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The role of the EGTC in cross-border spatial planning

2021.01.22. in /by

Since the appearance of the EGTC instrument in 2006,1 much experience has been gained among those applying it that has highlighted some of its shortcomings and – in some cases – some of its potentials, which were not foreseen at the time of its creation. The EGTC instrument is now used by 692 collaborations across Europe. However these collaborations differ in terms of the purpose for which they have been established, among those of significance are those aiming for more efficient spatial development of cross-border functional regions. Many of these initiatives had to first gain some experience in the field of spatial planning – traditionally contained within the well-defined frameworks of national policy – in order to develop a more systematic and conscious functioning. Thus over the last decade and a half, a considerable number of EGTCs have challenged not only the traditional territorial boundaries, but traditional governance competencies as well. These attempts, which were literally expanding horizons, highlighted some of the interesting technical aspects of spatial planning. This paper tries to draw some conclusions, considering and evaluating the knowledge accumulated in the field of cross-border spatial planning, during the activities of EGTCs (mainly focusing on regional development) located along the Hungarian borders.

(Re)birth of a twin city. Hinterland analysis in the region of Esztergom-Štúrovo

2021.01.22. in /by

The study examines the current developments in the hinterland of the cross-border twin city, Esztergom–Štúrovo. It also suggests a gradual interweaving of the hinterlands of these previously separate cities that had been in a peripheral situation due to the State Border and thereby it suggests a process that enhances the twin city’s spatial organisation power. In brief, the effects of border changes on spatial structure, the gravitational power differences between Esztergom, Štúrovo and the regional centres will be examined. Furthermore, a concise analysis of the two states’ socio-economic situation after EU accession will be presented regarding the situation of both sides of the Hungarian-Slovak border. The main method of the research is to present gravity models.

Changing interpretation of the EGTC tool

2021.01.22. in /by

The ”founding fathers” envisaged the European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) as a tool to manage cross-border, transnational or interregional programmes and projects. The aim of this study is to examine the changes in the interpretation of the EGTC tool since then. The first section is dedicated to the introduction of the political and jurisdictional context in which the instrument was created, giving an overview of the discourse defining this original interpretation. The second section presents the various ways in which local and regional stakeholders, the users of the Regulation interpret the tool. It is clear that these views are not always consistent with the original intentions. Rather, EGTCs are perceived as multi-purpose organisations implementing a new approach to territoriality through integrated cross-border interventions. The decisive characteristics of the groupings are highlighted: namely their role in crossborder integration, their flexibility, adaptability and their potential in terms of representation of the border area.

The effects of institutionalisation on cross-border relationships in the Ister-Granum region – from the perspective of local actors

2021.01.22. in /by

The ideal of a ‘Europe without borders’ and the accession of Central and Eastern European countries to the Schengen Area have significantly transformed the spatial potential of borderland areas, and thus their development prospects too. The opening of borders brought along a wide range of excellent examples proving that increased cross-border flows as well as the establishment of cross-border institutions all over Europe were able to contribute to the dynamic development of the border regions involved. These examples include the Öresund Region, the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion, as well as the cross-border functional urban areas of Strasbourg, Basel, Geneva, Bratislava, etc.

RE-START: Creating Needs Based Employment in the Lower Ipel Valley

2021.01.21. in /by

RE-START  is an action plan focusing on a specific geographical region, encompassing several municipalities, public administration bodies, economic actors and non-governmental organizations. The aim of the action plan is to reduce the economic and social gap of the Lower Ipoly Valley, mainly due to the peripheral situation, and to revitalize the labor market, while reflecting the challenges posed by the aging age structure. The action plan, launched in July 2019 and lasting until the summer of 2023, is coordinated by the PONTIBUS European Territorial Association, founded by the Local Government of Pest County and the Nitra District Local Government of Slovakia. RE-START was initiated within the INTERREG V-A Slovakia-Hungary Cooperation Program (www.skhu.eu).

INSiGHTS – Integrated Slow, Green and Healthy Tourism Strategies

2021.01.21. in /by

Danube Regions have outstanding natural and cultural resources in need to be protected. At the same time, they have a great potential to become attractive destinations for the fast growing trend of slow, green and healthy tourism.
To find solutions on how to make regions more attractive to tourists 13 partners from Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia have joined forces in the INSiGHTS project – Integrated Slow, Green and Healthy Tourism Strategies co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance.
Within the framework of the project eight integrated and sustainable tourist strategies have been developed in total.

Two Rivers one Goal

2021.01.21. in /by

Project’s objective was the development of a joint water-based tourism product alongside the rivers Mura and Drava and the creation of an attractive water-based tourism destination image of the target area. As a result of the project following attractions have been created: info point in Goričan (Croatia) promoting the new tourism product; upgraded artificial lake in Goričan; seven mobile piers (4 on Hungarian side and 3 on Croatian side of river Mura); two boat storages designed for organizing boat tours were built; one resting place and one exhibition space/visitor centre in Molnári (Hungary) presenting culture and tradition. In Donji Vidovec (Croatia) an exhibition space was established promoting gold panning tradition.

SHARE 1 – Sustainable approach to cultural Heritage for the urban Areas Requalification in Europe

2020.12.27. in /by

The diversity of cultural heritage assets, from museums to buildings, archaeological sites, archives, cultural itineraries and events, is a cornerstone in European identity and a catalyst for social inclusion. It also plays a specific role in achieving the Europe 2020 strategy goals for a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, given its relevance not only in culture, but also in social and economic development, cohesion, education, tourism and innovation. However, pressure applied by visitors and residents means that heritage professionals, institutions and stakeholders face growing challenges to keep cultural assets and the territory around them protected, enhanced and, at the same time, accessible to all.