the new policies formulated by the MPD.

Cape Verde will lose it’s status as one of the 50 least developed countries in the year 2008 (List of least developed countries (The Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs)United Nations http://www.un.org/special-rep/ohrlls/ldc/list.htm>) As a consequence, Cape Verde will no longer be a partner countries to the Netherlands. The Netherlands started with broadening the relationship with Cape Verde on political, economical and cultural grounds for cooperation.

29 Table 3.6 Municipal International Cooperation – Dutch municipalities and Cape Verde (June 2007)

Dutch Munici - Year of Initiative Main Smaller Budget in Extern Capacity Involve- munici- pality establish- by theme projects euros on al (hours ment pality Cape ment coopera- yearly funds per week) NGO’s Verde tion basis in euros / year Rotter- Praia 2003 Rotter- Waste Educa- appr. 20 appr. 10 Roteb, dam dam manage- tion 000 hours Ichtus ment + coordina- Hoge Health 80 000 tion school care subsidy appr. 10 program hours Care private municipal elderly initiatives depart- all migrant ments countries Source: VNG International, information municipalities combined with own survey, 2007

3.7 Indonesia

General characteristics: Surface: 1 919 443 km2 (50 x the Netherlands) Population: Ongeveer 225 miljoen (2005, UN) Population density: 117.2 inwoners per km2 (2005) State: Republic Parliament: Huis van Afgevaardigden (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat) 550 seats GNP: US$ 257,6 million (2004, EIU) GNP per capita: US$ 970 (2003) Labor force per sector: agriculture (45%), industry: 16%, others: 39 % (1999). http://www.minbuza.nl/nl/reizenlanden/landen,landenoverzichten/azie/indonesie.html

Map 3.7 Indonesia

History of Migration From 1789 until 1945 (with an exception of the period 1811-1816) Indonesia was a colony of the Netherlands. Indonesia gained independence in 1949. Most migrants from Indonesia left their country after the struggle for independence. Many of these migrants were possession of a Dutch passport, which facilitated the migration.

Government Structure As a unitary state, power is concentrated in the national government. Over the past few years Indonesia has experienced several reforms. In the elections of 2004 the president and vice president were elected directly by the population for the first time. The highest representative body at the national level is the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR). Its main functions are supporting and amending the constitution, inaugurating the president, and formalising broad outlines of state policy. The MPR comprises two houses; the People’s Representative Council (DPR) with 550 members, and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD), with 168 members. (wikipedia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

30

Table 3.7 Municipal International Cooperation – Dutch municipalities and Indonesia (June 2007)

Dutch Munici- Year of Initia- Main theme Smal- Budget Exter- Capacity Involve- munici pality esta- tive by cooperation ler Dutch nal (hours per ment -pality Indonesi blish- proj- municipali- funds week) NGO’s a ment ects ty Apel- Banda 2005 Munici- Reconstruc- 30 000 64 000 8 (coordina- Stichting doorn Aceh60 pality of tion tion and Mondial Apel- municipal municipal Apeldoorn doorn organisation depart- (25 local Banda Aceh ments) organisa- after tions) Tsunami; registration Community population Indonesian registration migrants is land property involved sustainable waste Ruwent management groep Zwolle 61 Kadaster Remigration International

Werkgroep Indisch Erfgoed Source: VNG International, information municipalities combined with own survey, 2007

60 Banda Aceh was heavily affected by the Tsunami of 26th December 2004. 61 Apeldoorn is also involved in the ccoordination of support other Dutch Municipalities Deventer, Zutphen and Voorst.

31 4. Main Characteristics of MIC between Dutch Municipalities and Municipalities in Migrant Countries

This chapter focuses on some of the main characteristics of MIC between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrant countries. The chapter seeks to contribute to getting a better understanding of the cooperation between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrant countries by addressing the following questions; which organisation took the initiative for the cooperation, what was the objective for international cooperation, which issues are addressed, what are the methods for cooperation.

The chapter includes some information on municipal international cooperation in general or related to countries in the South in order to provide some more background to the themes addressed. This information is presented in boxes.

4.1 Initiative for Cooperation

Initiative from the Dutch municipality As previously mentioned, in addition to strengthening local governance and the development of municipalities in partner countries, most city links with migrant countries aim to stimulate the integration of migrants within the Dutch society, and stimulate the dialogue between migrant and Dutch inhabitants within the municipality. The initiative to be engaged in some form of cooperation with municipalities in migrant countries in general comes from the Dutch municipalities, as they have formulated policies towards cooperation with main migrant countries. The main motivation of the majority of the Dutch municipalities to cooperate with municipalities in migrant countries is that they feel it can have a positive impact on the integration of migrants in the Dutch society. Out of the 39 twinning relations, 23 were started on the initiative of the Dutch municipality.

Initiative by Municipalities in the Migrant Countries In two cases the cooperation was jointed initiated by the Dutch and partner municipality. Municipalities in the migrant countries with an interest to start some sort of twinning with Dutch municipalities contact VNG International on a frequent basis. E.g. the cooperation with Dutch municipalities is well known within Ghana and every district wants to get involved in international Cooperation with Dutch municipalities (interview coordinator Logo South Programme – Ghana). The Ministry of Internal Affairs in Suriname approached a delegation from VNG International who were in Suriname to give a presentation on the cooperation between the Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation (PLOS), the Ministry of Regional Development, VNG International, Dutch Municipalities and the Academy of administration in the Netherlands (Bestuursacademie). The Minister indicated that they would appreciate help with Human Resource Management as the Ministry of Internal Affairs was just starting to formulate and implement a new policy in this field. The most important reason to opt for the cooperation was the available expertise in the Netherland, in combination with the long lasting relationship between the two countries, and the Dutch language. A Surinamese delegation visited the Netherlands and the organisations involved are planning to formalise the cooperation in an agreement. (Interview Ministry of Internal Affairs Suriname).

Initiative by Civil Society In two cases the cooperation was started on the initiative of civil society/ migrant organizations, and in four cases the initiative came from civil society in cooperation with the municipality. The Morocco Committee in the municipality of Bergen op Zoom, for example, approached the municipality by asking whether the municipality wanted to visit the region of origin of the main migrant group in Bergen op Zoom. Other examples of ties in which the initiative came from civil society includes the municipality of Alkmaar, which cooperates with the municipality of Bergama (Turkey), and the municipality of Delft, which cooperates with the municipality of Adapazari, and the municipality of Haarlem cooperating with Emirdag (Turkey).

Initiative by VNG International The city links between Gouda and Elmina and Alkemade -Kadjebi distcrict were established after VNG International contacted Gouda and Alkemade to participate in a course. Gouda expressed its interest in cooperating with a municipality in Ghana for different reasons; the country has had a diplomatic

32 relationship with the Netherlands for 300 years, it is politically stable, democratically organised, English is spoken and it is accessible by aeroplane. The mayor of Gouda said, in an interview published in a newsletter on the international activities of Gouda, that the choice of Elmina was also related to his own particular interest. As a former history teacher he was aware that the Netherlands earned a lot of money out of the slave trade. “That remains a kind of unpaid debt”. The VNG/ Morocco Platform did play a role as well in some of the twinning relations between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in Morocco.

Year of Establishment of Cooperation Most of the ties between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrant countries have been established within the last 7 years (from the year 2000 onwards). However, in some cases first contact was established earlier. The first contacts between Almelo and Denizli (Turkey) were established in 1975 (recruitment of labour forces for textile industry), Alkmaar and Bergama (Turkey) established contacts in 1995 and the cooperation between Almere and Kumasi (Ghana) started in 1996 .These ties originally did not aim to stimulate integration or the dialogue between different groups in the Dutch society, the aim was added to the cooperation later on.

4.2 Selection of Partner Municipalities In general municipalities choose to cooperate with municipalities that have some similar characteristics (e.g. approximately the same number of inhabitants, the presence of a harbor or a university). Language and distance play a role as these are important aspects with regards to communication and resources. The Netherlands and the main migrant countries generally share a historical link as well. Suriname is an ex colony, Netherlands Antilles and Aruba are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ghana in relation to the slave trade. These historical ties can be directly linked to migration to the Netherlands.

Area from which Migrants Originate The particular geographical area from which migrants originate is also important with regards to links between the municipalities. In cases where the main migrant group within a municipality comes from one particular area, a twinning relation with a municipality in this region is a likely option. The twinning relation between the municipality of Haarlem and the municipality of Emirdag (Turkey) for example is related to the fact that the main group of Turkish migrants living in Haarlem originate from the region around Emirdag. This kind of concentration of migrant groups is common. They originate from one particular area because companies recruited labour forces and because Turkish migrants within the municipality keep close contact with the area they were born. They can inform relatives and friend of existing job opportunities in the region” (Archives Noord-Holland). Another example is the relationship between the municipality of Almere and Kumasi (Ghana). Although the tie was not established on the basis of a policy to stimulate the integration, most migrants from Ghana living in the Netherlands originate form the Ashanti region. Kumasi is the main city in this region. In contrast, the municipalities of Alkmaar and Deventer choose to work with Turkish municipalities from which none or a few migrants originated. By doing so they prevented having to make a choice for one of the areas over another, from which migrants in Alkmaar and Deventer originate.

Other Partner Municipalities Several municipalities in the North and the South have more then one partner municipality. In some cases cooperation exists between more then two partner municipalities. The municipality of Nijmegen, for example, was exploring possibilities to be engaged in cooperation with Turkey for some time. They approached VNG, formulated a set of criteria (like presence of university, located in Anatolia, urbanized area etc.) and also involved the Turkish organization in Nijmegen. They finally chose to cooperate with Gaziantep; this municipality met most of the criteria and appeared to have a twinning relation with the municipality of Duisberg (Germany) already, Nijmegen also had a twinning relation with Duisberg.

33 Coincidence Ties between two municipalities can also originate more or less by coincidence. An example is the city link between the municipality of Zeist and Berkane (Morocco). First contacts between the municipality of Berkane (Morocco) were established in spring 2003 when a delegation from Berkane followed a practical training lasting one week in the municipality of Zeist. In the course of 2003 the Platform Morocco – The Netherlands was set up in Morocco. On the occasion of this event a first conference was organised in Nador. Part of the programme was cancelled which left room to explore one of the municipalities participating in the conference. Berkane was willing to host the small delegation from Zeist. The delegation of Zeist highly appreciated the accessibility of the representatives from Berkane and the will and enthusiasm to cooperate. In February 2004 the aldermen of education and multicultural policy and the policy advisor (concerning staff and international cooperation) from Zeist participated in a conference on youth and citizenship in Al Hoceima (Morocco). During this conference the delegations of Zeist and Berkane had an intensive contact. After the conference the delegation of Zeist visited Berkane (the visit was planned in advance) and the first official contacts were established. The fact that most of the Moroccan population in Zeist derived from the area around Berkane and the fact that the SSR (Stichting Steun Remigranten) has an office in Berkane were also important factors with regards to the decision to start the cooperation. A policy advisor of the municipality of Zeist mentions that it is a big advantage to have a Dutch contact organization in Morocco; e.g. it is useful to check whether there are any disruptions in the communication. (interview municipality of Zeist)

Private Initiative Cooperation between Almere and Kumasi (Ghana) started as a private initiative. An employee of the University of Amsterdam, initiated a cooperation between a private organization in Almere with the municipality of Kumasi where he had been a researcher. In the first years of the twinning relation the university was involved, which greatly contribution to the cooperation (interview NGO Samenwerk). The municipality started cooperation with the municipality of Kumasi in 2001 when the cooperation was formalized.

