Slovak-Austrian cross-border projects receive €89 million

The European Commission has approved more than €75 million to support cross-border projects around the Slovak-Austrian border, European Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Cretu stated on Wednesday. The programme includes Austrian federal lands of Vienna and Lower Austria, and from Burgenland its regions Nordburgenland and Mittelburgenland, and the Bratislava and Trnava regions of Slovakia. Apart from the aforementioned €75 million, the project will also receive another €14 million from state resources. More than five million people will benefit from the programme's investments, claims Commissioner Cretu adding that they will invest in cross-border research and transport solutions, education, the protection of natural resources in the area along the former "Iron Curtain" and the introduction of new solutions in terms of sustainable transport. Although the Slovak-Austrian borders are altogether only 91 kilometres long, their crossing and overall mobility are still a problem, mainly in rural areas. This should be tackled by the programme, creating an 'integrated border region', read the project guidelines.