“Local Diplomacy Analysis of Marmara: Global Connections of Local Governments” Report Published

Marmara Region Local Diplomacy Research was conducted between December 2022 – January 2024 in order to understand the efforts of local governments in foreign relations across the Marmara Region in Türkiye, identify differences among municipalities, address institutional, legal and financial capacities, needs and challenges related to foreign relations, and propose action-oriented policies to overcome these issues. The research covers all MMU members located in Balıkesir, Bilecik, Bursa, Çanakkale, Edirne, İstanbul, Kırklareli, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Tekirdağ ve Yalova. Feedback from municipal representatives was collected through a survey consisting of open-ended and multiple-choice questions conducted via face-to-face interviews, over the phone, and via email. The findings were analyzed under eight main titles. In this context, alongside the institutional structures of municipalities regarding foreign relations and opinions of municipal personnel on foreign relations, an exploration has been made on local governments’ memberships in international city networks, sister city relationships, participation in international projects, involvement in international cooperation agreements, participation in international events, and their awareness and activities regarding the global agendas.

The report comprehensively analyzes the findings of the research at a regional scale, detailing them by provincial breakdowns and municipal scales. The analyses, conducted with consideration of municipalities’ institutional capacities and needs, resulted in recommendations for both municipalities and all relevant stakeholders working in the field of local diplomacy. Additionally, Prof. Birgül Demirtaş’s article titled “The Role of Local Diplomacy in Changing International Politics” is included in the report.

Highlights from the Report

Institutional Structures of Municipalities Regarding Foreign Relations

• Only 29% of municipalities have a dedicated foreign relations unit. Among these municipalities, 85% cite project activities as the main reason for establishing such a unit. Similarly, in 79% of municipalities, the primary expectation of municipal leadership from foreign relations units is the development of project.

Municipal Personnel's Views on Foreign Relations

• 58% of municipal representatives believe that national foreign policies influence municipal foreign relations. 93% of respondents think municipalities should play an active role in foreign relations; while 69% of them identify budget constraints as the biggest challenge in carrying out foreign relations activities. 85% of municipal staff think legislative changes are necessary to make foreign relations activities more effective.

Municipalities' Membership in International Networks

• Only 36% of municipalities are members of an international city network. Municipalities benefit from these networks, especially, in developing partnerships with other cities and institutions, sharing knowledge and experiences, and disseminating best practices. Climate change and environmental issues are among the most common themes for collaboration with city networks.

Municipalities' Sister City Relationships

• 65% of municipalities have at least one sister city abroad. In 81% of these relationships that these relationships were initiated at the discretion of the mayor or deputy mayor. 70% of municipalities reported variations in the frequency of communication and collaboration with their different sister cities. The top three challenges in establishing and maintaining sister city relationships are budget constraints, lack of qualified personnel, and language barriers.

Municipalities' Participation in International Projects

• 45% of municipalities report having at least one completed or ongoing project involving foreign partners or funded by an international organization. were financially supported through European Union grant programs, excluding "Erasmus", "Horizon Europe", the "Black Sea Cooperation", and the "Town Twinning Grant Program between Türkiye and the European Union". Climate change and environmental themes make up 61% of the projects undertaken by municipalities involved in international projects. The most prominent issue is the unsuccessful application outcomes.

Municipalities’ International Cooperation Agreements

• Only 24% of municipalities engage in international cooperation through protocols/agreements. Culture emerges as the leading theme in such collaborations. The most frequently observed issues in implementing partnerships through agreements and protocols were their tendency to remain on paper only/remain inactive and the lack of personnel proficient in foreign languages

Municipalities' Participation in International Events

• 56% of municipalities participate in international events. Events organized by sister cities constitute 66% of these activities. Regarding the types of events attended, "technical tours/study visits" ranked first (69%). The primary barrier to participation in international events were identified as "lack of sufficient financial resources".

Municipalities’ Awareness and Activities Regarding Global Agendas

• The Paris Agreement is the most recognized global agenda among municipalities, with a 63% awareness rate. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the most frequently addressed global agenda, at 29%.

You can download the report here: https://mbbkulturyayinlari.com/local-diplomacy-analysis-of-marmara-global-connections-of-localgovernments

You can send your questions and comments on the report to the following e-mail address: [email protected]