Political Factors Especially with regards to cooperation with Turkey and Morocco, political factors (like the political parties represented within the local government body) might also play a role in the selection of partner municipalities. In general, political factors seem to play a minor role in the selection of partner municipalities while in practice they seem to be often important with regards to the progression of projects carried out under the umbrella of MIC.

4.3 Objectives As mentioned before, the main motivation of the majority of the Dutch municipalities to cooperate with municipalities in migrant countries, is that they feel it can have a positive impact on the integration of migrants in the Dutch society. Municipalities seek to get a better understanding of the background of the migrant population within the municipality to be able to formulate new policies directed to the integration of these groups. Furthermore, by getting involved in international cooperation with municipalities of the home countries of migrants they hope to generate goodwill and to build bridges towards migrants. Lastly, international exposure can be beneficial in relation to human resource management; employees of municipalities and other organizations (e.g. schools, housing corporations) can get a better understanding of part of their target groups; people with different backgrounds and cultures.

A survey conducted by VNG International indicated that the most important motives to be engaged in international cooperation with migrant countries included the support of partner municipalities in migrant countries (29%), followed by solving specific problems within the own municipality (19%), getting a better insight on backgrounds of migrant population (14%) and a range of other motives (38%).

The CEMR conference "Twinning for tomorrow's world" (Rhodes, 10-12 May 2007) closed with the adoption of a common declaration. The 600 delegates at the conference state in it their commitment to ensure that twinning is an instrument for the inclusion of all the citizens and their cultures. Furthermore, the local and regional elected representatives, and activist of the twinning movement stated: “We emphasize, that twinning’s can play a particular role in relations with countries that are potential candidates for the accession to the European Union, but also with all of our Union's

34 neighboring countries.” “Remain convinced that twinning can and must help to built bridges between towns and communities around the Mediterranean and serve as instruments for reconciliation and foundation for peace in the region, also encouraging the active participation of citizens whose origin lie in these countries who new live in our towns and regions.” Moreover, twinning can contribute to policies for development cooperation, and help achieve the Millennium Development Goals; form a wider perspective, they can also serve, in this age of globalization, to bring together citizens form all our different continents and all our diverse cultures.”

The president of the Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Halvdan Skard, highlighted the importance of twinning for the Council of Europe: “We are currently debating the ways to tackle human trafficking, and we have reached the conclusion that twinning is one of the tools to use” (CEMR, 2007).

General figures on MIC Motivations underlying MIC in general include idealism (international solidarity), economic incentives, motives related to the governmental organisation, social cohesion (mainly in the Dutch municipality) and sustainable development (Vereniging van Nederlandse Gemeenten 2005). Recently several municipalities followed the appeal of VNG International to be involved in the campaign on ‘Millennium Municipalities’.

22% of all respondents expected that the objectives related to the own municipality as a starting point for municipal international cooperation would increase. Of the municipalities with 100.000 or more inhabitants even 65% of the respondents thought this would increase. (VNG International 2006).

Objectives of some Partner Municipalities in Migrant Countries According to the coordinator Logo South programme the main objectives for municipalities in Ghana to be involved in twinning relations with the Netherlands is to solve or alleviate the problems that they are facing as they lack the necessary capacity. The main objective of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Suriname was to learn from the Dutch experiences with Human Resource Management. The municipality of Berkane (Morocco), which cooperates with Zeist, mentioned their objectives to be engaged in the Cooperation with Zeist is to realise concrete projects, cultural exchange, assist the citizens of the municipality of Zeist with a Moroccan origin to integrate in the society in Zeist, learn from the experiences of the municipality of Zeist with regard to public services, especially in the field of the environment and culture.

4.4 Organization and Form

From Sister City to International Project The most common and well-known form of MIC is a twinning between two municipalities. These twinning relations generally have a relatively long life span. Links can exist 20 years or more. A number of these ties, however, are more or less dormant or symbolic. There is a shift towards shorter relations or cooperation on a programme basis. This shift has a number of reasons. First of all, there is a general tendency towards the importance of showing the effects and impacts of efforts in the field of international cooperation. Municipalities, like other organizations, are obliged to demonstrate effects and impacts. These new requirements call for well defined projects in which activities and objectives are related to a time frame. Several municipalities also work on a programme base as they no longer want to commit themselves in long lasting twinning agreements.

Another reason for this development is directly related to the growing interest of municipalities to be engaged in international cooperation with municipalities in migrant countries. As the group of migrants in most municipalities is diverse, and one of the objectives to be engaged in cooperation with municipalities in migrant countries is to stimulate integration of migrants, municipalities feel they should not focus on one single municipality in one particular country. Rather they seek to cooperate with a number of municipalities in different migrant countries on a project basis.

In practice, the distinction between programmes and longer lasting ties is more diffuse. According to Aleid Pans from VNG International, coordinator for programmes on Suriname, municipalities normally look beyond the projects and have at least the intention to commit themselves to a longer relationship.

35 The municipalities of Utrecht and Zoetermeer both choose not to be involved in additional city links with municipalities in migrant countries since they already cooperated with two other municipalities each. The cooperation between Zoetermeer and Fatih (Turkey), Utrecht and Oujda (Morocco) and Utrecht and Adapazari and Izmit (Turkey) is regarded as cooperation on a project-base whereby reciprocity is regarded as an important aspect. The administration of Zoetermeer decided that the cooperation between Zoetermeer and Fatih will come to an end after one year because it appeared hard to achieve mutuality in the project. Without mutuality the cooperation was regarded as having the characteristics of another city-link. The administration agreed earlier on the maximum of two city links which has led to the decision to wind up cooperation with Fatih (policy officer Zoetermeer in meeting of platform Turkey 7th June 2007).

VNG International has an influence on policies of municipalities as they can advise on the form of the international cooperation. In a letter to the city council, the mayor and alderman, wrote: “With regard to the migrant countries, VNG advices the municipality of The Hague not to start a formal twinning relation (stedenband). A network approach is more appropriate. A network approach in two ways; on the one hand setting up projects in a particular area jointly with other municipalities, and on the other hand setting up a platform with other organisations within the municipality of The Hague. Such an approach is less risky and provides more flexibility then a formal twinning relation. One is not tied to a structural form of cooperation and cooperation is possible with different cities in the migrant country. A network approach is also in line with the objectives of The Hague to be engaged in cooperation with migrant countries; stimulating migrants in society to connect with initiatives of these group.” (translated form Dutch - letter dated 12th April 2005).

Cooperation with other Government Bodies As mentioned earlier the most common form is cooperation between two municipalities. Cooperation might, however also include cooperation with other local government bodies, or even national government bodies. The city of Rotterdam recently started cooperation on the level of municipal districts (deelgemeenten); several municipal districts are connected to a municipality in one of the migrant countries. The municipal district Hoogvliet (Rotterdam) is cooperating with Suriname and the municipal district Delfshaven (Rotterdam) is starting to cooperate with Cape Verde. Suriname is a particular case; due to the scale and organisation (10 districts), Dutch municipalities mostly work directly with ministries in Suriname. Cooperation with the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba is mostly directed to a particular island (group).

General figures on MIC

Cooperation with municipalities abroad is still the most mentioned form of international cooperation. Out of the municipalities active in international cooperation, 72% mentioned that they were engaged in cooperation with another municipality, 60% provided subsidy on an organisation active in international cooperation,. 41% supported a project abroad, 28% participated in international networks (several answers were possible).

International cooperation was imbedded within the municipality itself in 58% of the municipalities, 46% outsourced international cooperation to another organisation, 37% supported private initiatives and 12% used other methods. (VNG International, 2006)

4.5 Themes for Cooperation Strengthening local governance is the general objective within most municipal ties. In addition one or more specific themes for cooperation are identified. Activities within MIC can range from cultural exchange programmes to support programmes on waste management, water and sanitation, housing and public administration.

The most addressed theme in cooperation projects between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrant countries is waste management. 11 out of 39 municipal exchange programmes focus on waste. Waste management appears to be a grateful theme for cooperation. In most countries it is an important issue where Dutch expertise can have a significant contribution (interviews municipality of Rotterdam, municipality of Zeist). Waste management is also directly related to health. According to the coordinator of the Logo South Programme in Ghana, the cooperation on waste management between the municipality of Alkemade and the District of Kadjebi had a clear impact on Kadjebi; the municipality is a lot cleaner and statistics show a decrease of people infected by Malaria and Typhoid.

36 Since Turkish municipalities have to be prepared for new EU policies they face considerable challenges to reorganise their waste collection programmes. In a platform meeting Dutch municipalities involved in cooperation with Turkish municipalities discussed that due to the scale of the transformation the issue might even extend beyond the municipal scope. Other reasons for the focus on waste include the fact that environmental health is among the central aims of development cooperation, the possibility to reach concrete results and funds available for programmes focusing on waste. So far waste is not a subject for MIC in Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles. In a few cases waste management is directly linked to tax collection.

Other important areas for cooperation include education, health care, cultural exchange, management of documentation and information, fire safety and social service delivery. Under the umbrella of a large number of municipal twinning arrangements, organisations in the field of education and health are active in exchange programmes. Other subjects mentioned for cooperation include job creation, social housing62, preservation of monuments, development of a complaints procedure, adult literacy, integrity and justice, tourism, public parks/ urban green areas, urban and financial management, addiction, remigration, safety, ICT, Human Resource Management, environmental preservation and waterfront/ ports.

Table 4.5 Municipal International cooperation between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrant countries, number of projects and themes for cooperation (more themes/projects per C2C relation possible).

Theme number of projects Waste management 11 Tax collection (connected to waste mgt.) 2 Education/ schools 11 Health care 8 Cultural exchange 8 Information management63 8 Fire safety 7 Social service delivery 6 Public administration 3 Water and sanitation 3 Preservation monuments 3 Urban green (parks) 3 Trade 3 Other themes 33

Source; own data, 2007

The main focus for the Dutch municipalities involved are getting a better understanding of the background of main migrant groups and contributing to the integration of migrants (for more information see chapter 7 on reciprocity or mutual learning).

Economic motives are also mentioned as an important focus for the cooperation. This seems especially important for the cooperation with Turkish municipalities, but to a lesser extent also for other countries. (interviews municipality of Rotterdam, municipality of Almelo, meeting municipal platform Turkey). Municipalities in the South generally want to support economic development and seek to benefit from MIC by linking Chambers of Commerce and/ or industrial (?) communities in both cities.

62 (Social) housing is a major theme for Cooperation between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in Middle and Eastern Europe and in South Africa. 63 The category ‘ information management’ is chosen as an umbrella for cooperation on a wide range of issues including the administration of citizens, archives, documentation, development of a city information system, map system and the establishment of a municipal help desk for citizens

37

General figures MIC

Themes for cooperation with municipalities in the South (Africa, Asia and Latin America), 2005 – more than one theme per municipality possible ( N =35)

Number municipalities Percentage physical and economical infrastructure 20 57% management/ administration 16 46% welfare 13 37% Culture and sports 7 20%

Source: VNG International, 2006

4.6 Capacity Involved The capacity involved in international cooperation varies considerably, both with regards to the financial budget and for the human resources involved.

Financial Budget According to the data gathered, in general three groups can be identified with regards to the expenditure on international cooperation. A first group of smaller municipalities that have a small municipal budget (€ 1000 to € 5000) for the cooperation and commit relatively more time to the cooperation (more then 6 hours per week). In most cases use is made of subsidies between an amount of € 20.000 to € 130.000. A second group of municipalities with a budget of approximately € 30.000 and who spent only a few hours per week on the cooperation, or 6 hours or more. A third group of big municipalities with a relatively large budget and a special international bureau with more then one officer involved in international cooperation.

Most municipalities make use of external funds like the LOGO East and LOGO South Programme of VNG International. These programs provides funds for a maximum of € 70.000 per project. Other funding programmes used, include the European Union and MATRA/ MATRA/ KAP (Kleine Ambassade Projecten). (More information on external funding can be found in Appendix A.)

