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REGION OF THE WEEK: Central Moravia

03/10/2011

Střední Morava (Central Moravia) is located in the eastern part of the Czech Republic. The region shares borders with neighbouring Slovakia and Poland.

What are the region's priorities?

The largest urban centres in the region are Olomouc, an old historical city, and Zlín, a town with a strong industrial background, particularly in shoe production.

At 51%, the labour market participation rate in Moravia is below the EU and national average.  Services, particularly tourism, are the biggest source of employment in Central Moravia, accounting for almost 60% of jobs.  GDP per capita stood at 63% of the EU average in 2010. 

How has EU regional policy contributed?

The EU will be investing up to €657 million in Central Moravia over the 2007-2013 programming period.  The region will benefit from 85% co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund. 

The European Commission has agreed the following priorities for EU funding with the authorities in Central Moravia:

  • Improving the region's road and rail infrastructure

  • Development and regeneration of towns and rural areas

  • Support for entrepreneurship

  • Developing tourism infrastructure and services

Project examples

1. Cycle path Bečva The region of Central Moravia is a well-known "cycle- paradise" in the Czech Republic. One of the most popular cycle-paths is Bečva (also the name of a river in the region). The EU has financed so far 26km out of 160 km of the total length of this cycle-path, which will significantly contribute to the development of the tourism in the region.

2. Cultural and university centre Zlín The creator of the multifunctional complex "Cultural and university centre Zlín" is a world-famous architect Eva Jiřičná. This centre will serve also as a concert hall and a conference centre. It is the only facility of this kind in the region.

3. Revitalisation of the former military barracks in Kroměříž The town decided to transform ex-military barracks after the definitive departure of the army. The barracks were turned into blocks of flats for young families and for seniors.

4. Amphitheatre and the western wing of the castle in Velká Bystřice The renovation of the amphitheatre and the castle was welcomed by the town, since it has very rich social and cultural life. The project was even awarded by the price "Building of the year" in the Olomouc region. Now the town has representative facilities for cultural events.

5. Archbishop palace in Olomouc The palace has been opened to public after the renovation financed by the EU. In 1848 the Austrian emperor Franz Joseph I. launched his reign in premises that have been renovated now. The palace was only used by the church until the renovation. The project is a part of the Olomouc integrated plan and contributes to the tourism development in the city and in the region

Further information

 

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