History of the EURES-T Beskydy

Mutual history and geography presents the greatest possibility in itself of any further cooperation.

From historical point of view the EURES-T Beskydy interconnects very similar regions which preserve their identity.

Czech (Moravian) and Polish part of the region share common dialect, economic structure of employment and geography which does not represent an extra obstacle in common mobility. Large regions (Ostrava-Bielsko Biala) are gradually interconnected with motorways and there is also a very good railway connection. Expanded mining and metallurgical industry influences the character of professional education, similar professions are common and still spreading on both sides of borders which creates possibility of finding the job on either side of the border. During the transformation process ofboth economies in the 90´s there was a hidden risk that people would not be able to find a job which could fit their qualification. Regions have transformed and nowadays they are becoming the IT technologies centres.

The Czech and Slovak side of the partnership share common history from 1918 until  1993. Major metallurgical plants near Ostrava became traditional employers of Slovak people living in the districts of Čadca, Kysucké Nové Mesto and Námestovo. During the transformation process these regions recorded a jump increase of unemployment. However,  already created habits of commuting have helped, at least partially, to overcome such difficult period. University of Žilina which specialises in transportation and IT technologies, attracted many students from the Czech border area who remained working in the place.

Nowadays Žilina, Ostrava and Bielsko-Biala represent a strong triangle with concentration of automobile industry and IT technologies. The corner parts of the regions on all three parts of the borders offer the endless possibilities to development of a tourist and leisure industry. It provides seasonal possibilities of employment

Entering into the Schengen area of all three involved countries removed the final administrative obstacles to free movement within the area. During the time of an economical transformation of the regions within the EURES-T Beskydy forced people to move mostly abroad to find jobs. However, the growing number of returnees who have experienced the job mobility within the former EU area present currently a clients’ group more open to the idea of commuting to work abroad. Mutual agreements among the local governments, established cooperation among PES, recognition of the importance of area by the Business and Enterprise Chambers of Commerce and growing number of mutual cross-border projects present powers strengthening the cross-border mobility as well.