PIAZZA ARMERINA AND ST JULIAN’S: FOCUS EUROPE HELPS BUILD A CULTURAL BRIDGE BETWEEN SICILY AND MALTA

From 13 to 15 November 2026, Piazza Armerina will host the European CUTSM project gathering. Focus Europe ETS supports cooperation between the two communities, promoting participation, intercultural dialogue and European citizenship.

Cooperation between Sicily and Malta is growing through culture and direct encounters between citizens. From 13 to 15 November 2026, Piazza Armerina will welcome a Maltese delegation as part of CUTSM – Culture in the Urban Towns of Sicily and Malta, the town twinning project connecting the Sicilian municipality with St Julian’s, Malta.

Supported by the European CERV – Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme, the project uses cultural heritage to encourage discussion about shared European values, inclusion and participation in community life.

The partnership involves the Municipality of Piazza Armerina, led by Mayor Nino Cammarata, and St Julian’s Local Council, led by Mayor Guido Dalli, which coordinates the project. Cooperation between the two authorities gives their communities an opportunity to strengthen mutual understanding and develop further joint initiatives.

Focus Europe ETS contributes project development expertise and methodological support, assisting the municipalities in preparing participatory activities, disseminating the initiative through its network and sharing project results.

This work is also supported by Ivana Legname, Focus Europe’s representative in Malta, who assists with the organisation of the initiative and liaison with Maltese stakeholders, helping those involved prepare for the gathering.

“European cooperation takes shape when local authorities and citizens can meet and work towards shared goals. The partnership between Piazza Armerina and St Julian’s builds on the ties between Sicily and Malta, bringing them into a European framework of participation and solidarity. Focus Europe supports this process by contributing expertise, connections and experience, helping the exchange develop into cooperation that can continue over time,” says Giuseppe Cappai, President of Focus Europe ETS.

The initiative places community involvement at its centre, with attention to equal opportunities, accessibility and dialogue across generations and cultures. Local heritage and traditions become tools for strengthening mutual understanding and encouraging broader participation in civic life.

For Focus Europe ETS – The Network of European Territories, CUTSM provides a further opportunity to bring Europe closer to local communities, supporting cooperation built around people and their ability to shape shared initiatives.