General figures on MIC

As a general guideline many municipalities spent between 0.40 to 1 euro per inhabitant on international cooperation (this includes all links with municipalities in the South and in Middle and Eastern Europe).

It was estimated that in the year 2000, Dutch municipalities spend € 4.5 million (expenditure municipalities and co financing without labour costs) on international cooperation ( Buis, 2001).

Examples In a proposal by the Mayor and Alderman to the council in Nijmegen (approximately 160.000 inhabitants) a subsidy of € 35.000 per year and an additional € 24.858 for capacity of 15 hours per week was suggested to be necessary for a new twinning relation with the municipality of Gaziantep in Turkey. This proposal was based of past experiences with other twinning relations between Nijmegen and other cities (Masaya Nicaragua and Pskov – Russia) (proposal dated 28th June 2006)

The municipality of Almere spent € 0.40 per citizen on international cooperation; Amsterdam spends approximately 1 Euro per citizen.

Manpower As mentioned above, capacity made available for international activities varies considerably between the different municipalities. In general, only the four biggest municipalities have a specialised international department for the coordination of international activities, including cooperation within the EU and trade. Some smaller municipalities have made one fulltime employee available for the coordination of international activities of their municipality (e.g. Deventer). In most municipalities however, the coordinator of the international activities only spent a few hours official working time on the projects. Municipal officers spent, in addition, many hours in their own time or even devote part of their holidays to the international programmes.

In general, the coordinator involves other specialised staff members in the cooperation, depending on the issues addressed. In cases where services are outsourced (for instance companies on waste

38 management which work on a commercial basis) companies may contribute ‘free of charge’ to the cooperation. (For example cooperation between the municipalities of Zeist – Berkane in Morocco, Alkmaar – Bergama in Turkey and Amsterdam - Suriname).

The involvement of the municipality in international cooperation can also stimulate other organisations to be involved. The municipality of Rotterdam, for example, invested an amount of approximately € 10.000 in projects within Cape Verde, which is regarded as a small amount by the municipality. The involvement of Rotterdam motivated other organisations who made more significant contributions Rotterdam estimated that the total contribution of all organisations combined even reached an amount of approximately € 900 000 in the period 2002 to 2003.

Expenditures on international activities of municipalities are generally followed critically by both politicians and the public at large (see also chapter 6 on public support for MIC). The municipality of Dordrecht included the following text on their website (translated from Dutch), which clearly shows the sensitivity of the subject. “Does the municipality pay all this (international activities red.) out of their own pocket? No, the only budget the municipality has for international cooperation is directed to organisations within Dordrecht who work on informing inhabitants on international cooperation and on awareness raising for citizens of Dordrecht. All projects abroad are financed by external funds like the Association for Dutch Municipalities (VNG) and the European Union (EU).”

General figures on MIC

Table 5.5 Total capacity for Municipal international Cooperation (2005) – including links in Central and Eastern Europe and the South 0 hours 1-4 hours 5-20 hours > 20 hours 0 – 10 000 29% 67% - 5% 10 000 – 20 000 33% 56% 11% - 20 000 – 50 000 24% 61% 13% 2% 50 000 – 100 000 5% 52% 38% 5% > 100 000 0% 18% 12% 71% All municipalities 22% 55% 14% 9% Source: VNG International, 2006

In comparison to the year 1999, municipalities commit more hours on IS. Especially the bigger municipalities spent more hours; in 1999 1/6 of the municipalities (17%) with more then 100 000 inhabitants spent more then 40 hours per week in. 2005 almost half of the municipalities (47%) spent more then 40 hours per week on IS. In 90% of the municipalities engaged in international cooperation 1 to 5 persons are available for the organisation and execution of international activities. In 10% more then 5 persons were involved in international activities

Table 5.6 Total expenditures on international cooperation 2005 (excluding hours spend by municipal officers) – including links in Central and Eastern Europe and the South < 5 000 5 000 – 10 000 10 000 – 25 25 000 – 50 50 000 – 100 > 100 000 000 000 000 0 – 10 000 70% 25% 5% 10 000 -20 000 56% 20% 18% 7% 20 000 – 50 38% 21% 30% 10% 2% 000 50 000 – 100 14% 43% 33% 5% 5% 000 > 100 000 24% 6% 71% All 38% 19% 21% 13% 1% 8% municipalities Source: VNG International, 2006

A clear correlation exists between the size of the municipality and the expenditures on international cooperation. Out of the municipalities with more then 100.000 citizens, 71% spent more then 100.000 on international cooperation.

Developments: The expenditure on IS is more or less the same as in 1999 (most municipalities spent a maximum amount of 10 000 and the municipalities with more then 100 000. 65% of these municipalities spent more then 100 000 on IS.

In 58% of the municipalities the amount spent on IS has remained more or less the same. In 27% the expenditures increased (more or less) while in 15% of the municipalities mentioned a decrease. Many municipalities of 100.000 and more indicated that the expenditures increased between 1999 and 2005.

Source: VNG International, 2006.

39 4.7 Methods of Cooperation

Knowledge Transfer MIC is largely about learning from each other; all municipalities focus international cooperation on knowledge transfer, in most cases a colleague to colleague approach. They work with exchange visits and practical trainings to exchange information. In general these are short term visits of approximately one or two weeks. Partners identify ways in which Dutch expertise can be used within the specific situation in the municipality of the specific migrant country; therefore it is required that both partners visit both the Dutch municipality as well as the partner municipality. Exchange visits of mayors and aldermen are important to determine the agenda for cooperation, for the creation of a framework for the cooperation as well as to give status and political meaning to the cooperation. Depending on the subjects involved different departments can be involved.

Most documents and key persons mention that in order to cooperate with each other it is necessary to meet each other regularly. Generally two to four exchange visits are planned per year. This number varies according to the phase of the projects, the type of programme, budget and capacity involved. Building up trust and friendships are often important elements in the relationship; trust is an important precondition for cooperation (interviews municipality of Amsterdam, municipality of Zeist, municipality of Almelo). In a meeting of the VNG Antilles and Aruba Platform trust was also mentioned; both by Dutch representatives as well as by the local authorities of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. Building up trust generally requires longer lasting relationships.

Donations Apart from knowledge exchange, municipalities do contribute financially or by handing over goods. This form of cooperation is however not the focus. Municipalities might donate computers (Amsterdam – Accra, Ghana), a police boat (Rotterdam – Suriname) or an ambulance (municipality of Gouda – Elmina, Ghana). According to the coordinator of the Logo South programme, the donation of goods is important for the involvement of people in Elmina. “People can really see:’ this one is from Gouda”

According to a survey of 2000 cooperation with developing countries included in 40% of the cases donation of budget or goods (Buis, 2000).

Information MIC in general

The IOB evaluation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on municipal international cooperation between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in the South and Middle and Eastern Europe, was positive about the effectiveness of practical trainings; officers from municipalities in the South who visit the Netherlands for some weeks to learn from the Dutch experience (on issues as waste management, information management etc). The report was, however, more critical about exchange visits. These visits had a more general objective to strengthen the contacts while there was little attention paid to technical assistance (IOB Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2004). However, these visits can be important in relation to building up of trust and friendship.

4.8 Natural Disasters In the past 10 years several natural disasters have occurred in the main migrant countries; an earthquake in 17th of October 1999 in Marmara Turkey, an earthquake in 2004 in Al Hoceima in Morocco and floods in 2006 in Suriname. These disasters led to a high involvement of Dutch municipalities to contribute to the redevelopment of areas affected. The tsunami of December 2004 also motivated municipalities to contribute to the reconstruction of areas affected. The earthquakes in Morocco and Turkey triggered some municipalities to establish more structural cooperation; it offered a neutral area and facilitated the justification of getting involved in international cooperation as they did not have to choose a particular area or municipality (Municipality of Amsterdam). The municipality of Delft was thinking of cooperating with a municipality in one of the migrant countries. The earthquake in Turkey sped up the process of involvement. The cooperation began as cooperation between the municipality and a private initiative.

40 Examples The earthquake that hit Western Marmara has led to the involvement of several municipalities willing to support the region. In total 48 out of 483 Dutch municipalities donated money for the victims, five municipalities sent materials to the region. In addition, attention was paid to care for Dutch- Turkish citizens who lost relatives in the region. (Nell, forthcoming)

Several municipalities are involved in the reconstruction of primary school Mohammed V in Al Hoceima (Morocco) and a primary school in Imzourène (Morocco) after the earthquake. The total budget was €196,278 divided in Amsterdam € 111,000, Utrecht €50.000, Arnhem €20,000, Bergen op Zoom €8,267, Schoonhoven €6,020, Sittard Geleen € 1,000. The Moroccan Agence du Nord was involved.

Amsterdam set up a fund for assistance on disasters. € 4,5 million was appointed to this fund (…..) Out of this fund € 477.000 was allocated to assistance and projects for rebuilding to the city of Izmit (Turkey) after the earthquake of August 1999. € 250.000,-- for the assistance and rebuilding of Al Hoceima ( Morocco) that was affected in 2004 by an earthquake. € 129.000,-- was allocated to the rebuilding of the general office of the statistics of Surinamee which was destroyed by a fire, which resulted in a loss of the results of the population census in 2003.

The municipality of Apeldoorn established relations with Banda Aceh (Indonesia) to assist in the reconstruction of Banda Aceh and its surrounding. The municipality of Apeldoorn is also coordinating the assistance of the Dutch municipalities of Deventer, Zutphen and Voorts. The fact that Apeldoorn hosts a significant community of inhabitants from Indonesia contributed to the decision to formalise the cooperation between Apeldoorn and Banda Aceh.

41 5. Organisations Involved and Political and Public Support for MIC

5.1 Involvement of NGOs According to the literature the surplus value of MIC is, among other factors, community wide participation, commitment by all parties to their link. Decentralised trans-national development cooperation provides new opportunities to a growing range of actors working on development and governance issues, such as local political and administrative units, community groups and NGO’s (Hewitt, 1999). Under the umbrella of MIC, a wide range of organisations can be involved in twinning programs while little is known of how these networks operate and partnerships are established.

UNDP concluded in the evaluation report on municipal international cooperation ‘the Challenge of Linking; “Links based on the combined efforts of city hall and the community at large, and drawing on the resources of the partner towns themselves to provide the core contributions to their link, appear to be the most sustainable. Thus, the features which we have found common to successful links are community-wide participation, commitment by all parties to their link, mutual understanding and the concept of reciprocity.” (UNDP, 2000).

Many municipalities have mentioned the importance of involving other organisations in the international cooperation. Some municipalities have even formulated policies in which the involvement of civil society is regarded as a precondition for cooperation on a municipal level. NGOs should ‘carry’ the cooperation with the partner municipality (e.g. municipality of Oss and Bergen op Zoom).

Several other municipalities, however, have decided to focus international cooperation on the municipal organization itself. Exchange of information between local governance bodies is considered to be one of the strengths of the municipality (Rotterdam, Amsterdam). This development is remarkable in relation to the process of decentralisation and good governance. Participation and the involvement of civil society in decision making processes are generally regarded to be essential for good local governance.

Schools In most of the links between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in the migrant countries, schools are involved in the exchange programmes. According to the figures gathered for this survey 11 out of 39 municipalities do include schools in the exchange programmes. In some cases the municipal organisation is involved in the exchange while in others the exchange focuses on the schools. Remarkably many VMBO schools (secondary schools for preparing for professional education) are involved in the cooperation. The main objective of the involvement of VMBO schools in exchange programmes is to have a positive effect on the integration between different ethnic groups within the schools. Therefore the involvement of VMBO schools seems to be a specific characteristic of the cooperation between Dutch municipalities and municipalities with migrant countries.

