NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION. TOGETHER, WE ARE CREATING A FUTURE WHERE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES.
Project “REGIODEVELOPMENT”
In September, a conference dedicated to the topic of regional development took place in the beautiful surroundings of the L’Hullier-Coburg Castle in Edelény, as part of the project “REGIODEVELOPMENT” (HUSK/SPF/2301/3.2/090 – Regiodevelopment). This event provided a unique opportunity for experts and representatives of regional institutions from Slovakia and Hungary to discuss current challenges and opportunities for cross-border cooperation aimed at promoting sustainable development in border regions.
Key topics of the conference
At the conference, several topics related to the development and implementation of regional projects were presented by representatives of the Košice Self-Governing Region and the Agency for the Support of Regional Development Košice, n.o. on the Slovak side, as well as representatives of the Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County and the non-profit organization BORA 94 on the Hungarian side.
Focus was directed primarily on the following areas:
- Development of the Institutional System Over the Last 20-30 YearsConference participants received detailed information on how the institutional framework for regional development in Slovakia has evolved and adapted to the current needs of society and European Union legislation.
- Procedures, Issues, and Challenges in Project PlanningLectures and discussions offered deeper insights into the practical experiences and challenges faced by municipalities and regions in preparing and implementing projects funded by European funds.
- Impacts of International Programs and Projects, as well as Examples of Best PracticesSpecific examples of successful projects and their benefits to local communities demonstrated how effective utilization of EU funds can improve the quality of life for residents in the regions. Conference participants had the opportunity to learn about various projects focused on revitalizing cultural heritage, developing infrastructure, and enhancing social services. These initiatives not only created new jobs but also strengthened community cohesion and generated opportunities for local business development. The sharing of experiences and best practices between regions in Slovakia and Hungary reinforced collaboration and inspired participants to undertake similar projects in their own communities. Such concrete successes illustrate that cross-border cooperation can lead to real change and contribute to the sustainable development of our regions.
Tour of the Hungarian Project – Country House in Edelény
As part of the event, there was also a tour of the Hungarian project, the Country House in Edelény, which serves as an example of successful cultural heritage restoration supported by EU funds. This project was presented as a best practice at the local level, demonstrating how to effectively utilize financial resources from European funds to transform historical monuments into attractive sites for rural tourism development and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Importance of Cross-Border Cooperation
The conference was held in the spirit of mutual cooperation between Slovakia and Hungary, emphasizing the importance of cross-border partnership in addressing common challenges and seizing opportunities offered by funding from European funds. The shared goal of these projects is to improve the quality of life for residents of border regions, support infrastructure development, and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
The event provided participants with valuable experiences and insights for further enhancing regional development, highlighting the significance of international partnerships for the successful implementation of projects.
The REGIODEVELOPMENT project is an example of how international programs and projects funded by European Union funds can positively impact regional development and support their growth. This conference demonstrated that cross-border cooperation is the key to long-term and sustainable development.
