The study is an attempt to analyse the specifi cs of border twin cities using the examples of the European cities Gubin/Guben and Zgorzelec/Görlitz. The analysis of the features and characteristics resulting from the location and genesis of the divided cities as well as the confrontation of the ideas and practice of the twin cities allows for the comparison of implemented cross-border initiatives and projects. Social moods conditioned by the internal policies of the neighbouring countries, as well as cultural and social ‘boundaries’ in the period of both closed and open borders are also important in this aspect. The historical and contemporary history of the cities in question show the main determinants of processes taking place in the divided cities, such as geopolitical transformations, systemic transformation, the reunification of Germany and institutional cooperation producing tools for European integration.