Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) · Town Twinning
Bridging Cultures and Identities
Gravina in Puglia and Leskovac towards a Shared European Future
A European town-twinning project connecting the communities of Gravina in Puglia and Leskovac through culture, music, education, intercultural dialogue and active citizenship.
Different stories. A stronger tomorrow.
The local public figure is an estimate of people reached, not a nominal count of unique direct participants.
The project
Culture and participation to build lasting relationships
B.R.I.C.I.V.E. connects the institutional dimension of town twinning with educational, cultural and civic experiences open to the community, encouraging direct contact among citizens, schools, cultural organisations and local authorities.
Intercultural dialogue
Promote mutual understanding, trust and exchange between Italian and Serbian citizens through shared experiences.
Culture, music and education
Use cultural heritage, education and music as practical tools for cooperation and participation.
European citizenship
Strengthen the role of local communities in promoting solidarity, democratic values and active citizenship.
Future cooperation
Turn the encounter into a stable relationship among institutions, schools, young people, musicians and cultural organisations in the two territories.
First Town Twinning Event
Gravina in Puglia · 26–29 September 2026
The Serbian delegation arrived on 26 September; town-twinning activities took place from 27 to 29 September, combining institutional dialogue, education, culture, music and public moments.
26
Arrival and welcome
Welcome of the Leskovac delegation and first informal meeting with the host community.
27
Opening, education and innovation
Launch of the twinning exchange, European dialogue and public presentation of the NAO robot by I.I.S.S. “Bachelet-Galilei”.
28
Culture, European values and music
Conference at the municipal library “La Casa del Fuorilegge”, cultural and musical activities, and a joint concert involving Italian and Serbian participants.
29
Community and continuity
Participation in local community life during the patronal celebrations and discussion on future cooperation.
Results and continuity
A first encounter opening the path towards Leskovac
International participation
52 members of the Serbian delegation took part across the three activity days: 34 women and 18 men.
Educational and musical exchange
The programme brought together educational activities, public discussion and a joint musical performance as a concrete expression of cooperation between the two communities.
Evaluation underway
Surveys and interviews continue to measure knowledge, European belonging and satisfaction, with further discussion planned during the second event.
Next stop: Leskovac
The second event will give the Italian community a reciprocal opportunity to meet in Serbia. The cooperation path also foresees finalisation and signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two municipalities.
Gallery
The first meeting in Gravina in Puglia
Documents
Official project materials
Agenda of the first event, Event Description Sheet and official graphic material. Documents are available in their original English version.
Communication and dissemination
Telling the twinning story
A selection of publications and audiovisual content documented in the Event Description Sheet.
Institutions and support
Cooperation between territories
Municipality of Gravina in Puglia
Lead partner · Italy
City of Leskovac
Partner · Serbia
B.R.I.C.I.V.E.
Town Twinning Project
Focus Europe ETS
Technical and project support
Co-funded by the European UnionCitizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) · Town Twinning