Cider Cities

What is a Network of Cities?

A Network of Cities is a structure in which the cores are regions and cities, connected by cultural, historical, and socio-economic ties that establish relationships among themselves with the aim of strengthening and developing those links.

What is the European Network of Cider Cities? – Cider Cities –

Cider Cities is a Network of Cities within the European Union established through cider and the apple as bonds of unity and development.

It is a tool that facilitates and strengthens the international integration of local and regional governments, developing opportunities for decentralized international cooperation, with exchanges of knowledge, proposals, and (alternative) solutions.

Are there precedents?

The Network of Apple and Cider Cities is the first to be established with this particular connection and, for now, the only one in existence, although there are many similar international networks. Specifically, at the level of the European Union, there are, for example, the European Network of Wine Cities and the European Network of Cheese Cities, in which the link is established through wine or cheese, respectively.

Why is it European in scope?

Although cider is not a link exclusive to the European Union, the organizational framework is initially limited to the EU because:

It is a common area that facilitates the movement of people and products among member states.
There is a clear political will on the part of the European Union to support the creation and development of Networks of Cities within its territory, with a dedicated budget for this purpose.
Many of the necessary measures for the development and internationalization of cider and apples share a European framework.
There is already a strong connection among EU member states in the cider and apple sector, in terms of trade relations, events, and cultural exchanges, etc.

What are the objectives of Cider Cities?

Those listed in the adhesion protocol attached to this document.

What benefits does Cider Cities offer its members?

Facilitate the achievement of the objectives listed in the adhesion protocol.
Promote the development of the apple and cider sectors and the tourism linked to them (cider tourism).
Provide experience in the design, development, coordination, and implementation of projects.
Facilitate access to EU grants specifically aimed at City Networks, either as a leader or partner.
Facilitate access to other types of EU funding in the field of international cooperation, enabling participation as a partner or associate in various initiatives.
Internationalize the members’ presence in spaces related to cider and apples:
- Through the Cider Cities website, which features all members’ cider- and apple-related offerings.
- Through Cider Cities’ own social media and that of its members and collaborators.
- Through specialized media outlets that are part of Cider Cities (such as the monthly magazine LA SIDRA, the website lasidra.as, among others).
- By facilitating participation in events organized by Cider Cities and its members.
- By providing information at all events in which Cider Cities participates.
- By facilitating international presence at events organized by any of its members.
- By collaborating in the organization of international events, drawing on more than 15 years of experience accumulated by Fundación Asturies XXI.

Who can be part of Cider Cities?

Municipal and/or regional entities that apply and meet the requirements set forth below, without any specific prior conditions other than the willingness to develop the apple and cider sectors in their territory and to use them as a means of connection with the other entities that make up Cider Cities.

Specific agreements may also be established with other public or private entities interested in the project, although these will not acquire the status of members.

How to join Cider Cities?

To become part of Cider Cities, it is necessary to:

Have a political commitment to join Cider Cities, expressed by a resolution of the competent governing body.
Have prepared or commit to preparing a situation analysis and an action plan.
Appoint a representative as the designated contact person.
Pay a joining fee and an annual contribution based on the population represented by the local or regional institution.

Lines of Action

General

In this initial phase, the incorporation of new members will be limited as much as possible according to:

The practical development of the Network of European Cider Cities (RECS).
The need for territorial balance.

Efforts will be made to present the RECS to municipal or regional entities of EU member states that are not yet represented in it or whose representation is limited.