Gesellschaft für Deutsch-Russische Begegnung Essen e.V.

The Society for German-Russian Relations Essen e.V. (DRG) initiated the twinning between Essen and the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod in 1991 and has been developing a lively partnership on a civil society level since then. The DRG is a registered non-profit association, with statutes, membership fees and responsibilities. According to its statutes, the DRG's task is to contribute to an intensive exchange with our eastern neighbours, to a better understanding of each other and thus to a peaceful international understanding, in particular through: Promoting contacts over all areas of social life with citizens of the Russian Federation, especially with citizens of the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod- Supporting scientific, cultural and social projects between Russian and German institutions, but especially with the civil society of Nizhny Novgorod. The primary goal is to ensure a reliable, trusting partnership at the civic level, and we are particularly passionate in promoting youth exchanges. The DRG is confession-free and politically independent. The Lord Mayor, Thomas Kufen, is an honorary member of the DRG since 2017. The DRG is a member of the Federal Association of German West-Eastern Organizations, where it is represented on the board, and thus has access to current issues and events in the more than 70 members.