In the period of time, in which hopes for a soon integration to the European Union are getting stronger in Poland, in the Czech Republic and in Hungary and in which Slovakia makes an effort to catch up on the lead of its three successful neighbours, the border region of southern Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and northern France, faces strengthening of local fellowship. Christian Glockner, the Secretary General of a private foundation administrating the aforementioned region and an EU expert, refutes this striking contradiction by saying: "Global European thinking has to be completed by local thinking."

"Undoubtedly, this applies also to Slovak-Polish region Zilina-Bielsko Biala," Glockner emphasizes.

One of the priorities of the concept of cross-border cooperation between Zilina and Bielsko Biala and of establishing the Euro-region Beskydy is the construction of a highway and of a railway line which should improve the traffic connection between both towns. "Speaking about traffic infrastructure, it is a priority above all others," Glockner says. "I agree, the necessity number one is a good road between Zilina and Bielsko Biala, but only from a local point of view. Crossing its borders means to think globally in a European way: the connection is a section of a north-southern continental corridor and in this regard, it is necessary to start seeing the tasks of the road section Zilina-Bielsko Biala in transportation, trade and entrepreneurial activities: to place global point of view before the local one."

Glockner considers the ability to give to the activities aiming at establishing the Beskydy Euro-region a cross-regional character to be one of the crucial issues necessary for a successful harmonization of all preparation works. Obviously, one cannot forget the functionality of the region.

On both sides of the border, establishing of the Beskydy Euro-region is considered to be a particular chance for the development of the border regions and efficient usage of their economic sources. On the basis of the experience obtained in his foundation, Glockner considers the entrepreneurial activity to be one of the decisive factors. Also in this field it is necessary to place global views before local standpoints, which is a precondition of possible connection to advanced western European technologies and a possibility to profit from the results of technical development originating from sources of supranational character. The transfer of innovations has to work in both directions.

Slovak part of the border region has more unemployed persons with higher education, while at the Polish part, there are more unemployed women and persons in medium age. Concerning this, Glockner points to the fact that structural changes accompanying the deepening of cross-regional cooperation will lead to an increase of unemployment. "As a part of cross-border cooperation, it is necessary to create such conditions for labour forces which had been accepted in the EU: free movement, possibilities of retraining and working opportunities."

"You are brought together by the affinity of your languages, but your command of languages has to be completed by training of English," Glockner points to another aspect of implementing the cross-regional approach to establishing the Euro-region, which is, in his opinion, the best investment into improving the development possibilities.

This is closely connected also to the approach to tourism and administration of cultural heritage. "Tourism is not formed only by hotels and restaurants, it is a broader context, including establishing international contacts, conditions for being acquainted with unique cultural features and for their presentation as a part of cultural exchange," Glockner said. "The region has undoubtedly a positive reputation, but besides conducting dialogue between Zilina and Bielsko Biala it is also necessary to improve and promote the region's image, because it is not known to western European states.

Certain feeling of common identity is provided for by the cooperation in the field of environmental protection. Glockner recommends to approximate it to the EU standard, which is known for its commitment in water protection and waste recycling. "That means to become identified with the philosophy of an effective approach to the environment and raise funds for its implementation."

According to Glockner, the entire concept can be successful by establishing specialized institutions, which would work out individual projects, and a central institution, which would be the umbrella to the entire process of preparation and activation of the Euro-region. "All institutions involved in the process, should be integrated. Lobbing in the parliament and in high state bodies cannot be neglected either. Connection to political structures can provide for a permanent and efficient process of lobbing in favour of the project."

"It is true that there is a big difference between Poland and Slovakia in the process of the EU accession," Glockner concluded his assessment of the preparation of Beskydy Euro-region. "However, if the pilot project of the EU integration at regional level commences now, it can to a great extent contribute to the integration at national level on both, Slovak and Polish side.

Slovak Trade FORUM