Newsflash. Special Edition 5 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIGGEST CZECH REPUBLIC GERMANY HUNGARY ITALY POLAND SLOVAK REPUBLIC. Newsflash

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1 Special Edition 2009 urgenland Kärnten Niederösterreich Oberösterreich Salzburg Steiermark Tirol Vorarlberg Wien Jihovychod Jihozapa vskoslezsko Praha Severozapad Severovychod Stredni Cechy Stredni Morava Baden-Württemberg Bayern Berlin Bran Mecklenburg-Vorpommern AUSTRIA 5 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIGGEST Sachsen Sachsen-Anhalt Thüringen Del-Dunantul Del-Alfold Eszak-Alfold Eszak-Magyaro -Dunantul Kozep-Magyarorszag Nyugat-Dunantul Emilia-Romagna ENLARGEMENT Friuli-Venezia Giulia IN EU S Liguria HISTORY Lombardia Piemont Autonoma Bolzano/Bozen Provincia Autonoma Trento Valle d'aosta/vallée d'aoste Veneto Dolnoslaskie Kujawsko-Po CZECH REPUBLIC belskie Lubuskie Lodzkie Malopolskie Mazowieckie Burgenland Opolskie Podkarpackie Kärnten Niederösterreich Podlaskie Pomorskie Oberösterreich Slaskie Swietokrzyski Salzburg ko-mazurskie Wielkopolskie Zachodniopomorskie Steiermark Bratislavsky Tirol Vorarlberg Stredne Wien Slovensko Jihovychod Vychodne Jihozapad Slovensko Moravskoslezsko Zapadne Slove ivtsi Ivano-Frankivsk Volyn Lviv Zakarpattia Burgenland Praha Kärnten Severozapad Niederösterreich Severovychod Oberösterreich Stredni Cechy Salzburg Stredni Morava Steiermar GERMANY lberg Wien Jihovychod Jihozapad Moravskoslezsko Praha Severozapad Baden-Württemberg Severovychod Stredni Bayern Cechy Berlin Stredni Brandenburg Morava B ttemberg Bayern Berlin Brandenburg Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Sachsen Sachsen-Anhalt Sachsen Sachsen-Anhalt Thüringen Del-Dunantul Thüringen Eszak-Alfold Eszak-Magyarorszag Kozep-Dunantul Kozep-Magyarorszag Del-Dunantul Del-Alfold Nyugat-Dunantul Eszak-Alfold Emilia-Romagna Eszak-Magyarorszag Friuli-Ve HUNGARY Liguria Lombardia Piemonte Provincia Kozep-Dunantul Autonoma Bolzano/Bozen Kozep-Magyarorszag Provincia Autonoma Nyugat-Dunantul Trento Valle Emilia-Romagna d'aosta/vallée d o Dolnoslaskie Kujawsko-Pomorskie Lubelskie Friuli-Venezia Lubuskie Lodzkie Giulia Malopolskie Liguria Lombardia Mazowieckie Piemonte Opolskie Provincia Podkarpackie Autonoma Pod orskie Slaskie Swietokrzyskie Warminsko-Mazurskie Bolzano/Bozen Wielkopolskie Provincia Autonoma Zachodniopomorskie Trento Valle Bratislavsky d'aosta/vallée Stredne d'aoste Sloven ITALY dne Slovensko Zapadne Slovensko Chernivtsi Veneto Ivano-Frankivsk Dolnoslaskie Volyn Kujawsko-Pomorskie Lviv Zakarpattia Burgenland Lubelskie Lubuskie Kärnten Niederöste Lodzkie rösterreich Salzburg Steiermark Tirol Vorarlberg Malopolskie Wien Jihovychod Mazowieckie Jihozapad Opolskie Moravskoslezsko Podkarpackie Podlaskie Praha Severozapad Pomorskie Se hod Stredni Cechy Stredni Morava Baden-Württemberg Slaskie Bayern Swietokrzyskie Berlin Brandenburg Warminsko-Mazurskie Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Wielkopolskie POLAND Sach n-anhalt Thüringen Del-Dunantul Del-Alfold Eszak-Alfold Zachodniopomorskie Eszak-Magyarorszag Bratislavsky Kozep-Dunantul Stredne Slovensko Kozep-Magyarorsza Vychodne unantul Emilia-Romagna Friuli-Venezia Giulia Liguria Lombardia Slovensko Piemonte Zapadne Provincia Slovensko Autonoma Chernivtsi Bolzano/Bozen Ivano-Frankivsk Prov oma Trento Valle d'aosta/vallée d'aoste Veneto Dolnoslaskie Kujawsko-Pomorskie Lubelskie Volyn Lubuskie Lviv Zakarpattia Lodzkie Malop SLOVAK REPUBLIC ieckie Opolskie Podkarpackie Podlaskie Pomorskie Slaskie Swietokrzyskie Warminsko-Mazurskie Wielkopolskie Zach orskie Bratislavsky Stredne Slovensko Vychodne Slovensko Zapadne Slovensko Chernivtsi Ivano-Frankivsk Volyn Lviv Z ia Burgenland Kärnten Niederösterreich SLOVENIA Oberösterreich Salzburg Steiermark Tirol Vorarlberg Wien Jihovychod Jihoza vskoslezsko Praha Severozapad Severovychod Stredni Cechy Stredni Morava Baden-Württemberg Bayern Berlin Bran Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Sachsen Sachsen-Anhalt Thüringen Del-Dunantul Del-Alfold Eszak-Alfold Eszak-Magyaro -Dunantul Kozep-Magyarorszag Nyugat-Dunantul Emilia-Romagna Friuli-Venezia Giulia Liguria Lombardia Piemont Autonoma Bolzano/Bozen UKRAINEProvincia Autonoma Trento Valle d'aosta/vallée d'aoste Veneto Dolnoslaskie Kujawsko-Po belskie Lubuskie Lodzkie Malopolskie Mazowieckie Opolskie Podkarpackie Podlaskie Pomorskie Slaskie Swietokrzyski

