The last reference group workshop was held in Bratislava in the presence of the Slovak and Hungarian state secretaries for territorial development

13 March 2024

The ACCESS project, focusing on fostering cross-border cooperation and regional development, has reached its next milestone with the meeting in Bratislava, this being the last reference group workshop of the first round. The session, held on March 12, 2024, delved into the challenges and opportunities faced by the cross-border metropolitan region.

The participants were greeted by Mr Michal Kaliňák and Mr Gábor Mayer, state secretaries being in charge of territorial development policies of the two countries and Ms Csilla Veres, Head of the Joint Secretariat of the Hungary-Slovakia Interreg CBC programme. Both state secretaries highlighted the significance of the application of the integrated territorial approach stretching over the administrative borders, and promised their assistance for the regional stakeholders in realising their cross-border plans. Csilla Veres introduced the ACCESS project as ‘a product’ of the evolution of the CBC programme, as it goes beyond the mere physical and project-based interventions when aiming to eliminate legal and administrative obstacles hindering stronger integration across the border.

Download the background material in Slovak

Download the background material in Hungarian

One of the critical observations made during the workshop was the disparity in regional development policies in Slovakia, leading to a significant gap in prosperity between Bratislava and other parts of the country. Despite being a growing metropolis, the infrastructure development has not kept pace, especially concerning suburban accessibility and public transportation options.

A primary concern highlighted by the workshop participants was the need for integrated solutions that not only address public transport services but also encompass cycling infrastructure. The revival of the 801 bus route would be a step forward, but deemed insufficient in addressing the ongoing trend of suburban migration.

The collaborative efforts between Slovak and Austrian municipalities set a positive example for addressing common challenges. Regular fora for dialogue enable the discussion on shared challenges and development plans, leading to results such as the improvement of transport connections. Similar cooperation with Hungarian counterparts was deemed desirable by the Slovak participants, potentially through the integration into the existing Austrian-Slovak platform to facilitate integrated problem-solving.

On the Hungarian side, the influx of Slovak residents was generally well-received, with efforts made to integrate them into local communities through bilingual services and inclusive events. While challenges such as unregistered residents and occasional conflicts with vehicle owners exist, the overall collaboration between local governments and newcomers remains positive, with many Slovak residents actively participating in community activities.

In conclusion, while legal obstacles were not reported as insurmountable barriers, there is a clear call for intensifying territorial cooperation and enhancing transport conditions in the Bratislava region. The ACCESS project serves as a catalyst for fostering dialogue and collaboration among relevant authorities, aiming to unlock the full potential of cross-border partnerships for sustainable regional development.

Building partnership!

The project is financially supported by the European Union,
within the framework of the Interreg Hungary – Slovakia Programme.

For more information visit www.skhu.eu.

Building partnership!

The project is financially supported by the European Union,
within the framework of the Interreg Hungary – Slovakia Programme.

For more information visit www.skhu.eu.