Information MIC in general

Nearly half of the Dutch municipalities engaged in international cooperation with countries in the South do include exchange between schools.

Migrant Organizations Several municipalities have the objective of involving migrant organisations. The objective to involve migrant groups in the municipal link is more present in city links with municipalities in Morocco and Turkey and the Netherlands Antilles compared to municipalities in Suriname and Ghana. In the cooperation with Morocco, Turkey and the Netherlands Antilles the objectives of the Dutch municipalities are mostly directed towards integration, stimulating the dialogue between different groups within the municipality. (Interviews VNG International and review several policy documents)

The involvement of migrant groups works relatively well in smaller or medium-sized municipalities like Arnhem, Meppel, Alkmaar or Haarlem (interviews VNG International, Municipality of Amsterdam, COS RMH and meeting municipal platform Turkey). These municipalities host a small number of migrant groups which facilitates the process of getting a good overview of the organizations involved.

42 Amsterdam has about 15 Moroccan migrant groups. Choosing to work with some of them might lead to tensions. The fact that civil society is often politicised can make the involvement of civil society difficult. This can lead to very complex situations resulting in the municipal choice not to be engaged in cooperation with migrant groups at all. (Interview municipality of Amsterdam). The profound differences between the organisations can also make cooperation difficult.

Examples The four biggest cities (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague) have their own policies towards civil society groups. Amsterdam chooses to work only on the municipal/ local government body level. Informing the community, and especially the migrant groups, on the international projects is considered to be important. Rotterdam divided the attention on a municipal and community level. The municipality itself focuses on the cooperation with other administrative bodies; NGO’s are not involved. A specialised service desk for migrants and refugees organisations, which is facilitated by the municipality, is involved in the assistance of these organisations. (Service bureau migranten en vluchtelingen organizations). Furthermore, the municipality has a specific subsidy programme directed to non-profit organizations on issues of cultural, sports, education, humanitarian and general societal issues. The municipality of The Hague drew a policy on citizenship. Initiatives of citizens are valued highly and are motivated by the municipality. With regards to international cooperation, involvement of citizens is considered to be a precondition for the involvement of the municipality. The municipality of Utrecht cooperates with several (migrant) organizations in their links with Apadazarri and Izmit (Turkey) and Oujda (Morocco).

The city link between Almere and Kumasi was established in 1996. Recently Ghanaian migrant organisations are involved in the twinning as Almere hosts a small migrant group from Ghana; they are mostly middle class people who moved from Amsterdam Zuidoost to Almere. In general, many people from Amsterdam who are looking for affordable accommodation close to Amsterdam in a quiet neighbourhood, with more space and/ or a garden move to Almere.

Involving NGO’s in Municipalities in the Migrant Countries Unfortunately, time for this research was restricted and the involvement of NGOs in partner municipalities in the migrant countries has not been a subject for research so far. However some relevant information on this topic was provided in the interviews.

The exchange between municipalities within one particular country can have a positive effect on the involvement of NGOs. Moroccan municipalities joining the Morocco Platform were reluctant to involve NGOs at first; especially in case financial support to these NGOs was involved. Most municipalities were convinced that plans to involve NGO’s, and especially to support NGOs financially, would not be approved by the Ministry of the Interior (Morocco is a highly centralized country). However, within the Moroccan Platform some Moroccan municipalities had positive experiences, which motivated the other municipalities to adjust their plans and included cooperation with NGOs. This led to a real empowerment of NGOs both in financial terms as well as with regards to the organisation (interview senior project manager VNG International). This is remarkable since Morocco has a history of a state autocracy which, in general, makes collaboration with NGOs problematic.

According to the coordinator of the Logo South Programme in Ghana, the whole community in Elmina is involved in the cooperation projects with the municipality of Gouda. Schools participate, there are litterbins everywhere, the population has been sensitised to the importance of sanitation, etc.

43

General figures on MIC

Organisations involved in the corporation

Number municipalities Percentage Schools/ organisations for education 16 46% (local) companies 11 31% Hospitals/ health organisations 8 23% Churches/ religious organisations 6 17% Fire services/ police 4 11% women organisations 4 11% environmental organisations 4 11% public utility 4 11% ethnic minority/ migrant organisations 3 9% other organisations 17 5%

Source: VNG International, 2006

5.2 Political Support International activities of Dutch municipalities are followed critically by several politicians at local and national level, as well as the public at large, especially when budget is involved, A large number of people feel municipalities should concentrate on issues within their municipal borders and that international cooperation should be the domain for the national government. Municipal International Cooperation is often related to ‘nice holiday-like trips’ by the mayor and councillors. In the interviews conducted for this research many municipal officers emphasised the importance of fighting this stereotype. Exchange visits are generally well prepared and have a full daily programme. Conservative liberal parties are generally the most critical towards municipal international cooperation ‘We should no longer pump in money in this left-wing hobby’ (Geert Dales, VVD Amsterdam 2002 – election time). The other view on international cooperation by municipalities is related to the idea that people are not only citizens of a municipality but that they are ‘global citizens’ as well. The issues municipalities are dealing with are not restricted to the municipal borders.

Several experts in the field of international cooperation are critical towards the international activities of municipalities. Because international cooperation is not the core business of municipalities, they feel municipalities lack the expertise and experience to work in countries in the South (and Middle and Eastern Europe).

Support within the Municipal Organization Within the municipality itself, international efforts are often also followed critically. The perception can be related to amateurism and nice trips abroad. Within the city council the usefulness of international cooperation is often debated. In a meeting of the Habitat Platform (15th December 2005) coordinators of international cooperation mentioned the lack of support within their own organisation as one of the biggest constraints of the cooperation. Some respondents included in this research mentioned these constraints as well. However, with regards to international cooperation with the main migrant countries, council members did take the initiative to be engaged in international cooperation. Most key people refer to the importance of involvement by the administration; the mayor and/ or aldermen. They provide the framework for the cooperation (e.g., by signing a memorandum of understanding) and stimulate the exchange. Informing colleagues and involving criticasters is important to provide a realistic picture of the international projects. Involving the administration and preparing for exchange visits is, however, time and budget consuming. The municipality of Den Helder choose to focus on the level of policy makers for the collaboration with Curacao, as the municipal budget for international cooperation is limited.

A senior project manager of VNG International states that, from his experience as the coordinator of the Morocco Platform, both the more conservative local political parties as the more progressive local parties embrace cooperation with Morocco on a municipal level. Both parties reason in a different way: The conservative parties argue that international cooperation could be a tool to learn which approaches could be developed to solve problems with a group of Moroccan migrants which are causing problems within the Dutch society. International cooperation should involve giving but also taking, and profiting from the international exposure. The progressive parties reason that the approach towards Moroccan migrants should not only be focusing on the integration or assimilation but on

44 keeping the positive aspects from the culture of migrants. The starting point of cooperation is a genuine interest in the background of a part of the population, migrants from Morocco within the municipality.

Involvement of Policy Officers with Migrant Background Policy officers with a migrant background do play an active role in several international programmes of their municipality. These individuals can play an important role in providing knowledge with regards to the specific characteristics of their home country. Since most municipal officers engaged in international cooperation generally have no or limited experience in working in developing countries, this can be an important asset. Intercultural communication, for example, is often mentioned as one of the most difficult aspects in international relations. In fact, for the cooperation between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in South-Africa it was mentioned as the most important issue. (VNG International, 2004). Furthermore, officers with a migrant background generally have passion and commitment to contribute to the development of their home country.

Example A former employee of the municipality of Eindhoven who was born in the Netherlands Antilles and who has worked at the municipality for 25 years was seconded by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to Curacao. Secondment was extended and after the extension the person decided to stay in Curacao. During his detachments he contacted his former employee – the municipality of Eindhoven- frequently in order to find solutions for specific problems. The relationship has led to a cooperation which was formalised in 2001. Curacao took the initiative of formalising the cooperation.

5.3 Public Support For this survey no data was found on public support for cooperation with migrant countries64. An exception is information of the municipality of Nijmegen: 65% of the citizens of Nijmegen who were included in a survey supported a twinning relation with a city in an Islamic country under the condition that the twinning relation would be set up by the municipality of Nijmegen. (Voorstel van College van B&W voor raadsvergadering – 28 juni 2006).

The extent to which attention is paid to the public support for international cooperation differs considerably between the municipalities. An important constraint in involving citizens is related to the fact that there are no funds for these activities; the LOGO South and LOGO East Programme of VNG International, the MATRA programmes, as well as EU funds, are all directed to cooperation between municipalities and to activities related to strengthening local governance in the partner municipalities in the migrant countries. In general municipalities receive positive reactions from their citizens on the ties with partner municipalities in migrant countries, especially from the migrant groups (interviews municipalities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Zeist).

General information MIC There is limited information on public support for MIC in general. According to a survey of NCDO 32% of the respondents thought the administration of their municipality should ‘do something’ in the field of development corporation (48% thought they should not ‘do something’ and 20% had no opinion). Half of the population had the opinion that their municipality should be engaged in a form of cooperation in a developing country. (NCDO, 2006).

64 However it is possible that some more information on the subject does exists.

45 6. Reciprocity and Mutual Learning

The development of a growing interest by Dutch municipalities to start cooperation with partner municipalities in migrant countries is related to the fact that the Dutch municipalities wants to benefit, in one way or the other, from the international exchange as well; they want to give and receive.

The growing interest in cooperation with municipalities in migrant countries cannot be seen in isolation from some major events in the recent history in the Netherlands. After 9/11 (11th September 2001), - and later the filmmaker Theo van Gogh (2nd November 2004), both in the Netherlands - tensions within the Dutch society increased. The general political climate became less tolerant towards people with a different ethnic background. Dutch municipalities were searching for ways to stimulate the dialogue and build bridges with minority groups and between different groups in society. In this perspective MIC with municipalities of migrant countries, and particular the links with municipalities in Turkey and Morocco, can be regarded as one of the tools municipalities used in trying to make a positive contribution on the integration debate.

6.1 Reciprocity in Practice Mutual learning is not exclusively an aim of Dutch municipalities working together with migrant countries; also municipalities working with other municipalities in the South (like South Africa or Nicaragua) and in Middle and Eastern Europe generally opt for some form of reciprocity. The relations between Dutch municipalities with migrant countries, however, have more potential for reciprocity as some of the citizens of the municipalities involved originate from these countries.

Municipalities try to contribute towards integration by cooperating with municipalities in migrant countries in different ways: a. By involving (part of) the migrant community actively in the cooperation. The migrant community can provide a pool of expertise and enthusiasm. b. By asking advice on issues with regard to integration to the partner municipality c. By giving the migrant community a positive feeling and improving the general climate. This can lead to less distance between the municipality and the migrant groups and increase the involvement of the migrant community in municipal affairs.

The PhD research will look further into the efficiency of these forms of cooperation.

Examples Although the intention for cooperation is often mutual exchange, opportunities to learn something are not always obvious to Dutch partners involved.“ It is a bit of searching” says a policy officer of the municipality of Almelo. Denizli is very eager to learn form the experiences of Almelo with relation to Brussels. Care for the handicapped is just starting in Denizli. Gaining methane gas out of waste material is a process of bringing knowledge to Denizli. Almelo can, however, learn something about a literacy programme, in which migrants in the municipality of Denizli, who originate from the Eastern part of Turkey, are offered a 30 days intensive course in the Turkish language. The municipality will also start with a programme in both municipalities on the participation of women in society. According to another policy officer of the municipality of Almelo, mutual exchange is also important for the municipality of Denizli; the Turkish people are generally proud; they don’t want only to receive, but want to offer something as well.

