Citizens’ Meeting 2026 in Slovenia
25 May 2026, Reading time: 3 minutes
A coach full of anticipation. Host families instead of the hotel routine. Young people, new encounters, old friendships. International conversations set to folk-rock, opera arias and the “Kul-Bazar”.
And that is precisely why this weekend in Šentjur was so very different from what many people imagine a town twinning partnership to be.
Even the journey there has a festival vibe
Five o’clock in the morning at the coach park — far too early, really.
And yet: a great atmosphere right from the start. A coach full of anticipation. Host families instead of the usual hotel routine. Young people, new encounters, old friendships. International conversations set to folk-rock, opera arias and the “Kul-Bazar”. Between coffee, travel snacks and the first conversations, it quickly became clear that this wasn’t going to be your average club trip.Five o’clock in the morning at the coach park — far too early, really.
And yet: a great atmosphere right from the start. A coach full of anticipation. Host families instead of the usual hotel routine. Young people, new encounters, old friendships. International conversations set to folk-rock, opera arias and the “Kul-Bazar”. Between coffee, travel snacks and the first conversations, it quickly became clear that this wasn’t going to be your average club trip.
By the time we’d passed Austria, it was clear: this tour group was a success.
Why host families are simply unbeatable
Anyone can run a hotel. The best moments usually happen when you’re sitting together at the kitchen table, laughing at the mix of languages, or suddenly realising just how similar people really are, wherever they are.
That is precisely what makes town twinning so special.
The Kul-Bazar was a small European festival
Music. Conversations. Food. International encounters. The “Kul-Bazar” brought people from all over the world together in the heart of Šentjur — in an open, warm atmosphere, completely free of any formal or stuffy event atmosphere.
Or, to put it simply: pretty much the exact opposite of what many people associate with town twinning.
The finale? Everything — except the usual
To simply call the closing night a ‘colourful evening’ would probably have been the understatement of the weekend. With opera arias, folk-rock, an international audience, spontaneous conversations and a great deal of good cheer, the evening evolved into something somewhere between a cultural festival, a gathering of friends and a European family celebration. Mojca and Primož Hladnik gave us some real goose-bump moments with the famous drinking song from Verdi’s La Traviata — and less than half an hour later, everyone was dancing.
It is evenings like these that you end up remembering:
Not because of any formal programme, but because of that special feeling of having shared an experience together.It is evenings like these that you end up remembering:
Not because of any formal programme, but because of that special feeling of having shared an experience together.
Thursday: Arrival, reunions and European encounters
The town twinning event officially began on Thursday at the Ipavec Cultural Centre in Šentjur. Following an ecumenical service at St George’s Parish Church, the hosts welcomed the international guests from Neu-Anspach and Saint-Florent-sur-Cher. Alongside many familiar faces, there were also numerous new encounters — and it was precisely this mix that made the atmosphere special from the very first evening. Neu-Anspach’s mayor, Birger Strutz, also used the days to hold discussions with Mayor Marko Diaci and other representatives of the town of Šentjur. The focus was not only on the long-standing partnerships, but also on new ideas for future projects and exchanges
Friday: History, nature and Slovenian legends
On Friday, the tour group first headed to Rogatec. There, history came to life in the impressive open-air museum: historic farmhouses, traditional workshops and fascinating insights into the region’s past made the visit a little journey back in time. The tour then continued to Rogaška Slatina — one of Slovenia’s most famous spa towns. There, magnificent architecture blends with nature, healing waters and a unique atmosphere. And, of course, the accompanying Slovenian legend could not be missing: according to legend, it was Pegasus, the winged horse of Greek mythology, who struck the ground with his hoof to create the famous healing spring.
Between the observation tower, the spa gardens and our conversations together, many of those little moments arose – the ones that often stay with you the most in the long run.
Saturday: Kul-Bazar, music and plenty of international flair
On Saturday, Šentjur’s Obermarkt was transformed into an international hub brimming with music, encounters and cultural diversity. At the ‘Kul-Bazar’, people from a wide variety of nations showcased their cultures, specialities and traditions. The name perfectly captured the atmosphere: somewhere between a cultural festival, a street party and an international gathering. Everywhere, people were chatting, laughing, sampling food and taking photos. The boundaries between guests, hosts and nations blurred quite quickly. In addition, participants were able to visit the house of the famous Ipavec family of composers as well as the town’s museum collections. A particular highlight: guided tours were offered specifically in German and French.
