Unterallgäu district council explores Polish culture: an exchange between countries!

Unterallgäu district council explores Polish culture: an exchange between countries!

On October 25, 2025, the Unterallgäu district council took an important step to strengthen international relations: an information trip to the Polish partner district of Gostyn. This trip was not only an exciting experience, but also the crowning conclusion to the current legislative period. Local elections will take place in spring 2026, during which a new district council will be elected. Mercury reports that District Administrator Alex Eder pointed out the immense importance of exchanges about political systems in order to promote understanding between countries.

The delegation arrived at the Liceum in Gostyn, which is the partner school of the Joseph-Bernhart-Gymnasium in Türkheim. What was particularly gratifying was the discovery of the multitude of cultural similarities between Swabian and Poznań peculiarities. The program offered a vivid insight into Polish culture. The participants had the opportunity to learn traditional croissant baking, experience local folklore through dances and visit the Fort VII memorial in Poznań, which commemorates the dark chapters of the Second World War. The exciting trip also demonstrated the networking between schools, as there is another school partnership between the comprehensive school in Krobia and the business school in Bad Wörishofen.

Insight into the past

An important part of this information trip were the discussions with the district councilors from Gostyn. During an open discussion, not only country-specific topics were addressed, but clear parallels between the two regions were also shown. Such encounters strengthen bilateral relations and correspond to an overarching goal of German foreign policy: to promote international exchange and mutual understanding, even in politically difficult times. Augsburger Allgemeine adds that the first contacts with the partner district of Gostyn were made in the 1980s and the cooperation was officially sealed in November 2021.

The exchange of cultures and education plays a central role in German foreign policy. The efforts not only promote understanding between countries, but also attempt to defuse conflicts and reach common positions. These activities are part of a foreign policy that promotes dialogue and cooperation across state borders, such as the Foreign Office highlights.

The district council's trip to Gostyn once again showed how valuable intercultural exchange is. It not only offers new perspectives, but also acts as a catalyst for future cooperation between both regions. A recommended step to revitalize partnerships based on respect and shared history.