A policy officer of the municipality of Alkmaar feels that the cooperation with Bergama is more a one way approach; the cooperation involves mostly bringing of knowledge and receiving little in return. The cooperation has more to do with a ‘social feeling’ as a municipality. However this is changing, especially in the field of education. Furthermore, the cooperation with Bergama does function as a bridge towards migrant groups in the municipality of Alkmaar.

Within the municipality of Rotterdam there has been a lot of criticism on the international activities of the municipality. Words like solidarity are no longer used, while the economical value of the international activities has gained significance. In the new policy on international affairs there will be no specific distinction for cooperation with migrant countries. Cooperation with these municipalities will continue, but all under the umbrella of international affairs. The purpose is to value ties, and their

46 opportunities for equal exchange. This provides a more equal base for cooperation (Interview policy officer Municipality of Rotterdam).

According to a senior project manager from VNG International the city links between Dutch municipalities and Moroccan municipalities are characterized by a genuine interest in a two way exchange of information. There are real benefits for the Dutch municipalities involved, which bring more balance in the relationship in comparison to other twinning relations with countries in the South. Dutch municipalities are generally more open to learn from the relationship, which can lead to a change in the general atmosphere of the cooperation. At the start of the Morocco platform, however, Moroccan and Dutch municipalities had different expectations about the cooperation; the Moroccan municipalities expected that the Dutch municipalities would offer some kind of development cooperation and presented their wishes, ranging from an abattoir, to a road. But also some Dutch municipalities had high expectations; the municipality of Ede thought that they would find a clear-cut answer to the problem the municipality was facing with a particular group of citizens with a Moroccan background. The experience of Dutch Municipalities involved in the platform, however, is that the exposure abroad can change the view on migrants with a Moroccan background but will not provide simple answers to persistent problems (De rode draad, December 2004, Platform gemeentelijke samenwerking Nederland – Marokko, gemeentelijk jeugdbeleid in Nederlands en Marokko, Den Haag, December 2004).)

6.2 Different Dimensions of Reciprocity Reciprocity or mutual learning has different dimensions. In the literature it is generally not clear which aspects are included. I have identified three types or dimensions of reciprocity on the basis of information gathered so far:

1. Platform for mutual learning with regard to projects related to common concerns 2. Projects related to transnational linkages and mobility 3. Projects related to Integration (of migrant groups in the Dutch society)

To illustrate these different types of reciprocity some examples will be described in the following section. It is important to stress that the information on the examples mentioned is mainly based on the interviews with a select number of key people and on information presented in articles. The examples given have not been subject of further research at this stage. The PhD research will analyse ways in which municipalities actually learn from each other.

6.2.1 Platform of Mutual Learning with Regard to Projects Related to Common Concerns Municipalities can learn from each other by exchanging information on the specific programme which is the main focus of the collaboration, and which reflects a common, albeit contextualised, interest or concern.

Examples The municipality of Amsterdam is cooperating on a project on the preservation of monuments in Koceali. Amsterdam discovered that regulation for monuments is better arranged in Turkey than in the Netherlands (interview policy officer municipality of Amsterdam).

As a small municipality Almelo cannot afford to only spend money on the international cooperation. Each activity within the municipality has to be sustainable, also in financial terms. Almelo has just finished a master plan for the municipality, which includes a total reconstruction of the municipality. An international orientation is part and parcel of the plan; it does not only involve infrastructure but people as well. The Mayor of Almelo states that the time of only talking with each other is in the past. The municipality identified 8 projects focusing mainly on social issues. The next agenda for cooperation will focus more on the acquisition of European funds for urban renewal and will include trade missions. (Interview policy officer municipality of Almelo)

Rotterdam established an economic focal point in Nador (Morocco); in the Rif area where most Moroccan migrants originate from. The Rotterdam Development Cooperation (Ontwikkelingsbedrijf Rotterdam) and the Chamber of Commerce are involved in this centre. The initiative is directly linked to the support of small enterprises set up by migrants in Rotterdam. Migrants establish most of the

47 enterprises while the success rate of these companies has proved to be small. The municipality is committed to support these initiatives (interview policy officer municipality of Rotterdam).

The municipality of Amsterdam and Suriname are cooperating to improve the archives in Suriname. Documents on the slave trade are being transferred into digital documents. This means an enrichment of the archives in the Netherlands as well (interview policy officer municipality of Amsterdam).

6.2.2 Projects Related to Transnational Linkages and Mobility The fact that the migrant groups in society have several linkages with their home countries might lead to the situation that it becomes useful if Dutch and partner municipality exchange information. Migrants might travel more frequently to their home countries, or live periods in the Netherlands and their home country.

Example One of the projects under the umbrella of the city tie between Haarlem and Emirdag is focusing on Turkish elderly in Haarlem and Emirdag. “Elderly form Haarlem commute between the two cities to spend the summer in Turkey and the winter in the Netherlands. The two municipalities exchange information on health care for this specific group, as well as for seniors who stayed behind in Emirdag as youngsters leave the villages” (Nell, forthcoming).

The fact that people with a mental illness with a Suriname background travel frequently to their mother country, just like most migrants from Suriname, has resulted in cooperation between health facilities in Amsterdam and Suriname: they exchange files on patients, which makes it easier for them to pick up their medication also in the Netherlands and preventing patients to ‘fall back”. (interview policy officer municipality of Amsterdam)

The municipality of Spijkenisse explored possibilities to be engaged in a remigration project for the elderly born in Suriname and living in Spijkenisse. Several elder migrants have a wish to return to Suriname. (Article Rotterdams Dagblad 28/8/??)

The municipality of Amsterdam is involved in the exploration of improving the population registration in Ghana. A lot of people suffer from the way it is currently organised now (by hand, not concise). It is also difficult for the municipality of Amsterdam because it hinders controlling the documents. (Interview policy officer municipality of Amsterdam).

In a newsletter of the city district of Hoogvliet, an employee of a school for primary education (PCB Oudeland) says: “In the multicultural society within the school, where a large part of the pupils have a Suriname background, cooperation can have a positive impact on pupils, their parents and the school. For the pupils the cooperation offers insight in schools in Suriname, for teachers it offers a better understanding when pupils of Suriname participate in our school. When one of our pupils has to spend time temporarily in the country of origin, the child is obliged to attend school there. Therefore it is good to learn more about education there.” (Nieuwsbrief Deelgemeente Hoogvliet, week 38, 2006, translated from Dutch.)

“For Rotterdam the cooperation has already achieved results. For the police this has already become clear. Suriname can be a good partner to us in the international fight against crime, for example in tracing the smuggling of drugs”. Mayor of Rotterdam Mr. Opstelten (Article Rotterdams Dagblad 6/12/?? translated from Dutch).

Many relationships exist between the municipality of Eindhoven and Curacao; people move frequently. Cooperation in the field of administration of citizens is useful. Migrants from other countries in Latin America use the Netherlands Antilles frequently as a basis to migrate to Europe and try to get citizenship in the Netherlands, which makes is easy to travel to the Netherlands (interview policy officer Eindhoven).

6.2.3 Projects Related to Integration (of Migrant Groups in Dutch Society) The main motivation of the majority of the Dutch municipalities to cooperate with municipalities in migrant countries is that they feel it can have a positive impact on the integration of migrants in the

48 Dutch society. Municipalities seek to gain a better understanding of the background of the migrant population within the municipality to be able to formulate new policies directed to the integration of these groups. Furthermore, by getting involved in international cooperation with municipalities of the home countries of migrants they hope to generate goodwill and to build bridges towards migrants. Lastly, international exposure can be beneficial in relation to human resource management; employees of municipalities and other organisations (e.g. schools, housing corporations) can get a better understanding of part of their target groups; people with different backgrounds and cultures.

Examples The GGGD Amsterdam and an alderman from the municipality of Meppel joined a mission to Morocco in which they discussed their problems to reach and involve women of Moroccan origin living in Amsterdam and Meppel to inform them on diabetes. Diabetes is very common within the Moroccan community (also in Morocco) and it is important to inform people about risks, treatments etc. The Moroccan counterpart asked them about methods used so far. Municipalities developed leaflets in the Arabic language, which were made available at the GGD offices. The Moroccan counterpart advised the GGD that the written language of leaflets should be translated into Berber (since most women have Berber background and are not able to read Arabic). Furthermore, the Moroccan counterpart suggested accessing women through their children in schools (Interview senior project manager VNG International)

Organisations in Amsterdam were making many mistakes in the diagnosis of mental illnesses of people with a Suriname background. This problem has been solved by the cooperation with Suriname, which gained a better insight in the backgrounds of Surinameese living in the Netherlands, (interview policy officer Municipality of Amsterdam).

The municipality of Meppel hosted a delegation form Al Hoceima and organised a meeting to discuss the problematic situation with a small group of Moroccan youth. A modern alderman from Al Hoceima addressed the parents with a Moroccan background and forcefully argued that they and their children had an obligation to participate in public life. To hear a Moroccan alderman speak out against voluntary segregation made a major impression on the parents (interview senior project manager VNG International).

More general objectives include getting a better understanding of the backgrounds of migrants, and aims directed to the integration of migrants and bridging gaps; “ I have looked with their eyes and by doing so I got to know migrants here in an other way.’ said Nany Peerenboom, chair of the Platform Morocco and former Mayor of the municipality of Zaltbommel. An alderman of the municipality of Huizen said “Things which normally would take us months, are nu arranged very rapidly due to this contact. Together with trainees (stagiaires) we visited mosques and came in contact with Moroccan migrants in our municipality. By doing so we both were breaking down barriers” (Translated form Dutch, article “Gesloten deuren gaan open”, by Inge Crul in VNG Magazine 5 oktober 2001)

At a meeting of the VNG Antillen and Aruba Platform (6th June 2007) the Director General Housing and Living (DG Wonen) addressed the local authorities of Bonaire, Sint Eustasius, St Maarten and Saba to assist the Dutch municipalities in thinking how to address the issue of the small group of younger people originating from the Netherlands Antilles and living in the Netherlands, who are not well integrated within the Dutch society. In the meeting it was concluded that Dutch municipalities lacked knowledge on this group. The Director General felt that the key might be in the transnational relations between the Netherlands and the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. The local authority of Sint Maarten, Mr. Richards mentioned that it is important to invest in good education in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba and providing opportunities for younger people there. The municipality of Dordrecht occasionally searches for families in the Netherlands Antilles of younger people having problems and/ or causing a nuisance in Dordrecht, through the twinning relation. (Meeting VNG Antillen en Aruba platform 6th June 2007)

A policy officer from the municipality of Rotterdam mentioned that the cooperation of Rotterdam with several municipalities in migrant countries is also symbolic and political in the sense that it is regarded as a “gesture” to the citizens of Rotterdam. The focus is on an extensive form of knowledge exchange. The budget involved is limited. “We remain a municipality focusing on the inhabitants of Rotterdam.” (Interview policy officer municipality of Rotterdam).

49

Exposure Global Citizenship and Intercultural Communication Apart from these categories of reciprocity an important “side” effect of municipal international cooperation can be identified. Municipal international cooperation involves looking beyond municipal borders intercultural communication and global citizenship. Several key people mentioned that the international cooperation was enriching, it broadened their horizon and they started to look differently at their own work. Partner municipalities in migrant countries are likely to have similar experiences.

Examples In a publication on the city link between Almere and Kumasi, (October 2006) several administrators and civil servants indicated what they have learnt from the cooperation: “Has Mr Rosch (Almere sanitation Department) learnt anything from this exchange with Kumasi? “Definitely! He assures us ‘What really amazed me was the optimism and inventiveness of the people. With limited means they can achieve big things. It also struck me how passionate they are in trying to keep things rolling. I mean, when a lorry can no longer be repaired in Kumasi, it really means it is beyond any repair.”