Youth programme: experiencing Europe as a matter of course
Alongside the official programme, the youth group from Neu-Anspach was also out and about.
Pupils from the Adolf Reichwein School took part in their own international programme alongside young people from Šentjur — organised by the Šentjur Youth Centre under the leadership of Ines Zelič.
The programme included, among other things:
It is precisely encounters like these that show just how straightforward and natural international interaction can be for young people today.
Symbolic gifts for guests
Of course, gifts were exchanged as well — though these were far more personal than the usual standard souvenirs. Neu-Anspach brought a hand-carved owl from the Taunus region — a symbol of wisdom, friendship and a vision that transcends borders. The hosts from Šentjur, in turn, presented Neu-Anspach and Saint-Florent-sur-Cher each with an apple tree of a traditional regional variety.
A fine symbol of town twinning arrangements that have developed over many years — and are set to continue to bear fruit
💙And what remains:
Lots of new acquaintances. Old friendships. A whole host of stories.
And probably the realisation that Europe is sometimes at its strongest precisely where people are out and about together, laughing together and simply spending time with one another.
31 May 2026, reading time: 3 minutes
A little green dragon stands guard over the Slovenian beer tasting, the aroma of fresh crêpes – a tribute to our French friends from Saint-Florent – wafts through the Europe Day celebrations, and the first conversations about France, Austria and Slovenia are taking place in front of the new pavilion walls. Anyone who stops by the stand of the Association for the Promotion of International Relations in Neu-Anspach (VzFiB) on 9 May will quickly realise: here, Europe is not a political idea, but a living experience.
With its newly designed pavilion walls, the VzFiB is making a particularly striking impression this year. The large-format printed banners provide information about the association and Neu-Anspach’s three twin towns:
Many visitors stop to take a look, recognise familiar things, learn something new and strike up a conversation with the association’s members. The new display areas show at a glance what the association has stood for for more than four decades: fostering international friendships, bringing people together and making Europe a tangible part of everyday life.
In addition to the popular crêpes, it is the beer tasting in particular that attracts numerous guests. The beer on offer comes from the historic Slovenian brewery Laško, whose home region lies just a few kilometres from Neu-Anspach’s twin town, Šentjur.
In keeping with the theme, a small dragon adorns the stand. It serves as a reminder of Slovenia’s many dragon legends and attracts curious glances, particularly from children. At the same time, it serves as a bridge to the upcoming citizens’ exchange: just one week after Europe Day, a delegation from Neu-Anspach will travel to Šentjur to spend a few days there with friends from Slovenia and France. This gives visitors in Steinbach a little taste of the host country for this year’s citizens’ exchange.
Time and again on this day, we see what Europe is all about: people strike up conversations, share experiences and discover what they have in common. This is precisely what the VzFiB is committed to. The association promotes international relations between the residents of Neu-Anspach and the people in the partner towns. Town twinning is not merely administered, but actively lived out – through citizens’ exchanges, youth projects, contacts between clubs and joint events. The fact that such encounters have an impact is demonstrated by the trinational citizens’ meeting taking place in Šentjur a few days later. There, people from Neu-Anspach, Saint-Florent-sur-Cher and Šentjur come together, forge new connections and deepen existing friendships. Many of these encounters give rise to bonds that last for years.
Europe Day in Steinbach makes it clear: Europe does not begin in Brussels or Strasbourg. Europe begins where people engage in conversation, learn from one another and share common experiences. The VzFiB is delighted by the huge interest in Europe Day, the many conversations at the stand and all the visitors who got to know Europe a little better on this day. Because it is precisely these encounters that bring Europe to life – in a personal, warm and boundless way.
June 17, 2025 · Reading time: 3 minutes
In turbulent times, when headlines are dominated by crises and conflict, Europe needs one thing above all: encounters that connect. That’s exactly what came to life at the 2025 citizens’ meeting in our French partner town Saint-Florent-sur-Cher – with guests from Neu-Anspach, Šentjur, and the host community.
Although the local twinning committee was dissolved, the town council – led by Mayor Marie-Line Cirre – took the initiative and organized the event with great dedication. The result was a weekend full of hospitality, exchange, activity, and community – European in the best sense.
A special moment was the planting of a friendship tree in the château park: representatives from all three towns planted a Nordmann fir – a living symbol of enduring connections.
With a life expectancy of over 500 years and the ability to grow deep, strong roots, these trees are emblematic of what town twinnings stand for: resilience, depth, and enduring ties that withstand even the strongest storms.
