In each Twinning project a number of key people and institutions are involved to implement and oversee the various activities and actions of the Twinning project. 

1. EU Member State's Project Leader (MS Project Leader)

The MS Project Leader is a high-ranking official commensurate with the requirement for an operational dialogue and institutional backing at a high level. He/she leads the implementation of the project and supports the Resident Twinning Adviser (RTA) assisting him/her in the implementation of the Twinning project in the BC.  The MS Project Leader continues to work in his/her MS administration but devotes a portion of his/her time (average of three (3) days per month) to conceiving, supervising and co-ordinating the overall thrust of the project and travels to the BC every 2-3 months.

2. Beneficiary Country's Project Leader (BC Project Leader)

The BC Project Leader acts as the counterpart of the MS Project Leader and ensures in close co-operation the overall steering and co-ordination of the project from the BA side. She/he is likewise expected to be a high ranking official in the respective BC administration, who is in a position to operate at the appropriate level.

3. Resident Twinning Adviser (RTA)

RTA is a civil servant or equivalent staff seconded from an EU MS to work and to be based in a BA for at least twelve (12) consecutive months. He/she must serve on a full‑time basis throughout the period of secondment. RTA provides technical advice, assists the BA and he/she is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the Twinning project in the BC.

4. Resident Twinning Adviser's Counterpart (RTA Counterpart)

The RTA Counterpart acts as the counterpart of the RTA from the side of the BA and ensures close co-operation in the day-to-day implementation of the twinning project.

5. Programme Administration Office (PAO)

The PAO is an especially dedicated unit set up by the administration of the BC to retain in cooperation with the EC the overall coordination of Twinning projects.

6. Director of the Programme Administration Office (PAO Director)

The PAO Director is a civil servant of the BC who has an important role in the development and co-ordination of all Twinning activities in the BC and also in resolving any horizontal administrative obstacles in the BC.

7. Focal Points from the Beneficiary Administration (FP)

Each BA appoints a FP who ensures the interface between the BA, the PAO, the EC and the EU MS Twinning partner.

8. EU Member State National Contact Point (NCP)

Each of the twenty-seven (27) EU MS has a National Contact Point for Twinning, who acts as a single interlocutor for the EC. He/she is the central point of communication between the EC and the EU MS in the promotion, development and co-ordination of all Twinning activities.

9. European Commission Headquarters (EC HQ) and European Commission Delegation (EC DEL)

The EC acts as a facilitator and guardian of fair, transparent and consistent application of the EC rules and procedures throughout all stages of the twinning cycle.