PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS FOR CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION IN THE CZECH-SLOVAK BORDERLAND
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Published:
Dec 30, 2025
Abstract
This article explores the evolution, legal frameworks, and institutional structures of cross-border cooperation (CBC) between the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic from the early 1990s through the 2020s. It addresses two central research questions: the emergence of dominant institutional formats for CBC, and the identification of best practices for cooperation among public institutions. Drawing on comparative legal analysis, empirical evidence from Euroregions and EGTCs, and recent academic literature, the study reveals the persistence of structural challenges alongside innovative local initiatives. While Euroregions have been instrumental in managing small-scale projects and fostering cultural and environmental ties, the establishment of European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs) has introduced new strategic potential–albeit with uneven implementation. The findings highlight the influence of EU cohesion policy, national legal traditions, and administrative capacity on CBC outcomes. Recommendations emphasize the need for institutional reinforcement, sustainable financing, and closer coordination among regional stakeholders.
How to Cite
Lendel, M. (2025). PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS FOR CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION IN THE CZECH-SLOVAK BORDERLAND. Baltic Journal of Legal and Social Sciences, (4), 237-247. https://doi.org/10.30525/2592-8813-2025-4-30
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Keywords
cross-border cooperation, Euroregions, EGTC, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, local government, EU Cohesion Policy, regional development
References
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29. Lendel, M. (2024). Public Cross Border cooperation institutions on the Polish-Czech borderland. Baltic Journal of Legal and Social Sciences, (4), 293-302. https://doi.org/10.30525/2592-8813-2024-4-31
30. Martín-Uceda, J., & Rufí, J. V. (2021). EGTCs in the Iberian Peninsula: Challenges for a stable cooperation. Regional Science Policy & Practice, 13(5), 1271–1287. https://doi.org/10.1111/rsp3.12315
31. Noferini, A., Berzi, M., Camonita, F., & Durà, A. (2019). Cross-border cooperation in the EU: European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs) and Euroregions. European Planning Studies, 28(1), 35–56. https://doi.org/10.1080/09654313.2019.1574110
32. Nováčková, D., Paškrtová, L., & Vnuková, J. (2023). Cross-border provision of services: Case study in the Slovak Republic. Administrative Sciences, 13(2), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci13020054
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41. Zákon č. 128/2000 Sb. Zákon o obcích (obecní zřízení) Retrieved from https://www.zakonyprolidi.cz/cs/2000-128
42. Zákon č. 129/2000 Sb. Zákon o krajích (krajské zřízení) Retrieved from https://www.zakonyprolidi.cz/cs/2000-129
43. Zákon č. 302/2001 Z. z. Zákon o samospráve vyšších územných celkov (zákon o samosprávnych krajoch) Retrieved from https://www.zakonypreludi.sk/zz/2001-302
44. Zalt, I. (2013). Cross-Border Cooperation in Slovak-Czech Border Region under EU Programmes. European Countryside, 5(2), 133–145. https://doi.org/10.2478/euco-2013-0010
45. Zenka, J. (2015). Cross-border cooperation in Moravia–Silesia: Challenges and opportunities. Moravian Geographical Reports, 23(2), 12–24. https://doi.org/10.1515/mgr-2015-0002
2. Allmendinger, P., & Haughton, G. (2009). Soft spaces, fuzzy boundaries, and metagovernance: The new spatial planning in the Thames Gateway. Environment and Planning A, 41(3), 617–633. https://doi.org/10.1068/a40208
3. Böhm, H. (2014). Co-operation of Moravian-Silesian (CZ) and Žilina (SK) Regions in EGTC TRITIA. CESCI. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/26252626/Co_operation_of_Moravian_Silesian_CZ_and_%C5%BDilina_SK_Self_governing_Regions_in_the_EGTC_TRITIA