The delegations from Neu-Anspach and Šentjur each took a tree back home – as a visible sign of continued friendship. Three towns, three trees – and a shared commitment to cross-border friendship.
Representing Neu-Anspach were Helga Feller, chair of the international relations association (VzFiB), and First Deputy Mayor Jürgen Strempel, standing in for Mayor Birger Strutz, who was unable to attend due to professional obligations related to the town swimming pool renovation. The Slovenian delegation was led by Robert Gajšek, chair of Šentjur’s twinning committee, together with Alenka Testanière.
Whether over breakfast at the château, on guided tours, or during the conference on the European Capital of Culture 2028 – people talked, laughed, listened, and shared ideas.
A special role was played by Sabine Tscherner, a teacher at Adolf-Reichwein-School Neu-Anspach and leader of the school’s Europe group. She participated as an ambassador for youth engagement in Europe.
“Even though my hosts and I met for the first time, it felt as if we had known each other for years.”
“Suddenly it didn’t matter that we spoke different languages – long-forgotten vocabulary resurfaced, and buried knowledge returned.”
On Saturday, the participants met on Île Soubiran for games of pétanque, tennis, and pickleball. In multinational teams, the spirit of camaraderie grew with each match.
A shared picnic rounded off the morning – once again showing how easily and warmly European togetherness can work.
The closing evening at Espace Robinson provided a relaxed, friendly finale. Over giant paella and live music by the band Kristy Bell, the mood was easy-going – the perfect setting for good conversations and new connections.
There was dancing, laughter, and celebration – and plenty of space for meaningful intercultural encounters.
During the night, the Slovenian delegation departed – taking with them their own friendship tree to be planted in Šentjur, and also a heartfelt invitation to the next gathering.
Robert Gajšek and Alenka Testanière have already set the dates: from May 14 to 17, 2026 (Ascension weekend), the spirit of Europe will continue and deepen in Slovenia.
Despite all the joy, Saturday also included a moment of quiet reflection: in neighboring Villeneuve-sur-Cher, the funeral service for Jean-Pierre Poincelet took place.
He was a co-founder of the town twinning and a long-time member of the Saint-Florent committee. A small delegation from Neu-Anspach attended the service, expressed condolences to his widow Marie-Françoise Poincelet and family, and laid a bouquet on behalf of all friends from Neu-Anspach.
We will remember Jean-Pierre Poincelet with deep respect and gratitude.
26.03.2025, Reading time: 3 minutes
This year’s general meeting of the Association for the Promotion of International Relations (VzFiB) took place on 26 March 2025 in the small hall of the Bürgerhaus Neu-Anspach. In addition to a review of an eventful 2024, the course was also set for upcoming projects – including board elections and an outlook on upcoming events.
After a minute’s silence in memory of a deceased member, Chairwoman Helga Feller reported on the numerous activities of the past year, which was centred around the theme of “Changing perspectives in Europe” and in which the Board, members and supporters demonstrated flexibility and resilience in many areas. Highlights included
the tri-national youth project and the citizens’ meeting in Neu-Anspach,
participation in Europe Day in Schmitten,
the popular boules tournament,
an excursion to Dillenburg,
and the trip to Thalgau for the anniversary.
The organisation’s finances are in a solid position. The cash report was unanimously approved and the actions of the Executive Board were ratified.
At the regular election, the following persons were elected to the Board of Directors or confirmed in office:
Jürgen Strempel, who was warmly thanked at this point for his commitment – not only for this evening, but also for his many years of support for the association as head of international relations, particularly in connection with the partnership with Thalgau.
In his welcoming address, Mayor Birger Strutz emphasised the importance of town twinning for Neu-Anspach. Especially in times when structures – such as the French committee – are dissolving, the voluntary commitment of the VzFiB is all the more valuable in order to continue to enable encounters across borders.
A central topic of the evening was the upcoming citizens’ meeting in Saint-Florent-sur-Cher, which will take place from Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1 June 2025.
Image generated with AI
The association also has a lot planned. The plans include
The Executive Board would like to thank all members, supporters and partners for their trust, support and enthusiasm for Europe.
Europe lives through encounters – and through people who make them possible.
Every year since 2009, 48 young people from the three twin towns of Saint-Florent-sur-Cher, Sentjur and Neu-Anspach have come together to spend a week experiencing Europe, getting to know other cultures, working together in workshops and having fun.
