Political and social changes after 1898 and the fact that Poland opened to Europe caused intensification of overseas contacts of Rybnik. In fact, the beginning was a partnership contract with Saint-Vallier signed in 1961. Today Rybnik cooperates with many cities in Europe and eleven of them are twin towns: Mazamet, Liévin i Saint-Vallier in France, Dorsten and Eurasburg in Germany, Larissa in Greece, Karviná in Czech Republic, Newtownabbey in Northern Ireland, Ivano-Frankivsk, Bar in Ukraine and Vilnius District Municipality in Lithuania. Rybnik has more casual contacts with Szolnok in Hungary, Bedburg-Hau in Germany (cooperation with Państwowy Szpital dla Nerwowo i Psychicznie Chorych) and Haderslev in Denmark (I LO “Szkoła Życia”).

The origins of our friendly relationships with particular cities are very different. Cooperation with Saint-Vallier had “top-down” character but turned out to be a warm-hearted relationship - mutual visits last several generations. Other contacts are more often than not the initiative of private individuals which has expanded and converted into cooperation between societies and local authorities. In case of Mazamet - our cooperation started when French supported Zespół Szkół Urszulańskich (secondary school) in mid 80ties while the president was Józef Makosz. In case of Eurasburg - this bavarian land offered Rybnik help in martial law and right after. Liévin and Newtownabbey - these contacts were formed by local government while Poland was entering the EU and the president was Adam Fudali. Dorsten in North Rhine-Westphalia was a german center of support for Rybnik’s citizens of German origin who came to this city after war and set up their association. As their presence was interesting to the citizens of Dorsten they became also interested in Rybnik. It was an impulse to form another association this time without political references. Citizens of Rybnik began contacts with Vilnius District Municipality and cities in Ukraine, they reached out to fellow countrymen in East.

Nowadays members of twin towns are present in most ceremonial moments of Rybnik: while celebrating 800 years of Rybnik, Days of Rybnik and many more. We don’t share only our happy moments but we also learn from each other. From our western partners Rybnik learned about economy, administration and solutions of social problems. Cooperation with majority of mentioned cities is confirmed by formal contracts.

Our aim is to: a) strengthen a sense of responsibility for yourself, your surroundings, local community and tradition in social consciousness, b) create facilities to up social activities of Rybnik’s citizens, c) built a civil society through activation of local community, d) conduct activities which are more innovative and effective for the citizens, e) complete activities of the City in areas which are not covered by local government, f) to increase participation of the citizens in resolving local problems.