Municipal officers of the municipalities of Almelo, Meppel and Gouda mentioned that they were impressed by the flexibility of their colleagues in the partner municipalities and the creativeness in finding solutions. The general feeling is that the Dutch have become too rigid and want to plan everything beforehand. This might lead to less creativity and more bureaucratic

Some Dutch municipalities organised debates with their citizens to discuss the candidate partnership of Turkey to the European Union (e.g. municipality of Deventer)

50 7. Conclusions

General Development Municipal International Cooperation Some general developments within MIC can be identified. First of all, Dutch municipalities are searching for ways to benefit from international cooperation themselves. Working on international solidarity is considered to be one sided and unequal by several municipalities. Reciprocity becomes more important and can push out the altruistic motives like international solidarity. This reflects a more businesslike attitude towards international cooperation and a reorientation towards mutual profits, like economical cooperation and issues related to the integration of migrants in the Dutch municipalities. As a result of this reorientation many municipalities have established links with the new or candidate member states of the EU and with the main migrant countries. The more traditional side of MIC, strengthening local governance and improving living conditions in the partner municipality, is however still vivid; in fact this side of the cooperation seems to be a precondition for working on issues related to integration. There exists a lot of variety between municipalities with regard to the extent mutual learning is an important component in the projects for cooperation. In most C2C links projects in the partner municipalities are central in the cooperation.

Another development is the shift from longer lasting sister cities’ towards a more programme oriented approach. In general, most municipalities don’t want to commit themselves to long lasting twinning relations. Furthermore, municipalities have to demonstrate the impact of their international efforts; especially since international efforts are followed critically by both politicians and the electorate. In practice ties seem to have at least some characteristics of twin-cities or sister cities, as they have the intention to cooperate for a longer period with one municipality, and building up trust and friendship are mentioned as important aspects of the international relations for real impacts to emerge. Most municipalities indicate that a period of getting to know each other and defining the cooperation was necessary before the actual cooperation started. According to the literature on MIC, one of the strengths of MIC is the long duration of relationships. There seems to be a certain tension between the development towards cooperation on a project base and preconditions for partnership and cooperation. Furthermore, the development towards a project oriented approach holds a risk of fragmentation of international efforts.

Most international programmes focus on knowledge transfer and technical advice. Knowledge transfer is generally a long term process and it can be difficult to indicate progress. Several funding schemes, however, are focusing on projects on a short time basis (one or two years). There seems to be a tension with regards to this focus and the importance to show an impact on a relatively short term.

Apart from knowledge transfer, municipalities do donate goods as well computers, fire trucks, ambulances etc. Most of these goods were written off by the Dutch municipality and were replaced by new items. Since the old goods still work well, they get a second life in many of the partner municipalities abroad. These activities, which are more visible and concrete, can have an important impact on the image of the international cooperation.

MIC and Migrant Countries A clear shift can be identified from cooperation with municipalities in the South and Middle and Western Europe in general, towards relations with municipalities in the new and candidate member states of the EU and in the migrant countries. International cooperation between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrant countries is a relatively new phenomenon; most ties were established from 1999/2000 onwards. The majority of these ties were initiated by Dutch municipalities as a result of policies of connecting international cooperation to issues related to integration. Apart from strengthening local governance in the partner municipality, Dutch municipalities try to contribute positively towards the integration of migrant groups within the municipality. They try to do so by 1) stimulating the involvement of migrants in international cooperation with a municipality in their home country, by 2) gaining knowledge on migrant groups living in their municipalities, in order to reach these groups or adjust policies and/ or by 3) creating a positive feeling among migrant groups, in order to facilitate communication and involvement of migrant groups in policies related to integration. The development towards MIC with migrant countries is also related to the legitimacy of international activities of municipalities. International activities are generally followed critically by (part of) the electorate; by establishing links with municipalities in migrant countries, Dutch municipalities have more opportunities to benefit from international exchange.

51 The recent development to sensitise and involve Dutch municipalities on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were set by the United Nations, seems to contradict the shift noticed above of more emphasis on the objectives of the Dutch municipalities in international relations. The MDG’s focus on poverty alleviation, (access to) education, equal rights for men and women, health care, reduction of child mortality and sustainable development. The MDGs do, relate well with the focus of most of the international projects of municipalities; most municipalities are involved in projects related to waste management, education and health facilities. Waste management is the theme most frequently mentioned within the programmes for cooperation; 11 out of 39 ties focus on waste management. Other popular themes for cooperation include information management, tax collection, water and sanitation, fire safety, preservation of monuments, job creation and management of urban green areas. Many municipalities have contributed to the rebuilding of areas affected by natural disasters like earthquakes (Turkey 1999 and Morocco, 2004) a flood (Suriname 2006) and the tsunami (among other countries, Indonesia, 2004).

VNG International seems to have an important impact on the main themes addressed and also on the form of cooperation. To a considerable extent the choice of themes for cooperation is influenced by VNG International, as the organisation provides funding on particular areas and themes e.g. service delivery for municipal programmes in Turkey and waste management and tax collection for municipal programmes in Ghana. Programmes have to be finalised within a period of two or three years. The support programmes of VNG international are based, to a large extent, on the results of an IOB evaluation published in 2004, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Involvement of the Migrant Community While Dutch municipalities are reaching out to get involved in cooperation with municipalities in migrant countries in order to gain knowledge on migrant population, and to build bridges with migrant populations, they do not automatically involve migrant groups within their own municipal borders. Involving migrant groups can be complicated due to the fact that groups differ in several ways (political, ethnical, cultural and religious). Several municipalities choose to concentrate on cooperation between the governance bodies because they feel this is directly related to their expertise and experience. Working on a more ‘city wide approach’ can be regarded to hinder the progress of cooperation.

On the other hand migrants in the Dutch municipality can play a role in facilitating the communication and in the provision of information about their home countries, which might facilitate the cooperation and the process of knowledge transfer.

Other Opportunities for Mutual Learning Apart from strengthening local governance in municipalities in migrant countries, and benefiting the integration of migrants, links between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrant countries have some other important opportunities for mutual exchange. Economical benefits can be a central objective within the twinning relationship. For example, Rotterdam is focusing mostly on the economical benefits within their international relations. For other municipalities the economical benefits might be one of the issues addressed in the cooperation. Municipalities in migrant countries generally also want to simulate business. Another possibility for reciprocity is related to the transnational movements of citizens. Many migrants occasionally visit their home countries for a short or long term visit, or they might live periods in the Netherlands and periods abroad. Therefore it might be useful to link the departments involved in public administration and certain other organisations, like institutions for health care, schools and the police.

One aspect, which in general is not mentioned as an objective but which is relevant in most ties, is the general exposure of officers to totally other areas. Several policy officers have indicated that they have learnt a lot by the cooperation with their partner municipality. Working in another setting provides room for reflection. Officers involved mention that it provided them with a new fresh focus towards their own working area in the Netherlands. Some respondents mentioned that they felt that in the Netherlands people work in a too structured and too rigid manner, and that organisations have become too bureaucratic. They admire the creativity and the possibilities to improvise in the partner municipality.

52 Questions for Further Exploration On the basis of this research some further issues for exploration can be identified:

The objectives of the partner municipalities in migrant countries have to be further analysed. This is important with regards to opportunities for equal exchange and the sustainability of the cooperation.

The idea that international cooperation could contribute to integration can be overestimated. It might include the proposition that knowledge from elsewhere can be applied in another context. (Knowledge from partner municipality applied in Dutch context.) It is possible that municipal international cooperation itself is not the best way to stimulate the integration of migrants.

Connecting MIC to integrating issues can be regarded as a way to legitimize international efforts of municipalities. In general, there is a need to show the results of the cooperation. It is, however very difficult to demonstrate the impact of international cooperation on integration. It is easier to indicate the impact of projects related to e.g. improving service delivery in the partner municipality. Therefore a focus on integration might raise questions with regards to the legitimisation of municipal international cooperation with municipalities in migrant countries.

The context in which MIC takes place is important; especially the political circumstances and language are important, but other aspects like ethnicity, religion and geographical characteristics are important as well. The context needs further study.

Aspects which might hinder or stimulate the communication between the municipalities need further exploration (e.g. language, access to internet/ telephones, cultural differences).

The organisation of international cooperation within the municipality needs to be further assessed. Aspects for further examination include; municipal department involved, the position of individuals involved in the cooperation, involvement of policy officers originating from migrant countries, involvement of the administration and council, and the continuity of personnel involved.

Further examination of other organisations involved within municipal international cooperation, and in particular the role of migrant organisations is relevant to get a better understanding of cooperation between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrant countries.

53 ANNEX 1. Information about this Report in relation to the PhD research

As mentioned in the introduction, municipal international cooperation distinguishes itself by the process of knowledge transfer on a colleague-to-colleague basis; MIC is largely about learning from each other. Therefore the PhD research focuses on the process of knowledge transfer between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrant countries. The research aims to answer the question to what extent does the process of knowledge transfer between Dutch municipalities in migrant countries lead to new partnerships and new policy approaches, in both the Dutch and the partner municipality. By focusing on trans-national ties between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrant countries, good opportunities exist to investigate the dimension of reciprocity in the process of knowledge transfer. This particular form allows an empirical examination of whether both partners involved actually benefit from the exchange, and, if so, in what ways.

Most MIC’s between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in the South can be regarded as, more or less, conventional programmes on development cooperation, in which the donor-recipient relations is dominant within the cooperation. Although most municipalities do indicate they learn something from the exchange as well, reciprocity generally plays a minor role in these linkages. The recent development of twinning with municipalities in migrant countries potentially offers more possibilities for reciprocity or mutual learning, which might result in partnerships on a more reciprocal basis.

While a large number of local governments worldwide are involved in international cooperation, knowledge about their results is scarce (Hewitt, 2002; Jones and Blunt, 1999). The process of knowledge transfer between organisations in North and South has been studied more intensively, but hardly on a municipal level. To be able to identify the specific strengths and weaknesses of MIC more scientific research on MIC is required.

The research tries to contribute to the existing knowledge gap on MIC, knowledge transfer and reciprocity by answering to following questions: 1. What are the objectives of the Dutch and partner municipalities to be engaged in MIC? Which issues are addressed? 2. Which organisations and individuals are involved both in the Dutch and the partner municipalities? And which (new) partnerships are formed? 3. Does knowledge exchange lead to new knowledge (e.g. new policy approaches) as a result of MIC? 4. And to what extent does the new knowledge become embedded within the institutions involved? 5. Which conditions promote or deter reciprocity in the process of knowledge transfer between partner municipalities in the North and the South?

The first two questions will be answered by means of an inventory including all municipal ties between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrant countries. Research question 3,,4 and 5 will be answered by analysing several case studies. These case studies have not yet been selected.

In order to answer these research questions it will be necessary to provide insight in the general context of MIC. The PhD research can therefore be divided into three parts: 1. An outline of the history and information on the general characteristics of MIC, and national and international developments in MIC policies. 2. Information on MIC between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrants countries (main characteristics - objectives, issues addressed, organizations involved) 3. Focus on knowledge transfer and mutual learning; a few case studies.

This report is an exploration of the first two parts; it briefly indicates the history and general context of MIC and provides information about the objectives, issues addressed and organizations involved. The research focuses on the first two research questions. 1. What are the objectives of the Dutch and partner municipalities to be engaged in MIC? Which issues are addressed? 2. Which organisations and individuals are involved both in the Dutch and the partner municipalities? Which (new) partnerships are formed?

