Determinants of cross-border cooperation between Austria and Slovak Republic. The role of Bratislava and Vienna in the development of mutual contacts

Boris Mattoš

Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava

Wojciech Opioła

University of Opole

Abstract

The paper looks at selected aspects of Slovak-Austrian cross-border cooperation after 1989, also examines networking and cooperation between capital cities: Vienna (AT) and Bratislava (SK), because of its geographical proximity, and the special status of this urban area, close to the concept of the twin city. In order to meet the goal, it was necessary to point out at historical and political circumstances that had a significant impact on the nature of bilateral relations and regional cooperation. The text focuses on mutual perception, condition and outlooks of Slovak-Austrian regional cooperation. In the text, we applied scientific methods of comparison, analysis and synthesis. The content and methods used in the text represent one of the possible views on the topic discussed.

Keywords:

iron curtain, cross-border cooperation, Austria, Slovakia, Bratislava, Vienna