2 METHAMORPHOSIS OF CENTRAL EUROPE CENTRAL EUROPE area before 1989 CENTRAL EUROPE area before 1995 CENTRAL EUROPE area before 2004 Having a look at the map of Europe of today and comparing it with that of 20 years ago should make everybody sure that: Europe has changed. Just 20 years ago, in May 1989, Europe was divided into two parts strictly separated from each other. Ditches and fences - in reality and in the minds - kept citizens, countries and regions apart. In 2009 a lot of countries, which have been behind the iron curtain just two decades ago, are an integral part of the European Union, are part of the common Schengen area and some of them have already introduced the common currency - the EURO. But it was not just the year 1989 which changed Europe's appearance. May 2004 was at least of the same importance in this context. The enlargement with ten countries, out of which eight were under totalitarian Soviet influence just 15 years before, is one of the big success stories the EU is able to tell. All these changes have been of outmost importance for a transnational programme like the CENTRAL EURO- PE Programme. Five out of eight Member States and 37 out of 67 regions of the Programme area became members of the European Union in The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with its aim to stimulate economic development in European Union's regions plays a crucial role in this process and gives the regions the opportunity to improve TABLE OF CONTENTS METHAMORPHOSIS OF CENTRAL EUROPE... page 1 BRATISLAVA SELF-GOVER- NING REGION... page 4 TRIPLE JUNCTION ("TRÓJSTYK") - WHERE POLAND, CZECH REPUBLIC AND SLOVAKIA MEET... page 7 EUNOP - A PARTNERSHIP NETWORK WITHOUT BORDERS... page 10 KOMÁRNO AND KOMÁ- ROM - WHEN ONCE DIVIDED CITIES BECOME UNITED... page 11 5 YEARS OF ENLARGED EU IN PICTURES... page 13 and 30 contributions of local and regional stakeholders coming from the whole Central Europe area. Page 1

