SALISBURY could soon forge a new European friendship as councillors prepare to debate plans to twin the city with Nivelles in Belgium.

Members of Salisbury City Council will meet on Monday, March 9, to consider a request from the mayor, Cllr John Wells, to begin the formal process of establishing the partnership.

If approved, Nivelles would become Salisbury’s third twin town, alongside Saintes in France and Xanten in Germany.

Nivelles already shares a twinning link with Saintes, creating what supporters say could be a stronger network of European cooperation.

City twinning began after the Second World War as a way of promoting peace and international understanding.

The arrangement is informal and not legally binding, with no contractual obligations between the towns.

According to council papers, the idea gathered momentum after the mayor was invited to visit Nivelles in October 2025 following talks in Saintes.

During the visit, representatives from the Belgian city expressed interest in forming a link with Salisbury, later confirming that intention by email.

A report to councillors says the move would promote Salisbury as a “city of peace and European friendship” and could potentially open doors to EU funding and collaborative projects.

While there are no formal costs to establish a twinning agreement, there may be expenses linked to updating city signage and funding mayoral travel.

Salisbury currently contributes £500 a year to its existing twinning associations.

There is not yet a Nivelles Twinning Association, although one could be formed in future.

If councillors give the green light, officers will begin liaising with contacts in Nivelles and draft an informal Declaration of Friendship.

A further report with more detailed costings would then return to Full Council before any formal agreement is signed.

The process is expected to conclude by winter 2026, with updated “Welcome to Salisbury” signs potentially appearing in 2027/28.