54

The report explores whether reciprocity is an important aspect in the cooperation between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrant countries, and how it has been made operational, by providing several examples mentioned in interviews and found in articles and reports.

Information from this report will be used in determining the further focus of the PhD research and the selection of case studies. Since the time for this research was limited, the aim at this stage was not to provide a complete overview of municipal ties between Dutch municipalities and municipalities in migrant countries. This document should be regarded as ‘work in progress’. It is important to stress that there are many new developments in this topic, e.g. several municipalities have formed policies, or are in the process of forming these policies, but are not yet active in international activities with migrant countries. Therefore the inventory might not be complete. The Dutch side of the twinning relations have received more attention in this study for practical reasons and also because the initiative for MIC generally comes from Dutch municipalities.

The inventory included ties where at least the local government bodies in the Netherlands and of the migrant countries are active in the cooperation. Apart from the local government bodies other organisations may also have ties with partner municipalities and local civil society. Cooperation between municipalities, which is not formalised officially by an agreement, is included in the research, as long as one or more projects are active. Sources for information include literature research on Municipal International Cooperation, knowledge transfer, research of policy documents of Dutch Municipalities, research of archives VNG International, newspaper articles on MIC, an intensive web search, information gathered by telephone and e-mail, and interviews with key persons.

The PhD research is linked to (ongoing) research of the Amsterdam Institute for Metropolitan and International Development Studies, research group ‘Livelihoods, Environment and Governance in an International Development Perspective’. The research is part of the CERES Research School, Working Programme 3 (Enterprise, governance and local-global interactions). The researcher is part of a small network within a research project on city-to-city cooperation of the Institute of International Development Studies at Utrecht University that started in February 2005.

The research was executed between February and June 2007. The first part of the PhD research (June 2007 – November 2008) is financed as a co-production of the University of Amsterdam and NCDO. For the second part of the research finance still have to be found. The PhD research started 1st February 2007 and is due to be complete at the beginning of 2012.

55 Annex 2. Information on External Funds Applicable for Municipal International Cooperation

This annex provides information on some external funds, which are used for projects in the field of MIC. The information is not a complete overview of existing funds

LOGO South Programme – VNG - International

VNG International runs two programmes to support Dutch municipalities in their international activities: LOGO South, operational in 11 developing countries in the ‘South’ (in Africa, Asia, Latin America) and LOGO East, for the Middle- and Eastern European countries. Most Dutch municipalities with international relations are participating in programmes belonging to VNG. The subsidies provided by the VNG are generally a part of the total budget (next to own financial support and other subsidies. As the LOGO South and LOGO East Programmes only run in certain countries and on certain themes, the programmes influence the policy of the Dutch municipalities.

LOGO South is operational in the following countries and on the following subjects: Benin (local taxes), Egypt (local water supply and sanitation), Ghana (financial management), Indonesia (local water management), Nicaragua (local government), The Palestine Authority (solid waste and waste water management), Sri Lanka (waste management) , Sudan (water supply and waste management), Suriname (capacity development of decentralised districts), Tanzania (financial management) and South Africa (social housing). The choice for the countries has been pragmatic; LOGO South is only active in countries where (several) Dutch municipalities, provinces, municipal water boards, waterworks and their umbrella organisations are active.

Besides the country programmes, there are four thematic programmes. These focus on local waste management, local water management, citizen participation in local governance and the municipal approach to HIV/Aids. The objective of the thematic programmes is to provide opportunities for exchange between various countries on one subject (south – south exchanges), knowledge sharing and product development. The new LOGO South Programme, is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has a budget of 24 million euros and will run for a period of four years (2007-2010).

VNG International provides, through the LOGO East Programme, funding for Netherlands local and regional governments to develop co-operation projects with their counterparts in Romania, Bulgaria , Turkey , Ukraine, Serbia and Montenegro. LOGO East builds on the local government twinning networks that already exist and it also aims to increase new twinning relations from January 2006 until October 2007.

LOGO East has two objectives: Firstly, strengthening the capacity of the political level and administration of regional and local governments in Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Ukraine, Serbia and Montenegro by end-2007 and secondly, increasing the number and quality of partnerships between regional and local governments in the Netherlands and in Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Ukraine, Serbia and Montenegro by end-2007.

The project will first of all work with existing twinning partners between The Netherlands and Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Ukraine, Serbia and Montenegro. Second, VNG International will also promote Netherlands local authorities to engage in new twinning relations with Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Ukraine, Serbia and Montenegro. Thirdly, VNG International will support the establishment of tri-partite relations or ‘trinnings’, by extending the existing twinning networks with the newly accessed EU countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia) to third partners in the aforementioned eligible countries.

Themes are mostly chosen on the basis of existing relations between Municipalities. The programme does however influence the focus of other municipalities as well; other twinning relations are more likely to chose this particular theme since funds and courses are directed to this issue.

56 According to a policy advisor of VNG International, the LOGO East Programme for Turkey is particularly interesting for smaller municipalities; The amount of subsidy which can be required (€ 70.000) is most interesting for programmes of a smaller scale.

MATRA/ KPA Programme

MATRA stands for ‘Maatschappelijke transformatie’ (civil transformation). The programme was initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1994 and aims to promote the construction and strengthening of civil society in the Middle and Eastern European countries In 2006 it was decided to extend the MATRA program to the ‘new neighbours of Europe; all countries around the Mediterranean Sea were included. The MATRA programme has been established to prepare the local governments on good local governance issues. Municipalities can apply for funds for projects. The fund is particularly important for the smaller municipalities (as the smaller municipalities face more financial constraints than the larger municipalities).

The ‘Small Local Initiatives’ programme (KPA) started in 1991. Its objective was and still is to support and provide incentives for activities organised by local and regional private organisations that seek to contribute to international co-operation efforts. It is a duplication fund. This means that a civil organisation could apply for a subsidy up to a maximum of the amount raised by the organisation itself in support of activities with a local partner in a developing country. Subsidy is only given when through the activity information is disseminated among the public in the Netherlands. The programme is supposed to contribute to the awareness of development problems, and encourage the support for international co-operation among the population in the Netherlands. KPA has a direct focus on poverty alleviation at the local level (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, IOB, 2004).

EU LIFE Programme

The Financial Instrument for the Environment (LIFE) is the EU’s financial instrument supporting environmental and nature conservation projects throughout the EU, as well as in some candidate, accession and neighbouring countries. The programme was launched in 1992 and has provided financial support for projects that contribute to the development, updating and implementation of community environmental policy. LIFE has co-financed some 2,750 projects, contributing approximately €1.35 billion to the protection of the environment. More information: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/index.htm

57 Annex 3. Sources of Information

References • Baud, I.S.A. (2004) Learning from the South; Placing Governance in International Development Studies: delivered on the appointment to the chair in International development studies at the Universiteit van Amsterdam on June 8, 2004. • Baud, I.S.A. (2002) North-South partnerships in Development Research, An Institutions Approach, in: Research North South Cooperation, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam. • Bontebal, M.C. (2005) Understanding city-to-city cooperation: North-South partnership of local authorities as development modality, paper presented at the Third Development Dialogue, June 30, 2005, Institute of Social Studies. • Brinkerhoff, J.M. (2002), Government-Nonprofit partnerships: a defining framework, Public Administration and Development 22, 19-30 (2002). • Buis (2000), Gemeenten zonder grenzen, een onderzoek naar de stad van zaken op het beleidsterrein Gemeentelijke Internationale samenwerking in 2000, VNG, Den Haag. • Buis (2001), Handboek gemeentelijke internationale samenwerking, VNG Uitgeverij, Den Haag. • CEMR (2007) Common declaration of the CEMR conference "Twinning for tomorrow's world" (Rhodes, 10-12 May 2007). • Cremer, R. D. et al. (2001) International Sister-Cities: Bridging the Global-Local Divide. American Journal of Economics & Sociology 60(1): 377-401. • Drew R. (2003), Learning in Partnerships-what constitutes learning in the context of South- North partnerships? A discussion paper submitted to BOND/ the Exchange Programme. • ECDPM and ACE Europe (2004) Promoting local governance through Municipal International Cooperation, capacity.org, issue 21, April 2004. • Hafteck, P. (2003) An Introduction to Decentralized Cooperation: Definitions, Origins and Conceptual Mapping. Public Administration and Development 23(4): 333-345. • Helmsing, A.H.J. (2001) Decentralization, enablement and local governance in low income countries, Working Paper Series No. 342, Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, The Netherlands. • Hewitt, W.E. (2002) Partnership as Process: Municipal Co-operation for International Development, Canadian Journal of Development Studies, Volume XXIII, No.2. • Inspectie ontwikkelingssamenwerking en beleidsevaluatie (IOB) Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken (2004) Over solidariteit en professionalisering, evaluatie van Gemeentelijke Internationale Samenwerking (1997-2001), IOB evaluaties nr 297. • Kraan, M. (2001) Blijven of teruggaan? Een sociologische analyse van potenties en problemen van Ghanezen in Amsterdam Zuidoost, Wetenschapswinkel, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. • Jansen, K. (2004), Unpacking and re-packing knowledge in development, in: Globalization and Development; Themes and Concepts in Current Research, edited by Don Kalb, Wil Pansters, Hans Siebers, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht. • Johnson H & G. Wilson (2006), North-South/ South-North Partnerships” closing the ‘mutuality gap’, Public Administration and Development 26, 71-80 (2006). • Jones, M.L. (2001) Sustainable organizational capacity building: is organizational learning a key? in: Int. J. of Human Resource Management 12:1 February 2001 91–98 • Jones, M.L. & P. Blunt (1999), ‘Twinning’ as a method of sustainable institutional capacity building in Public Administration and Development 19, 318 - 402. • Nell. L. (forthcoming)'Locally Specific Transnational Ties: Turkish and Turkish-Kurdish Immigrants in the Netherlands' (forthcoming) in: Guillou Anne, Stéphane de Tapia and Martine Wadbled, eds.. Les migrations turques de la Bretagne à l'Europe. Le poids du local. Rennes: Rennes University Press • Netherlands Development Assistance Research Council (RAWOO) (2003), Poverty and Governance, RAWOO Lectures and 25th Anniversary Conference, publication no. 26. • Netherlands Development Assistance Research Council (RAWOO) (2005), Mobilizing knowledge to achieve the millennium development goals, publication no. 27. • Netherlands Development Assistance Research Council (RAWOO) (2005), The urban challenge: a question of knowledge, rethinking the role of knowledge in poverty alleviation, publication no. 28.

