Whether Corona, forest fire or flood - there are always situations that require cross-border cooperation with the Czech Republic. Saxony's Europe Minister still sees room for improvement.
Dresden (dpa/sn) - Saxon Europe Minister Katja Meier wants to improve cooperation with the Czech Republic. Crisis situations like Corona or the big forest fire in Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland this summer have shown that there are always occasions for this, said the Green politicians. Saxony can build on a stable foundation. The Free State has maintained a liaison office in Prague for ten years, which has helped to intensify the exchange.
"Since the peaceful revolution, it has been particularly important for us that there is good cooperation with the Czech Republic in a common Europe," said Meier. Compared to the long tradition of Franco-German friendship, however, there is still room for improvement. Nevertheless, a lot has already developed - from school exchanges to more than 130 partnerships between Saxon and Czech municipalities. Chemnitz, as the European Capital of Culture 2025, should also shine as far as the Czech Republic. "Our liaison office is an important bridge builder for everyone involved," said the minister.
Three employees in Prague took care of the organization of events, served as contact persons or took over the coordination of appointments when Saxon politicians visit the Czech Republic. The Free State of Bavaria, which also has a border with the Czech Republic, has succeeded Saxony and has also opened a liaison office in Prague.
"As Minister for Europe, it is also important to me not only to look to Brussels, but also to nearby Europe, towards the Czech Republic and Poland," said Meier. It is very positive that in the current EU funding period, 152 million euros are available for German-Czech cooperation. That is a lot of money with which one can initiate many projects for the border region to grow together.
Saxony also supports the federal government's plan to promote cross-border cooperation by setting up a regional council. This should be a permanent body with German and Czech municipal, state and federal representatives from the border region, explained Meier. If problems have to be solved at the political level, they should be brought up from the regional council to the state parliaments, the Bundestag or the bodies of the EU. The next steps for the formation of the regional council should be taken in January, said Meier.