3 CENTRAL EUROPE area after 2005 EU Member States Non EU Member States the life of their inhabitants in a remarkable way. Working together, overcoming borders and fences is profitable for everyone. This is a clear message the ERDF sends out. Presenting some of the success stories of European integration and its concrete outputs is one aim of this special edition of the CENTRAL EUROPEAN newsflash. Apart from that we want to give the voice to those who are bearers of the changes, the representatives of regions and municipalities within the CEN- TRAL EUROPE area. The JTS CENTRAL EUROPE Team wishes you a pleasant reading. EU enlargement has opened completely new perspectives for Lower Austrian companies. Apart from large companies, more and more SMEs are active and successful in Central and Eastern Europe. Lower Austria was the first in Austria to establish its own business agencies in the new Member States to support inter-regional cooperation. Gabriele Forgues, Head of Department Internationalization, ecoplus. The Business Agency of Lower Austria (AT) Joining the EU in 2004 enabled Pardubice Region to take advantage of the Structural Funds. It is estimated that the institutions from the Pardubice Region received EU funds amounting to 50 Mio EUR which fostered reference projects like establishment of TechnoPark Pardubice and various national and transnational operations. Radko Martínek, President of Pardubice Region (CZ) "Anyone who does not believe in miracles in European affairs, is no realist." The success of Újbuda in bidding for European programmes verifies Walter Hallstein's statement at local level, since the European Union with its limitless support, contributes to establishing quality ageing in international co-operation. Limitless possibilities - limitless co-operation! Gyula Molnár, Mayor of Újbuda (11th District of Budapest), Central Hungary (HU) Page 2

4 EU enlargement has created positive implications for economic growth and welfare, by increasing competitiveness and promoting structural reforms and territorial cohesion. Piemonte region actively fostered the pre-accession process with several initiatives and welcomed the Central Europe Programme as an important opportunity to enlarge and strengthen the cooperation among regions. Sergio Conti, Regional Councillor for Spatial Policies, Piemonte Region (IT) Since 2004, in Handlová micro region there were several EU co-financed projects implemented aimed at enhancement of education, employment and living standards of inhabitants. Recent activities are focused on valorisation of the mining heritage and natural attractions for rural and tourism development as well as creation of notion of local community. Rudolf Podoba, Mayor of Handlová, Trenčín Self-Governing Region (SK) For the historical town of Będzin the EU membership is a basis for local democracy and effecting changes. With EU funds we have been putting in order a basic tissue of the town - urban utilities. Thanks to 6 EU co-financed projects the level of investment projects has increased by 643 % in comparison to the years before joining the EU. Radosław Baran, Mayor of City of Będzin, Silesian Voivodeship (PL) Citizens see as the biggest added value of EU accession the increase in social cohesion, more fundamental freedoms and rise of intercultural dialogue. During the last years, public as well as the private sector reduced developmental disparities due to EU financial instruments and growth of private investments. Štefan Čelan, Mayor of City of Ptuj (SI) Since the EU enlargement, many common German-Polish cross-border projects were implemented, which contributed to more frequent meetings in the border regions. Especially the spa of city of Forst which has been refurbished through EU-funds has become an attraction on both banks of Nysa river. Cross border business relations have flourished as well. Jürgen Goldschmidt, Mayor of City of Forst (Lausitz), Brandenburg (DE) By the joining of the Czech Republic on 1 May 2004 to the EU, Prague actively participated in the European cooperation projects which focused on exchange of experience and know-how in many fields like improvement of living standards for citizens of Prague, transport development and others. The gained knowledge has been applied into practice. Markéta Reedová, Deputy Mayor of City of Prague (CZ) Page 3

5 BRATISLAVA SELF-GOVERNING REGION Accession of the Slovak Republic to the European Union influenced the overall development of the Bratislava Self-Governing Region (Bratislava region). Additionally, joining the Schengen area and the introduction of Euro were of essential importance. This is what most people in Bratislava region are correctly convinced of. "From the view of Bratislava region, the most prominent starting point is its location on the border of three states, described as 'Golden triangle' in several EU studies," emphasized the president of Bratislava region, Vladimír Bajan. The mutual coordination of construction and co-financing of new transport infrastructure covering for example cycling routes or bridges over the Moravia river within crossborder regions have brought many positive impacts. Nevertheless, Centrope initiative established Vladimír Bajan, President of Bratislava Self-Governing Region to foster rapid integration and development of the regions of four participating countries - Austria (Lower Austria, Burgenland, cities of Vienna, Eisenstadt and St.Pölten), the Czech Republic (South Moravian region, city of Brno), Hungary (Győr-Moson-Sopron county, cities of Győr, Sopron) and the Slovak Republic (BSGR, Trnava Self-Governing region, cities of Bratislava and Trnava) is considered as a significant incentive for further cross-border cooperation. Cross-border bus line Nr. 901 EU Membership of the Slovak Republic has influenced and connected the life of people living in the border regions in terms of tourism, leisure or occupation. Many inhabitants of Bratislava region revel skiing in Austrian Alps, cross-border shopping or cultural tourism. Some of them have even found their new homes in the border Page 4