Financially supported by sponsors such as Mainova, ErasmusPlus, the twin towns and local companies, the participants only incur low costs. Thanks to the voluntary work of the members of the Association for the Promotion of International Relations (VzFiB), the town twinning committees in Sentjur and Saint-Florent-sur-Cher, the co-operating schools Adolf-Reichwein-Schule, Collège Voltaire and in Sentjur with Osnovna šola Dramlje, Osnovna sola Hrusevec and Osnovna sola Slivnica, the municipalities and the students themselves, a great programme is created, organised, carried out and evaluated every year.
The highlights from 2024 are available here to browse through in the digital photo book
And if you would like to hold the book in your hands in printed form or give it as a gift, you can order it at cost price of €35. Simply send a short email to vorstand@vzfib-neu-anspach.de.
A colourful and varied overview of the projects and highlights of Encounter 2024 – just click on the button and enjoy…A colourful and varied overview of the projects and highlights of Encounter 2024 – just click on the button and enjoy…
05.05.2024, Reading time 2 minutes
NEW: With detailed programme in D, F, SLO. It’s time again – Neu-Anspach invites you to an exciting town meeting under the inspiring motto “Changing Perspectives in Europe”. This time we welcome the citizens of our twin towns Saint-Florent-sur-Cher in France and Sentjur in Slovenia. Together we want to look beyond our own backyards and exchange views on the diversity of European cultures and perspectives.
The programme for this meeting promises to be a rich and enriching experience for guests and hosts alike. We start with an ecumenical travelling blessing and a drink where we can celebrate the reunion with our friends and have initial discussions.
The next day, we head to Europe’s largest cold-water geyser in Andernach. Firstly, we visit the modern and interactive museum. This is followed by a short boat trip on the Rhine, which takes us to this extraordinary natural spectacle.
On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, we will be hosting an information stand at the Bürgerhaus Neu-Anspach to provide information about the European elections on 9 June. With a wheel of fortune, quizzes, prizes and numerous brochures for all ages, there will be plenty of new things to discover. The highlight of the meeting will be the closing evening, where we will celebrate the diversity of our home countries.
This citizens’ meeting is the perfect opportunity to strengthen our partnerships, gain new perspectives and strengthen our ties as European citizens. We look forward to warmly welcoming our guests from France and Slovenia and sharing unforgettable moments together.
01.04.2024, reading time 3 minutes
NEW: programme in GERMAN, FRENCH AND SLOVENIAN.
On 5 May 2024, it’s off again! 48 young people from Saint-Florent-sur-Cher, Sentjur and Neu-Anspach will come together for 6 days to learn, have fun, see further than the end of their noses, communicate with their hands and feet, discover their love of the forest, feel the power of water, cross borders and boundaries through sport, games and art, and experience Europe at first hand.
This is only possible thanks to the town of Neu-Anspach, our cooperation partner – the Adolf-Reichwein School – and the donors and sponsors who contribute financially and provide ideas, suggestions and creative solutions.
Many thanks to the organisers, the schools, the committees and the municipalities of Sentjur and Saint-Florent-sur-Cher!
We would like to make a special mention of the Klaus-Tschira Foundation, which is giving its strong support and encouragement to our project.
11.02.2024, Lesezeit 3 Minuten
Neu-Anspach invites you from Ascension Thursday, 9 May to Sunday, 12 May to the civic meeting with our French and Slovenian friends and to the trinational youth project from 5 to 12 May 2024.
This year’s motto “A change of perspective in Europe” is also the programme in which participants from different generations will discuss issues relating to environmental protection and nature conservation, the responsible use of resources and the associated European dimension.
So here’s another appeal: Be a host with an (international) heart!
Open your doors and let us deepen the enriching contacts with our French and Slovenian friends together.
Register now as a host. You will find the contact form below. Simply click on the green button, download it, fill it in and send it by email or post to the board email or postal address. Of course we can also answer your questions in advance by phone or e-mail.
Good to know – Here’s an overview of how the weekend went:
The guests are expected to arrive on Thursday afternoon (9 May 2024). There will be an optional guest welcome in Neu-Anspach together with the hosts in the Catholic community centre. This will be followed by dinner in the host families.
On Friday, 10 May 2024, the guests will go on a full-day excursion, which will also include lunch.
The Saturday morning is either at leisure with the guests – there may be an optional event in Neu-Anspach.
In the evening, the closing evening takes place in the community centre in Neu-Anspach for guests and hosts.
As in previous years, the Slovenian guests are expected to return home at midnight. The French guests will depart at around 9 a.m. on Sunday, 12 May 2024.