4. Böhm, H. (2016). New forms of cross-border co-operation governance as a tool of environmental protection strategies: Example from Czech–Polish–Slovak borders. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304268443
5. Böhm, H., Boháč, A., & Wróblewski, Ł. (2023). Evaluation of cross-border cooperation in Czechia since 1993: Euroregions on the way to authentic cross-border regions? Geografický časopis, 75(3), 253–267. https://doi.org/10.1515/geocj-2023-0021
6. Bohm, H., Drapela E. (2021) Country profile: Czechia. Comparative analysis on the competencies of regional and local authorities in the field of CBC of the 5 countries With cross-border cooperation for the Europeanisation of Ukrainian borders. Visegrad Fund, 8-20. Retrieved from: https://www.iepd.kiev.ua/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/CESCI-IVF_2021-Study-Comperative-analysis-authorities_EN.pdf
7. Brunet-Jailly, E. (2005). Theorizing borders: An interdisciplinary perspective. Geopolitics, 10(4), 633–649. https://doi.org/10.1080/14650040500318519
8. Chilla, T., & Lambracht, I. (2022). The evolution of cross-border cooperation in the EU: From Euroregions to EGTCs. Geographia Polonica, 95(1), 33–48. https://doi.org/10.7163/GPol.0227
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11. Council of Europe. (1980). European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities, Madrid, 21.V.1980 (ETS No. 106) Retrieved from https://rm.coe.int/1680078b0c
12. Council of Europe. (1995). Additional Protocol to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation (ETS No. 159). Retrived from https://rm.coe.int/1680078b15
13. Council of Europe. (1998). Protocol Nos. 2 & 3 to the Madrid Convention (ETS Nos. 169 & 206). Retrieved from https://rm.coe.int/1680078b1c
14. Council of Europe (2009) Protocol No. 3 to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Cooperation between Territorial Communities or Authorities concerning Euroregional Co-operation Groupings (ECGs) (ETS No. 206). Retrieved from https://rm.coe.int/1680084827
15. Durà, A., Camonita, F., & Berzi, M. (2018). Euroregions, excellence and innovation across EU borders. Publications Office of the European Union. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/futurium/en/system/files/ged/recot_crii_catalogue_0.pdf
16. European Committee of Regions 14/05/2025 List of European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC). Retrieved from https://cor.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2024-11/Official_List_of_the_EGTCs.pdf
17. European Parliament & Council (2006). Regulation (EC) No. 1082/2006 on a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC). Retrieved from https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32006R1082
18. European Parliament & Council (2013). Regulation (EU) No 1302/2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 on a European grouping of territorial cooperation (EGTC) as regards the clarification, simplification and improvement of the establishment and functioning of such groupings Retrieved from https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/1302/oj/eng
19. Euroregion Beskydy. (n.d.). Euroregion Beskydy. Retrieved from https://regionbeskydy.cz/euroregion-beskydy/euroregion-beskydy
20. Euroregion Bílé-Biele Karpaty. (n.d.). Introduction. Retrieved from https://www.regionbilekarpaty.cz/introduction
21. Euroregion Pomoravi (n.d.), Retrieved from https://somjm.webnode.cz/
22. EZUS Velka Morava. Retrieved from https://www.ezusvm.sk/projekty/
23. Halás, M. (2005). Geographical aspects of cross-border cooperation. Moravian Geographical Reports, 13(2), 2–11. https://geografie.upol.cz/soubory/lide/halas/clanky/Halas-MGR.pdf
24. Halás, M. (2007). Development of cross-border cooperation and creation of Euroregions in the Slovak Republic. Moravian Geographical Reports, 15(1), 21–30.
25. Hasprová, K., Žárska, E., & Fáziková, M. (2012). Forms and limits of inter-municipal cooperation in Slovakia. In V. Klímová & V. Žítek (Eds.), XXIV International Colloquium on Regional Sciences (pp. 630–637). Masaryk University.