6 villages and cities of Austria and Hungary and commute to work in Bratislava. These demographic changes have led to the introduction of an international bus line connecting Bratislava and Wolfsthal (Austria) in June 2008 which route has been recently extended to Hainburg. The success of this pilot project encouraged the preparation of another cross-border bus line from Bratislava to Rajka (Hungary) which will be launched in September 2009 and co-financed by Hungary-Slovakia Cross-border Cooperation Programme. Devín castle and catamaran connecting Increased interest in discovering Slovak regions including the capitals of Austria and Slovakia one of Bratislava have fostered entrepreneurial activities in the field of tourism affecting the quality and scope of rendered services, including the launch of a regular ship connection between the "twin cities" of Vienna and Bratislava. Apart from that foreign direct investments have dynamically boosted development of the region and thus contributed to the creation of new jobs, restructuring of the economy and higher competitiveness of Bratislava region was a big date for the Austrian regions as it made co-operation and exchange between old neighbours again possible on an equal basis. It was the signing of the Schengen Treaty which really changed things dramatically. Now, through EU-programmes a wide range of activities is not only possible, but almost taken for granted. Bernhard Köhle, Head of Managing Authority European Territorial Co-operation - Austria-Czech Republic , Government of Lower Austria (AT) Neither people, nor countries can be successful on their own. As much as people need human communities, Hungary needs the community of European countries. József Gedei, Mayor of City of Jászberény, MP for Felső-Jászság, North Great Plain (HU) Page 5

7 Emilia-Romagna Region has been involved in several Twinning projects with Poland, Romania and Bulgaria. The comparison with these countries and collaboration in drawing their regional and rural development policy is an opportunity of reciprocal enrichment and of strengthening economical relations. Eugenio Spreafico, Manager in charge of European cooperation and international relations, DG Agriculture, Emiglia Romagna Region (IT) One of the most important achievements of EU enlargement is the uncommon growth of the cities in all fields of human activity: economy and management, environment and spatial development, transport, communication, education and culture. Urban development in the medium-size polish cities like Opole also means the considerable improvement of social conditions of the city population. Krzysztof Początek, Head of European Affairs Department, City of Opole, Opole Voivodeship (PL) Experience from the EU countries finds its fruition in Slovakia, human and economic potential a new growth impetus. Slovak regions are a source of development possibilities and thanks to EU have become more self-confident. I am pleased the region of Záhorie and city of Malacky can be an equivalent partner with any region of "Old Continent". Jozef Ondrejka, Mayor of City of Malacky, Bratislava Self-Governing Region (SK) In these last five years we have reached the point, where common European policies and instruments are seen as something positive and challenging. By implementing joint programmes, we are tackling common challenges and problems more efficiently by involving all range of different actors from all over Europe. Karl Viktor Erjavec, Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning (SI) Since the Czech Republic joined the EU, Olomouc region has obtained Mio EUR for almost projects. These resources that focused on environment, tourism, transportation accessibility and support of entrepreneurial subjects have markedly contributed to economic development of the region. Marta Novotná, Head of Regional Development Unit, Olomouc Region (CZ) The enlargement of the EU towards Eastern Europe was probably the most important event for the whole macro-region of Central Europe in recent history. Both sides of the formerly blocked border drew enormous profit from that development and still have a lot of potential to explore jointly for the future! Markus Seidl, Managing Director, Austrian Conference on Spatial Planning - ÖROK (AT) Page 6

8 TRIPLE JUNCTION ("TRÓJSTYK") - WHERE POLAND, CZECH REPUBLIC AND SLOVAKIA MEET In the Jaworzynka village located in Silesian Istebna Community, Poland there is a special place where the borders of three countries - Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia - meet and which have been marked with three border posts carrying the name "Trójstyk" (The Triple Junction). This place can be easily found on every map of Europe, in the heart of the Silesian Beskids. Three border crossing points are very important for the economy of the community, where many tourists annually cross the frontier of Poland. Thanks to European Funds provided by the INTER- REG IIIA Programme this place has turned into a major and strategic point for the development of tourism and recreation of the area. The operation enabled construction of cycling routes, creation of green ways for pedestrians, modernisation of road infrastructure, building of pavement and an 18-meter-long footbridge. Implementation of the project and favourable geographical location of the "Trójstyk" has stimulated contacts and cooperation among inhabitants of adjoining countries according to the catchword "Cross the borders" and attract multitude of international tourists. Moreover, the tourist boom has brought about a variety of accommodation facilities in hotels and agro-tourist farms which offer tourists not only comfort of night logging but also home atmosphere and delicious cuisine for which this region is known as well. Page 7

