France/Twinning planned to strengthen ties between Fécamp and Ukraine
For months, the Fécamp Amitié Ukraine association has been hard at work, as the Orthodox Christmas was celebrated on Saturday evening, January 7, 2023. For its part, the City is thinking about a twinning, based on its previous experiences.
The history of the Fécamp Amitié Ukraine association began to be written in March 2022. " At the time, I liked to say: "I can't wait to close the association, it will mean that the war is over", remembers Paskal Bronnec, one of the founders. Today, I would say things differently.
The association would continue even after the conflict is over. It will be necessary to consider the aftermath. And the city of Fécamp is also thinking about the future. For her, it would be within the framework of a twinning with a city located at the other end of Europe. In the meantime, on Saturday, January 7, 2023, an evening gathering of about a hundred Fécampois and Ukrainians took place for the Orthodox Christmas.
To the rhythm of arrivals and departures
According to Paskal Bronnec, there are currently "sixty to seventy" Ukrainians living in the Fécamp agglomeration. " This is a stable number, " he says. With the arrivals and departures. Some women were joined by their companions. " Others have gone back home, like the man I was hosting," says Paskal Bronnec.
As soon as the association's action was launched, "we got very good responses from the town halls of the agglomeration". Other associations have also responded. Like the Ladies' Circle with the donation of hygiene products for women. A bank allowed the purchase of household appliances. "We felt a momentum. We weren't rejected."
He also praises the work with the prefecture. "We are at the side of people, still today, for administrative procedures, temporary cards, the CAF. To find work, housing. And that's already a lot". On the side of the prefecture, "it's square. If the appointment is at 8:00, it's not 8:10. If it's ten sheets to provide, it's not nine. But we know the rules ahead of time and the people are lovely."
A twinning with a city of similar size
Mayor of Fécamp, David Roussel notes the "very strong ties" that have been established. On the city's side, "contacts are being made. It can go fast, even if of course it takes two people to make a twinning".
Fécamp is familiar with this type of alliance. It already exists with German, Belgian, Welsh and Hungarian towns. " The principle of twinning was developed after the war, at the time of reconstruction. Now, the initiative towards Ukrainian municipalities comes from the Association of Mayors of France, at the end of the conflict. "There is not yet a city identified. But we are in contact with municipalities of similar size to Fécamp, " confirms David Roussel. When the time comes, why not bring, in particular, "help to rebuild what has been damaged by the fighting.
Source: www.paris-normandie.fr/
