Experience the Thrill of Connection: "The Morning Buzz in GL"
Strengthening Alliance: Partnership Between GL and Butscha Grows Stronger
Get your daily dose of local news delivered right to your inbox, every morning at 7:07 AM.
Join our newsletter, it's free
In recent days, the bonds between Bergisch Gladbach and its Ukrainian counterpart city have grown even stronger. A team led by Mayor Frank Stein, including himself, took two more fire trucks to Bucha and participated in the Peace Run, while peace nails were forged in Bensberg simultaneously.
Let's take a peek at the Bergisch Gladbach - Bucha city partnership association e.V.'s update.
In our own backyard
The flight between Bergisch Gladbach and Bucha clocks in at approximately 2,000 kilometers. Yet, in these very days, a sense of unity, exchange, and synergy was palpable in both cities. The Bergisch Gladbach - Bucha city partnership association e.V. demonstrated once more the essence of living partnership—distance being no obstacle when the direction is true—with two simultaneous actions.
From May 13 to 20, nine association members, including Mayor Frank Stein, embarked on a journey to the Ukrainian partner city, armed with two fire trucks, another municipal vehicle, and an open mind. The guests from the Rhineland joined forces with their hosts, participating in the Peace Run in Bucha and organizing a celebration of German-Ukrainian camaraderie in the city park.
"When you collaborate, distance becomes irrelevant," says Bergisch Gladbach Mayor Frank Stein. "What unites us is not born from discussions but from our joint efforts. And that's exactly what happens here, on both sides."
Meanwhile, in Bergisch Gladbach, efforts to strengthen the connection emerged simultaneously. As part of the "Forge for Peace" action at the Bergisches Museum in Bensberg, master blacksmiths, accompanied by visitors, transformed glowing metal into symbolic peace nails.
Each nail symbolized support, with donations flowing towards Bucha-based projects – matching grants provided by the Bethe Foundation.
A harmonious duo
"This partnership functions like a well-rehearsed duo," says association chairman Frank Haag. "Two cities, two cultures – we pedal alongside, sometimes on diverse terrains, but always in sync. What propels one city drives the other forward."
Jörg Köhler, who co-organized the Bucha trip, highlights: "The trucks we transported are pragmatically beneficial, no doubt. However, the human interaction is equally crucial. Our support is measured not only in metric tons but also in hours and minutes spent together. Through conversations, encounters, and shared experiences."
Bethe Foundation doubles donations
On May 17, 2025, Arne Meinhardt ensured the successful implementation of the forging action in Bergisch Gladbach: "A day brimming with energy: sparks flying, discussions about Bucha, young children interacting with experienced craftsmen. In every nail, there was not only metal but also determination to continue supporting our friends in Bucha." By the end, an impressive total of 4,250 euros in donations was raised, doubled by the Bethe Foundation and funneled equally into Bucha's support and the expansion of the Bergisches Museum.
Meinhardt expresses heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this event possible: the museum team, the support association, the blacksmiths, the Bethe Foundation – and all those who were simply present, curious, and donating.
Bank account: DE26 3705 0299 0311 5909 11 PayPal: [email protected]
The Bergisch Gladbach - Bucha Twinning Association e.V. continues to evolve—not out of habit, but out of experiences. Out of clear commitment and the will to remain steadfast, even over great distances.
Those wishing to support the association's endeavors can find information on its website: www.butscha.gl
Stay tuned for more updates on the partnership between Bergisch Gladbach and Bucha.
- Despite being 2,000 kilometers apart, the cities of Bergisch Gladbach and Bucha have fostered a sense of unity, exchanging ideas and resources through events such as the Peace Run and the "Forge for Peace" action, which aimed to produce symbolic peace nails at the Bergisches Museum in home-and-garden settings like city parks and museums.
- In the spirit of continued support for the partnership between Bergisch Gladbach and Bucha, individuals are invited to contribute financially via the bank account or PayPal provided on the association's website, as every donation helps to enrich both cities' home-and-garden lifestyles and promote a lasting bond between the two communities.
