€266 mln for Polish-Czech cross-border challenges

The European Commission has adopted a new cross-border program for the Czech Republic and Poland, which covers eight regions on both sides of the border and is worth more than €266 million, with a contribution of €226 million from the European Regional Development Fund. The program's aim is tackle main challenges of the region, that includes a high unemployment rate, particularly among the youth. The commission stresses that the program puts a particular focus on indirect support for employment by tapping into the potential of the tourism sector. Despite the fact that tourism constitutes an opportunity for economic development in this mountain area, at present this potential is not exploited enough, mainly due to poor transport infrastructure. The lack of appropriate skills, including language barriers, is believed to constitute an obstacle to exploring opportunities linked to a border location. According to the EC, as a result of the program, 101 kilometers of roads will be reconstructed or upgraded, 24 supported rescue and security teams and crisis management teams will be established and 4,000 young people will participate in joint educational and training programs focusing on cross-border support of employment, educational opportunities, higher education and training.