Gate to Europe EGTC

The Gate to Europe EGTC conducted a survey in May 2020 among the mayors of member municipalities to assess the direct and indirect effects of coronavirus. More than 70% of the 35 member municipalities took part in the survey. When analyzing the results, they found out that there was only 1 confirmed case in the settlements participating in the survey, but a significant number of people – hundreds of people – were affected by the quarantine.

The survey also covered the effects of border restrictions due to coronavirus regarding cross-border relations and economy. Based on the answers to the questionnaire, the ordered restrictions on exit and access in the border region have made cultural cooperation and education significantly more difficult. Regarding economic effects, about two thirds of the respondents said that the enterprises in the settlement were negatively affected by the restrictions due to the epidemiological situation, and about 70% of the respondents reported an increase in unemployment.

Based on the questionnaire, the ordered restrictions negatively affect the implementation of cross-border projects. The EGTC drafted their mitigating proposals to the relevant institution.