Event runs until Saturday night

50th Douzelage General Meeting Underway in Marsaskala

Marsaskala, Malta – Friday, 4 September 2026

The 50th General Meeting of Douzelage European Town Twinning is underway in Marsaskala, Malta, bringing together delegates from across the European Union for a weekend of discussion, collaboration and friendship.

The landmark meeting, taking place during Douzelage’s 35th anniversary year, is being hosted by the Local Council of Marsaskala and is focusing on the theme of tackling domestic violence in the local community.

Following Thursday evening’s opening ceremony, which included a parade from the Douzelage monument to St Ann’s Garden, flag raising and a welcome reception, the formal business of the General Meeting began on Friday morning.

Mayor Mario Calleja addresses and welcomes attendees – pic Stephen Busuttil

Delegates were welcomed by Shane Smyth, President of Douzelage, and Mario Calleja, Mayor of Marsaskala, alongside representatives of the Maltese authorities.

Throughout Friday, delegates participated in three parallel programmes for General Meeting, Education and Youth representatives.

The day’s sessions examined the issue of domestic violence, with contributions from members of the Malta Police Force, alongside workshops and brainstorming sessions designed to encourage delegates to share experiences and identify practical approaches that can be taken within local communities.

The Youth Programme also gave younger delegates an opportunity to explore Douzelage, its values and its role in connecting communities across Europe.

Douzelage President Shane Smyth said: “Our General Meetings have always been about much more than the formal business of our organisation. They provide an opportunity for people from communities right across Europe to meet, exchange experiences and learn from one another. This weekend’s theme deals with an extremely serious issue affecting communities throughout Europe. By bringing together local representatives, educators and young people, we have an opportunity not only to discuss the challenges but to share ideas and experiences which we can take back to our own towns.”

Douzelage President Shane Smyth pictured in front of the flags of Greece, Ireland, Europe and Douzelage.

Officer Omar Zammit from the Malta Police Force talks about domestic abuse – pic Stephen Busuttil

Mayor of Marsaskala Mario Calleja said: “It is a great pleasure for Marsaskala to welcome the Douzelage family to Malta for this very special 50th General Meeting. We are particularly proud to host our friends and partners during Douzelage’s 35th anniversary year. We have also chosen to use this opportunity to address a very important and challenging issue for all our communities. Domestic violence knows no borders, and I hope that by bringing together different experiences and perspectives from across Europe, we can learn from one another and identify practical ways in which our communities can make a difference.”

Friday’s programme concluded following an afternoon of workshops, discussions and activities, with delegates continuing to build connections across the Douzelage network.

The General Meeting continues on Saturday with sessions focusing on victim support and the presentation of findings and solutions from across the three delegate groups.