You still need a few arguments in favour of your commitment? Then simply take a look at the “Association” section of this website. In the Frequently Asked Questions section you will find 5 good reasons to take part in town twinning meetings. Enjoy reading!
22.01.2023
Šentjur in Slovenia is hosting our tri-national citizens´ meeting this year.
Traditionally, the meeting takes place on Ascension weekend. On Thursday, May 18, we will leave early in the morning by bus from Ohly & Weber, Neu-Anspach. The return is on Sunday evening, May 21, 2023. Those who want to go by their own car are also welcome to participate.
Our recommendation: Register right now using the contact form, which you can download below. This way you will make it easier for our Slovenian friends to organize the accommodation, which will be as usual in private accommodations.
Please send your signed registration by April 14, 2023 by mail to unterbringung@vzfib-neu-anspach.de or by mail to Verein zur Förderung internationaler Beziehungen, Helga Feller, Hans-Böckler-Str. 16, 61267 Neu-Anspach. Do you have any questions about Šentjur, about the trip, about accommodation? Then contact us by mail (see above) or phone (0160-78 39 272).
More information about the Slovenian town, which is twinned with Neu-Anspach and Saint-Florent-sur-Cher since 2017, you can also find here on the website in the section twin town https://www.vzfib-neu-anspach.de/en/unsere-partnerstaedte-en/ .
| One more note on language and communication: Many Slovenians speak good English, some also German, so you can quickly get into contact with your hosts. If you want to learn a few words already, here are the most important vocabulary words to help you prepare for your trip: |
| SLOVENIAN TRAVEL VOCABULARY Yes = Dà No = Nè Hello = Zdravo Bye = čao Good morning = Dôbro jútro Good day = Dóber dán Good evening = Dóber večer Good night = Láhko nóč Goodbye = Nasvídenje Thank you = Hvála Please = Prósim Excuse me = Opravičílo Help = Na pomóč I am (…) = (Jaz) sem How are you doing = Kako gre? Very good = Zelódôbro Cheers = Na zdrávje |
Very easy, isn´t it?
Well, come with us to Slovenia, the green heart of Europe! We are looking forward to your participation!
Acting to live better together – this is the 2022 motto of the citizens’ meeting and the youth project.
| CITIZENS’ MEETING ASCENSION 2022 Acting to live better together – this is the 2022 motto of the citizens’ meeting and the youth project. Especially in 2022, we would like to join forces with our partner cities to show our attitude and conviction for a common, diverse, democratic and free Europe. Our citizens’ meeting and the international youth project are particularly visible and clear signs of this. 30 guests from Neu-Anspach and 20 guests from Šentjur – families and individuals – spent a long weekend from 26 to 29 May at the invitation of our friends in Saint-Florent-sur-Cher. The ecumenical travel blessing, accompanied musically by the Vicus Aureus choir, and a reception by Mayor Nicole Progin marked the start of the varied programme. After the first night in the host families, the group went first to Noirlac Monastery, a former Cistercian abbey, and then to the moated castle of Ainay-le-Vielle. Petanque, Viking chess and various historical board games were on the morning programme on Saturday. A Florentais marcCITIZENS’ MEETING ASCENSION 2022 Acting to live better together – this is the 2022 motto of the citizens’ meeting and the youth project. Especially in 2022, we would like to join forces with our partner cities to show our attitude and conviction for a common, diverse, democratic and free Europe. Our citizens’ meeting and the international youth project are particularly visible and clear signs of this. 30 guests from Neu-Anspach and 20 guests from Šentjur – families and individuals – spent a long weekend from 26 to 29 May at the invitation of our friends in Saint-Florent-sur-Cher. The ecumenical travel blessing, accompanied musically by the Vicus Aureus choir, and a reception by Mayor Nicole Progin marked the start of the varied programme. After the first night in the host families, the group went first to Noirlac Monastery, a former Cistercian abbey, and then to the mohing band and cool refreshments ensured a good atmosphere between guests and hosts. The afternoon was at leisure and was used by many host families for a short tour to the nearby département capital Bourges. The colourful evening was the highlight and at the same time the conclusion of the weekend. Here, the young people showed what they had worked on in different workshops. Shortly before midnight, the Slovenian friends had to say goodbye to each other to make the 1600 km journey home by Sunday evening. The Neu-Anspach group set off for home on Sunday morning, as the distance here is “only” nearly 800 km. |
