Working with Eurocities
Eurocities has helped Netwerkstad Twente connect with cities across Europe, build strong partnerships and develop a more professional approach to shared urban challenges.
Through the network, Netwerkstad Twente has worked with other members on European projects that have led to practical improvements in areas such as infrastructure, social policy and water management. These exchanges have provided new knowledge, fresh perspectives and a stronger understanding of how other cities are addressing similar issues.
Being part of Eurocities also strengthens Netwerkstad Twente’s voice at the European level. By contributing to thematic forums, working groups and joint advocacy, the city region can help shape common positions on issues such as climate adaptation, sustainable mobility, energy transition and social inclusion. Speaking collectively gives greater weight to its priorities and ensures that the perspective of medium-sized, innovative and cross-border regions is heard in Brussels.
The Eurocities network offers valuable opportunities for Netwerkstad Twente to learn from other cities, share good practices and build lasting partnerships. The city region has also experienced the strong spirit of European cooperation first-hand, both when visiting other cities and welcoming partners to Netwerkstad Twente, including the Economic Development Forum in 2016 and the Working Group Education in 2023. The commitment, openness and friendships created through Eurocities are something Netwerkstad Twente hopes to continue building on in the future.
What people need to know about the city
Netwerkstad (in english Network City) Twente is a unique collaboration of three closely located cities (Enschede, Hengelo and Almelo) with their own character and a shared ambition.
Twente is the green technological top region on the eastern border of the Netherlands. The entire Twente region has a population of 634,000, of which more than 330,000 people live in Networkstad Twente.
With a long industrial history in textiles and machinery, Twente has transformed into a stronghold of innovation. With a leading technical university and several universities of applied sciences, it is a region of talent and knowledge.
The area’s knowledge institutions bring forward many frontrunning companies. Strong clusters in photonics, batteries, advanced manufacturing and circular textiles have been built in Netwerkstad Twente. We are now taking the next step, to connect these clusters with our German partners across the border.
Netwerkstad Twente is a proud member of the Dutch German Tech.Land, a region where innovation thrives and international talent feels at home. To retain and attract this talent, Netwerkstad Twente strives for vibrant, inclusive and sustainable cities where our citizens feel safe and healthy.
Using innovative solutions, we are working on new systems to maintain a sustainable water balance, tackle urban heating and fight energy poverty in our cities.
Netwerkstad Twente’s location at the intersection of several (inter)national corridors offers great opportunities. Within a strong cross-border cooperation with the German cities of Münster and Osnabrück, we are committed to a sustainable and smart mobility system. Our ambition is build it into a no-border cooperation, in which the border’s obstacles become an asset.
Since 1958, Twente has been the region that is part of the very first Euroregion on the border of the Netherlands and Germany.
Working cross-border has become our second nature.