58 • Plummer, J. (2002) Focusing Partnerships: A Sourcebook for Municipal Capacity Building in Public-Private Partnerships, Earthscan Publications Ltd, London. • Schep, G.J., Angenent, F., Wismans, J. & M. Hillenius (1995), Local Challenges to Global Change, a global perspective on Municipal International Cooperation, IULA, SGBO, VNG, Sdu Publishers, The Hague. • UNDP (2000) The Challenges of Linking. UNDP Management Development and Governance Division - Bureau for Development Policy. • Vereniging van Nederlandse Gemeenten en Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties (2005), Grenze(n)loze Gemeenten, Handreiking Internationale samenwerking en activiteiten van gemeenten, Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties, Den Haag. • VNG International (2004), Gemeentelijke samenwerking met ontwikkelingslanden jaarverslag 2003, Den HAAG • VNG International (2004), Closing the gap, interculturele communicatie in woningbouwprojecten met Zuid-Afrika, handvaten en richtlijnen, 2004, Den Haag. • VNG International (2005), Strengthening democratic local government worldwide, Annual Report 2004 • Wilson, G. & H. Johnson (2007), Knowledge, learning and practice in North-South practitioner- to-practitioner municipal partnerships, Local Government Studies , Volume 33, Issue 2 April 2007 , pages 253 - 269

Policy Documents General: • VNG (2001) Handboek gemeentelijke internationale samenwerking, VNG Uitgeverij, Den Haag. • VNG (2000) Gemeenten zonder grenzen, een onderzoek naar de stand van zaken op het beleidsterrein Gemeentelijke Internationale Samenwerking in 2000, Internationale Project Unit van de VNG, Den Haag • VNG (2006) Een wereld aan kansen, de stand van zaken op het beleidsterrein gemeentelijke internationale samenwerking in 2006, VNG International, Den Haag. • Bergmans, N. (2006) Percentage aantal gemeenten met beleid op het terrein van internationale samenwerking, NCDO, Amsterdam. • One World (2007) Eerste drie ‘Milleniumgemeenten’- One World, 01 05 2007 • Actualisering beleid internationale samenwerking (Dordrecht) september 2003 • CBS, WODC Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek en Documentatiecentrum van het ministerie van Justitie (2006) Integratiekaart 2006, cahier 2006-8. • Garssen, J. Nicolaas, H. & Sprangers A. (2005) Demografie van de allochtonen in Nederland, bevolkingstrends, derde kwartaal 2005, Centraal Bureau voor de Statestiek • NCDO (2006) Barometer Internationale Samenwerking 2006, trends en ontwikkelingen, NCDO, Amsterdam

Policy Documents

Suriname: • Afdeling Bureau Decentralisatie, verslag werkbezoek decentralisatie aan Den Haag Nederland, georganiseerd door VNG International i.s.m. het Ministerie van Regionale Ontwikkeling, in het kader van het Logo South Landenprogramma, Suriname, September 2006. • Handleiding werkbezoek aan Nederland 10-18 september 2006, VNG International, Den Haag, Augustus 2006 • Publicatie: Een rijke relatie Suriname en Nederland: heden en toekomst beleidsnotitie Suriname juni 2004, ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken • Platform Samenwerkingsverband Suriname Gemeente Den Haag, werkconferentie Gezondheidszorg, publieksverslag van de werkconferentie gehouden tussen vertegenwoordigers van de Surinaamse gemeenschap. Haagse en Nederlandse instellingen op het gebied van gezondheidszorg op 17 mei 2003, Den Haag, in kader van samenwerkingsverband Suriname – Den Haag (SSDH). • Kruijt, D. & M. Maks (2003) Een belaste Relatie 25 jaar ontwikkelingssamenwerking Nederland – Suriname 1975-2000

59 • Hoefte,R. (2004) De ‘belaste relatie’ vanuit Nederlands en Surinaams perspectief. In: Internationale Spectator, Mei 2004. • Runs, A. & H. Verrest (2000), Relaties tussen Surinaamse en Nederlandse NGO’s een perspectief op samenwerking, Nikos, Agids 2000 • Rapportage Activiteiten leden Suriname platform januari 2003. • Samenwerkingsovereenkomst tussen de republiek Suriname en de gemeente Den Haag • Eindrapport drinkwater project binnenlanden van Suriname LOGO SR 81,5, 28 december 2007 • Projecthandvest 2005 en 2006 tbv drinkwatervoorziening dorpen binnenlanden Suriname • Aanvraagformulier LOGO South, Good Local Government Programma 2005-2008, januari 2005. • Meerjaren aanvraag t.b.v. training kansenregie voor de Surinaamse districten logo South programma VNG • Eindverslag Met eigen ogen, Huub Severiens COS RMH, 15 september 2006 • Modeldorp in tropen voor Surinaamse remigranten – Spijkenisse wil oudedagsvoorziening in geboorteland RD 28/8 (?) • Stedenbanden met Suriname - Suriname informatiegids 2005 -2006, Armand Zunder.

Turkey: • (LOGO east Twinning framework Turkey 2006 -2007, VNG International). • Denizli – Almelo 2007 -2010 Together into the future, gemeente Almelo 2006 • Ntitie grenze(n)loos Tiel (2002) • http://www.tiel.nl/upload/pdf/raad2003/maart/mrt11.1.pdf agendapunt raadsvergadering • http://www.migrantenplatform.nl/Routekaart_2007.pdf • http://www.haarlem-emirdag.nl • Delft: intentieverklaring: Gemeente Delft (Nederland) en Centrumgemeente Adapazari (Turkije), 30 november 2000 (http://raad.delft.nl/commissies/middelen_bestuur/2000/bijlage%20nota's/b_2000038_b.html) • Deventer Internationaal 2005-2008, Voortgangsnota internationale samenwerking van de Gemeente Deventer. http://www.deventer.nl/NR/rdonlyres/0D19D422-E2CC-45EC-A508- BDEA3B2E0EF0/3835/200509008Voortgangsnotainternationalesamenwerking2.doc

Morocco: • Reader studiedag Platform Marokko, Dhr. H.L.M. Obdeijn, VNG International en IKV 5 juni 2002. • Meppel Helpt Marokko met water – Meppeler Courant, 17 01 2007. • Werkbezoek/oriëntatiereis Marokko verslag van het werkbezoek van de provincie Noord- Brabant mei 2006 www.brabant.nl. • Platform gemeentelijke samenwerking Nederland – Marokko, Gemeentelijk jeugdbeleid in Nederland en Marokko, Den Haag, December 2004. • Nieuwsbrief platform gemeentelijke samenwerking Nederland - Marokko 3 april 2007. • Euro-Arabische dialoog - Lokale internationale samenwerking tussen gemeenten in Marokko en Nederland, Aroena Lakhi, Sanne Ros, in de rode draad december 2004. • Veelzijdig betrokken, lokale internationale samenwerking Marokko Den Haag, mei 2006. • Gesloten deuren gaan open oprichting Platform Nederland – Marokko, VNG Magazine 5 oktober 2001. • Osmose van culturen, een verkenning naar mogelijkheden van samenwerking tussen de gemeente Enschede en een gemeente in Marokko, januari 2003. • Weekboek burgemeester Polman13 maart tot 2 april, 09 mei 2007, www.bergenopzoom.nl.

Nederlandse Antillen: • Programma Gemeentelijke Samenwerking met de Nederlandse Antillen Jaarverslag 2006, VNG International 2007 • Samenwerking versterking Dienstverlening op de Antillen 4-8 December 2006, De Koeijer, december 2006

60 Ghana: • Application LOGO South Formulation phase 2005-2008 LOGO South Programme, Almere – Kumasi • Samenwerk – Stichting internationale samenwerking Almere, newsletters maart, december, maart 2007 2006 • De stedenband tussen Almere en Kumasi, gemeente Almere, oktober 2006 • Tussenrapportage Afvalproject Elmina Gouda, periode januari 2005-december 2005, 18th april 2005 • LOGO South Country program 2005-2008 • Verslag ambtelijk werkbezoek in het kader van de samenwerking tussen Amsterdam en Accra dd 2 t/m 11 maart 2005 • Waste management plan 2006-2009 Kadjibi District Assembly. • Nieuwsbrief Gouda wereldwijd juni 2005

Cape Verde • Sporen van migratie in Rotterdam, Gemeentearchief Rotterdam, http://www.gemeentearchief.rotterdam.nl/sporenvanmigratie/mg_kaapverdianen/4.html

Websites General Information: • International Centre for Municipal Development www.icmd-cidm.ca • United Cities and Local Governments: www.cities-localgovernments.org • VNG International www.vng-international.nl • www.stedenbanden.nl • www.staatvanhetbestuur.nl • www.stedenbanden.nl • www.vng.nl • www.vng-international .nl • www.minbuza.nl • www.cbs.nl • www.undp.org • www.unhabitat.org • www.cities-localgovernments.org • virtueletochten.noord-hollandsarchief.nl/?pc_id=18&pp_id=67 (Archives Noord-Holland)

Information Websites Municipalities65 • www.alkmaarsezustersteden.nl • www.almelo.nl • www.amsterdam.nl/internationaal • www.arnhem.nl • www.bergenopzoom.nl • www.denhaag.nl • www.deventer.nl • www.dordrecht.nl • www.eindhoven.nl • www.gouda.nl • www.haarlem.nl • www.meppel.nl • www.meppelercourant.nl Meppel helpt Marokko met water 17 01 2007 • www.nijmegen.nl • www.utrecht.nl • www.rotterdam.nl

65 Not all municipalities provide information on the international activities on their websites.

61 Information Countries: • www.undp.org • http://www.minbuza.nl/nl/reizenlanden/landen,Surinamee.html • http://www.minbuza.nl/nl/reizenlanden/landen,turkije.html • http://www.minbuza.nl/nl/reizenlanden/landen,marokko.html • http://www.minbuza.nl/nl/reizenlanden/landen,Ghana.html • http://www.minbuza.nl/nl/reizenlanden/landen,kaapverdie.html • http://www.minbuza.nl/nl/reizenlanden/landen,indonesie.html

Participation in Meetings: • Conference: “Wethouder, waarom doen we dit?’ – publieke betrokkenheid bij de Millenniumdoelen en gemeentelijke internationale samenwerking, 11th April 2007. • Meeting platform Netherlands Antilles 6 juni, Utrecht – with Secretary of State Internal Affairs mrs. Bijleveld, dhr. van Harder DG Wonen, de gezaghebbers Dhr. Richards (St. Maarten), Dhr. Gittens (St. Eustasius), Dhr. Domacassé (Bonaire) Dhr. Sorton (Saba), representatives (Mayors and Alderman) from the municipalities of Capelle a/d IJssel;, Dordrecht, Zoetermeer, Vlaardingen, Vlissingen, Ermelo, Duiven, Den Helder, Texel and Den Haag. • Meeting Municipal Platform Turkey (gemeentelijke landengroep Turkije) 7 juni, Utrecht, policy officers from the municipalities of Deventer, Zoetermeer, Alkmaar, Haarlem, Nijmegen and Utrecht

62 Interviews Conducted66:

VNG-International Aleid Pans (Suriname) Maarten Beks (Ghana en Nederlandse Antillen) Malinda Twaalfhoven (Turkije) Arne Musch (Marocco) Hans Buis (Coordinator LOGO South program)

Municipalities Alkemade – mr. Schonewoerd Alkmaar - Hanneke Schrijen Almelo – Maarten Visscher en Han Reimerink Almere – Pieter van der Linden Amsterdam - Marleen de Groot & Gerard Pieters Apeldoorn – mrs.. Leerkes Arnhem - Hans Haage & Nurten Ozdermeer Bergen op Zoom - James Habibuw Den Helder – mr. Heerlien Delft – mr. Kruijff Den Haag – Barryl Biekman & Winnie van Willigen Deventer – Johan Kuiper Dordrecht – Gea Davids en Gilbert Isabella Eindhoven – Dhr. Gijsberts Gouda- Ingeborg van Bee en Dhr. Cornelis (burgemeester) Haarlem – Els Besse Hoogvliet (Rotterdam) – Ronald Beinaar Lelystad – mevr. Peetri Meppel - Willem van Esch Nijmegen – Henk van der Zand Oss – dhr. Theunisse Rotterdam – Arnoud Nuijt and Charlotte Breevoort Utrecht – Annelore Scholten en Idelette Schuurman Valkenswaard – dhr. Roorda (raadslid VVD) Zaltbommel – Thea van Bremen Zeist - Ronald van Gemeren Zoetermeer - Mieke Visch

Partnergemeenten Andrew Lo A Njoe – ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken, Suriname Saaka Sayuti, coördinator LOGO South program Ghana Abdelhamid Ouaj – municipality of Berkane (Morocco)

Andere Contactpersonen Huub Severiens COS Rijnmond en Midden Holland FORUM Chris Veldhuysen

66 The majority of the interviews with municipalities was conducted by telephone.

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