Idea i efekty współpracy przygranicznej w Europie

The idea and effects of cross-border cooperation in Europe

The base of process aiming at forging and strengthening cross-border cooperation was an idea of inter-regional teamwork. The idea respected local loyalty and desire of political autonomy. Crisis of the 18th century rulers with absolute power determined evolution of regional movements. It was the first time of revival interest in folk culture, searching for individuality and features that made it different from other regions. The consciousness of regional distinction was a result of awareness of differences in culture and language. Thanks to August Comte and his conception of a new model of the state. a new idea of local community was created. In the 19th century there was an idea of "democratic system” which includes cultural and administration autonomy. In the 20th century an idea of ”Europe of regions” gained popularity. It was a symbol of desire to create new portrait of the continent based on local structures. Regions had their own representatives in governmental and non-governmental organizations. Council of the Community and European Regions (1951) aimed at protection of independence of local authorities and territorial units. In 1983 the Council changed its name to Assembly (Congress) of Local and Regional Authorities. Cooperation between regions is regulated by many acts. One of then is the Treaty of Rome (1957) that contains many direct relations with inter-regional problems. The Treaty on European Union (1992) created a consultative body called Committee of the Regions. As regional presidents. mayors of cities or chairpersons of city and country councils, the 222 members of the Committee are elected officials from the levels of government closest to the citizen. The Committee is the European Union's youngest institution whose creation reflects Member States' strong desire not only to respect regional and local identities and prerogatives but also to involve them in the development and implementation of EU policies. For the first time in the history of the European Union, there is now a legal obligation to consult the representatives of local and regional authorities on a variety of matters that concern them directly. The Committee has emerged as a strong guardian of the principle of subsidiarity since its first session in March 1994. Under the new arrangements, there is a clearer division of responsibilities in the management of the Structural Funds and also a stronger application of 'subsidiarity'-taking decisions as close as possible to the people affected. The most efficient forms of cross-border cooperation are euro regions (associations of cross-border regions). They are also an inspiration for further integration. 'The Europe of regions' means that those public authorities, which stand as close to the citizen as possible, should take decisions. lt is a principle which resists unnecessarily remote, centralized decision-taking. Transformation in the Middle East Europe enabled the countries to develop cross border and inter regional cooperation. As far as Polish-Czech border is taken into consideration, there are 10-euro regions on the Polish side (ex. ”Nysa”, 'Niemen', Pradziad”) and 7 on the Czech side. Despite fears and prejudice, cross-border cooperation is a step forward European unity. A new reality is being created that is based on cooperation. friendliness and goodwill. European unity depends on politically correct relations with cross-border communities and institutions. European unity depends on us all.