9 "The Triple Junction is a common Polish-Czech-Slovak tourist product which can influence in a great way the economic progress on a border area" commented Danuta Rabin, mayor of Istebna. Danuta Rabin, mayor of Istebna The changes and development in "MY" region since 2004 can be characterised by words like dynamics, openness, cooperation, partnership, challenges and newness. The EU has brought broad possibilities of realizing projects in the fields like cross border cooperation, building of infrastructure, business development, education or tourism, which I consider as a big gain. Vít Příkaský, Vice-President of Liberec Region (CZ) Nyíregyháza was granted with a great opportunity. As a result of the city's successful EU projects the complete sewage system and downtown area will be renewed and developed. The up-to-date communal systems, new roads and pavements will improve the standard of living and wellbeing of the population. Lászlóné Csabai, Mayor of City of Nyíregyháza, North Great Plain (HU) EU enlargement meant more opportunities in terms of co-operation among old and new Member States in order to take advantage of diversity and grow together. Moreover, the Veneto Region with other Italian regions has been an active actor as part of several co-operation Programmes contributing to the cohesion policy at regional level. Vendemiano Sartor, Regional Minister for Research, Innovation and Institutional Policy, Veneto Region (IT) I am very glad that many beneficiaries from Silesia, using Structural funds, make a lot of interesting and important undertakings which show huge potential in our region. Thanks to the EU integration our voivodeship develops efficiently, creates new jobs and Silesian institutions can exchange experiences and implement cooperation at the regional and European level. Małgorzata Staś, Director of Department of Regional Development, Silesian Voivodeship (PL) The accession of the Slovak Republic to the EU has initiated many changes at local and regional level and increased the awareness about the EU policies. Furthermore, it has brought possibility to take advantage of the EU Funds and intensified the cooperation with other European regions in preparation and implementation of projects. Pavol Sedláček, President of Trenčín Self-Governing Region (SK) Page 8

10 The Ústí Region was definitely influenced by entering the EU. The biggest development impact have had the EU Structural Funds. Thanks to the Funds there were many interesting projects in different spheres realised which also included the projects of transnational cooperation where the Ústí Region established a number of new contacts in other EU countries. Radek Vonka, Member of Regional Board of Councillors, Ústí Region (CZ) Szolnok, thanks to Hungary's EU membership, has a newly renovated main square and downtown. Plans include construction of a new pedestrian bridge linking the heart of the city with Tiszaliget, where the city's refurbished sports premises are located. Public spaces, roads, squares are being built and a modern waste management system has been introduced. Ferenc Szalai, Mayor of City of Szolnok, North Great Plain (HU) Many things have changed since in 2004 the Slovak Republic became a member of the EU, in 2007 thanks to Schengen area open to Europe and in 2009 part of the eurozone. These aspects contributed to the dynamic development of the Žilina region accelerated by the Structural Funds and participation in Community Programmes of the EU. Juraj Blanár, President of Žilina Self-Governing Region (SK) For last 5 years we have accumulated substantial experience in the use of EU funds. Thanks to new opportunities, standards and knowledge our voivodeship does not feel inferior in making a full use of potential offered by infrastructure, science, research, education and other areas of economy, on equal terms with other Member States of the EU. Władysław Husejko, Marshal of West Pomeranian Voivodeship (PL) Prešov region opened its representation office in Brussels already in 2003 which provided first hand information about the EU. After 2004 the perception of the EU has changed and people have gradually started to identify themselves with it. Accession has commenced a vitalisation and increase in competitiveness of Prešov region. Peter Chudík, President of Prešov Self-Governing Region (SK) The last five years of EU membership mean an intensive development of Wielkopolska Voivodeship in various areas, a great number of investments were made possible thanks to Structural funds. They were mainly aimed at the improvement of the attractiveness of our region for the investors, road infrastructure, environmental protection, social and business development. Leszek Wojtasiak, Vice - Marshal of Wielkopolska Voivodeship (PL) Page 9

