The objective of this transboundary project is to increase economic prosperity and competitiveness for the entire region, and to furthermore position this European region internationally.

At the junction between former and new EU states a new European region shall crystallize, comprising the regions and important cities of Southern Moravia, Western Slovakia, Western Hungary and Eastern Austria (the provinces of Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland). Apart from the regions also the Cities of Vienna, Bratislava, Brno (partner city of St. Pölten), Györ, Eisenstadt, Sopron and Trnava are part of this European region.

More than 5 million people live in this European region. The member regions are one of the most productive areas of their countries. In Austria the Vienna Region, Lower Austria and Burgenland contributed 46% in gross value added according to the Vienna Business Agency. Aside from its highly qualified work force potential, centrotrope distinguishes itself by its location at the junction of the main urbanization axis of Europe.

The economies of Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia have grown more in recent years than that of the EU. Economists predict a growth of 4-6% for 2005, while the average growth of the European Union amounts to only 2-2, 5%.

Numerous Austrian enterprises have used the opportunity for direct investments in the new EU countries. Austria is consequently one of the largest direct investors on this rapidly growing market.

The regions of centrope also present themselves increasingly as a joint investment region; however the conflict between cooperation and competition continues to uphold in the long run.



Contact:
Projektsekretariat Centrope
Europaforum Wien - Zentrum für Städtedialog und Europapolitik
Rahlgasse 3/2
1060 Wien
Tel:  +43 1 5858510-0
Fax: +43 1 5858510-30
E-Mail: office@centrope.info
Web: www.centrope.info/baerstart