26. Hulst, R., & van Montfort, A. (2017). Inter-municipal cooperation in Europe. Springer. Science & Business Media, 238 https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/1-4020-5379-7
27. Jerábek, M., Havlíček, T., Dokoupil, J., & Anděl, J. (2021). Cross-border Slovaca, 37. https://www.sav.sk/journals/uploads/03280951Jerabek%20et%20al..pdf
28. Jerábek, M., Slavík, V., & Šindelář, M. (2024). Development of the Czech–Slovak border area and cross-border cooperation after 1993. Geografický časopis, 76(1), 77–94.
29. Lendel, M. (2024). Public Cross Border cooperation institutions on the Polish-Czech borderland. Baltic Journal of Legal and Social Sciences, (4), 293-302. https://doi.org/10.30525/2592-8813-2024-4-31
30. Martín-Uceda, J., & Rufí, J. V. (2021). EGTCs in the Iberian Peninsula: Challenges for a stable cooperation. Regional Science Policy & Practice, 13(5), 1271–1287. https://doi.org/10.1111/rsp3.12315
31. Noferini, A., Berzi, M., Camonita, F., & Durà, A. (2019). Cross-border cooperation in the EU: European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs) and Euroregions. European Planning Studies, 28(1), 35–56. https://doi.org/10.1080/09654313.2019.1574110
32. Nováčková, D., Paškrtová, L., & Vnuková, J. (2023). Cross-border provision of services: Case study in the Slovak Republic. Administrative Sciences, 13(2), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci13020054
33. Perkmann, M. (2003). Cross-border regions in Europe: Significance and drivers of regional cross-border cooperation. European Urban and Regional Studies, 10(2), 153–171. https://doi.org/10.1177/096977640301000202
34. Programme 2021–2027 Interreg SK–CZ Official programme document. Retrieved from https://www.sk-cz.eu
35. Rodil-Marzábal, A. (2022). Euroregions and spatial planning: Redefining cooperation mechanisms in the European Union. Territory, Politics, Governance, 10(1), 57–75. https://doi.org/10.1080/21622671.2021.1897847
36. Scott, J. W. (1999). European and North American contexts for cross-border regionalism. Regional Studies, 33(7), 605–617.
37. Scott, W. J. (2015). Bordering, Border Politics and Cross-Border Cooperation in Europe. In: F.Celata, & R. Coletti (Ed.), Neighbourhood Policy and the Construction of the European External Borders. Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-18452-4_2
38. TRITIA EGTC. (n.d.). European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation TRITIA, Ltd. Retrieved from https://egtctritia.eu/en/about-us/
39. Wróblewski, Ł., & Kasperek, A. (2019). Euroregion as an entity stimulating the sustainable development of the cross-border market for cultural services in a city divided by a border. Sustainability, 11(8), 2232. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11082232
40. Zákon č. 369/1990 Zb. Zákon Slovenskej národnej rady o obecnom zriadení Retrieved from https://www.zakonypreludi.sk/zz/1990-369
41. Zákon č. 128/2000 Sb. Zákon o obcích (obecní zřízení) Retrieved from https://www.zakonyprolidi.cz/cs/2000-128
42. Zákon č. 129/2000 Sb. Zákon o krajích (krajské zřízení) Retrieved from https://www.zakonyprolidi.cz/cs/2000-129
43. Zákon č. 302/2001 Z. z. Zákon o samospráve vyšších územných celkov (zákon o samosprávnych krajoch) Retrieved from https://www.zakonypreludi.sk/zz/2001-302
44. Zalt, I. (2013). Cross-Border Cooperation in Slovak-Czech Border Region under EU Programmes. European Countryside, 5(2), 133–145. https://doi.org/10.2478/euco-2013-0010
45. Zenka, J. (2015). Cross-border cooperation in Moravia–Silesia: Challenges and opportunities. Moravian Geographical Reports, 23(2), 12–24. https://doi.org/10.1515/mgr-2015-0002