11 EUNOP - A PARTNERSHIP NET- WORK WITHOUT BORDERS EU-Net Oder partnership - EUNOP - is a cross-border German-Polish network encompassing 135 non-profit EU consultancy entities from the partner regions of Berlin, Brandenburg, Dolnośląskie, Lubuskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie. On the basis of the bilingual internet platform ( it supports small and medium enterprises, in a non-bureaucratic way and free of charge, in their search of the best matching partners and relevant information from the network regions. The EU-Net Oder partnership evolved from the EU-net Berlin- Brandenburg as a project initiated by the Senate Department for Economics, Technology and Women's Issues of Berlin and was officially established on 8 May Until today it is supported by the European Regional Development Fund and Federal State of Berlin and coordinated by Berlin Partner GmbH. The participating network partners present their activities on the EUNOP webpage, as well as their core consultancy focus, regional competences and references. Apart from the extensive list of EU consultancy companies, the portal offers information about EU Programmes, EU-Networks and EU-projects implemented by the regional lead partners. Furthermore, it provides a thorough overview of the participating regions with a calendar of regional events and enables to search for prospective business or project partners in a cooperation database. The network partners meet regularly to discuss future development and new functio- Page 10

12 nalities of the network. The intention of EUNOP is to further support the economic linkage of the regions participating in the network, facilitate the access of SMEs to the European Funds as well as to initiate new common projects. Its ambition is to extend the crossborder cooperation network through the involvement of entities from the German Federal States of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Saxony. It does not matter where, somewhere in Europe, in a small sleeping town on the plain, dreams could come true. We, adults dreamt something big and the dream turned out to be funding of reality for our children's future. With EU support, buildings meeting standards of the 21st century - day-care centre, kindergarten, school - were possible to be built, providing conditions for equal opportunities. Istvánné Kaló, Vice-Mayor of City of Újszász, North Great Plain (HU) The EU enlargement in 2004 involving Poland has opened the chance to revive the historical economic area between Berlin, Szczecin, Poznań and Wrocław. This chance has been seized through activities of Oder-Partnership enabling to capitalize on unused regional potentials to boost growth and prosperity for all regions of the Oder-Partnership. Thorsten Kohlisch, Senate Department for Economics, Technology and Women's Issues, Berlin (DE) KOMÁRNO AND KOMÁROM - WHEN ONCE DIVIDED CITIES BECOME UNITED For centuries back the cities of Komárno and Komárom, situated directly across the Danube river and about 100 km from the capital cities of Bratislava and Budapest, used to form one entity. Political changes in the 20th century have artificially divided the northern and southern parts of the city between Czecho slovakia (currently the Slovak Republic) and Hungary through setting a borderline on the bridge between both counterparts. Tibor Bastrnák, Mayor of City of Komárno The period starting with the accession of the Slovak Republic to the EU can be, for the city of Komárno, characterised by the Page 11

13 Railroad Bridge over Komárno, in background the Bridge of Friendship - the road bridge between Komárno and Komárom convergence with its twinning counterpart Komárom. Despite of the fact that these cities are "de iure" on the territory of two different states, following the entry of the Slovak Republic and Hungary to the European Union and additionally to the Schengen area, they created a region where frontiers mean no longer a barrier and both of them have "de facto" been united again. Komárno fortress "The process of reunification has brought a lot of changes and benefits for both twin cities: the mutual trade has boosted and the possibility to find employment on the territory of other state is being effectively used. Just simply said - since 2004 possibilities in manifold spheres of life have doubled", stressed Tibor Bastrnák, the mayor of city of Komárno. Besides that the EU entry enabled the city of Komárno to further capitalise on its tourist attractions. They are represented for example by the biggest fortress in the Slovak Republic. Furthermore, a unique project conceived in the light of the The Courtyard of Europe in Komárno accession to the EU - The Courtyard of Europe - resembling reference to Komárno's former importance as a transport axis. The square with 45 newly built houses representing historical architecture typical for different parts of Europe, from Scandinavia to Spain, have become a new central point of the city and allurement for visitors of the city. Page 12

14 5 YEARS OF ENLARGED EU IN PICTURES IMPRINT CENTRAL EUROPE PROGRAMME Museumstraße 3/A/III A-1070 Wien Phone: Fax: info@central2013.eu Head of Secretariat: Barbara Di Piazza Editor: Markus Stradner, Lubor Jusko Editorial Support: Heidi Hohl, Helga Depasquale Layout & Design: Page 13