Brief report on the survey efforts of the #ACCESS project

The #ACCESS project aims to identify and eliminate legal and administrative barriers hindering cooperation across the Slovak-Hungarian border. To collect crucial data, residents of the border region are invited to participate in five thematic surveys tailored to those who moved to the other side of the border, individuals who frequently cross the border for shopping, work, or study, as well as those engaged in cross-border projects between 2007 and 2020. Respondents are incentivized with the chance to win family entry tickets to four border-area spas and wellness centres in Dunaszerdahely, Komárom, Bábolna, and Szentendre in two rounds.

The surveys aim to pinpoint obstacles faced by individuals along the Slovak-Hungarian border during their cross-border activities. The overarching goal is to eliminate these barriers, streamline processes, and facilitate activities such as commuting, shopping, working, and initiating businesses on the other side of the border.

The surveys are not only accessible online and promoted through the project’s website and social media platforms but also involved in-person interactions with individuals living in the border area to inquire about their experiences. Various distribution methods were employed, including providing leaflets to municipalities for targeted distribution and direct distribution by project partners in significant shopping centres. Cross-border shoppers had the opportunity to fill out surveys with project partner assistance on nine different days in Balassagyarmat, Encs, Esztergom, Győr, Kazincbarcika, Komárom, Mosonmagyaróvár, Ózd, Salgótarján and Szécsény. Leaflets targeting cross-border workers were distributed in person in various settlements Abaújvár, Bezenye, Bódvaszilas, Büttös, Feketeerdő, Gönc, Göncruszka, Hegyeshalom, Hernádszurdok, Hidasnémeti, Hidegvégardó, Hollóháza, Kéked, Komjáti, Levél, Mosonmagyaróvár, Pányok, Rajka, Telkibánya, Tornyosnémeti and Zsujta) while other settlements received digital distribution.

The first lottery was conducted among 317 respondents on November 30, 2023, resulting in five winners chosen in the presence of Notary Norbert Dévényi in Esztergom. Nevertheless, the surveys are still live, providing those who have not yet responded with an opportunity to share their views and stand a chance to win family spa tickets in the second lottery in January 2024.

The #ACCESS project symbolizes a collaborative initiative to dismantle legal and administrative barriers adversely affecting individuals along the Slovak-Hungarian border. Through active community involvement, incentivised surveys, and ongoing transparency, the project aims to foster a more accessible and interconnected border region as progress unfolds.