Partners across Sunderland have developed an International Strategy (pdf 435kb) for the city, which is currently a consultative draft.

Sunderland has two European twin towns, Essen in Germany and Saint-Nazaire in France, which it has had since 1949 and 1953 respectively, and a Friendship Agreement with Washington DC which was signed in June 2006.  The twin town links were developed as part of an initiative to promote peace and stability in the post war period.  The Friendship Agreement formalises the city's unique historical link with Washington DC as George Washington's ancestral home is located within Sunderland's boundary.

Sunderland has benefited from European Funding for many years.  Developments include Sunderland Empire, National Glass Centre and the University of Sunderland, which have all been part-financed with funding from the European Union.

Information about current European Programmes can be found below:

• Objective 2 - Helps regions adjust to economic and social change.
• Objective 3 - Objective 3 - Helps improve the situation of young people, those in the community who are disadvantaged, and the long-term unemployed.
• Urban II - Funds the social and economic regeneration of a limited number of urban areas.

There are a number of other external websites you can look at for further information.  

last updated 24/05/07