A short introduction to Frankfurt (Oder) and Slubice
Frankfurt (Oder) in Germany and Slubice in Poland are two towns with 64,000 and 17,000 inhabitants. They are located directly at the eastern border of Germany and western border of Poland and they are connected by three bridges over the river Oder. One is for trains, one for a highway and the last one for pedestrians. It takes just 10 minutes by foot to go from one city-center to the other. The cities are closely related to each other. That is the case because in history they haven’t been two separate cities at all. The distinction and separation in two separate units just happened after World War II (i.e. 1945) because it was decided that the river Oder is the border between Germany and Poland.[...]
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- A short introduction to Frankfurt (Oder) and Slubice
- The most active actors: the Public administration and the educational sector
- The most influential actors lack motivation: the Business sector is in crisis and the mentalities are a real obstacle to the motivation for cooperation
- Comprehension
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This case study analyzes the cooperation between Frankfurt (Oder), Germany, and Slubice, Poland, two cities separated by the Oder River but historically intertwined. The objective is to examine the successes and challenges of their attempts to function as a "twin city," considering the roles of various actors and the impact of economic disparities and differing mentalities.
- Cross-border cooperation between German and Polish cities
- The role of public administration in fostering collaboration
- The impact of economic disparities on cross-border relations
- The influence of citizen attitudes and perceptions on integration
- Challenges to achieving a true "twin city" model
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
A short introduction to Frankfurt (Oder) and Slubice: This section provides background information on Frankfurt (Oder) and Slubice, highlighting their geographical proximity, historical connection, and the impact of World War II and the subsequent division of Germany on their relationship. It emphasizes the shared economic challenges they face due to high unemployment rates and the transition from planned to market economies. This sets the stage for an investigation into how the cities are attempting to overcome their shared challenges through cooperation.
The most active actors: the Public administration and the educational sector: This section details the significant role of public administration at various levels – national, regional, and local – in promoting cooperation between Frankfurt (Oder) and Slubice. Initiatives like INTERREG and PHARE programs, along with the Brandenburg state program "2 win, one region, double profit," are highlighted. The establishment of the "Euroregion Pro Europa Viadrina" and participation in the "Twin-City" program showcase a commitment to cross-border integration. The section also notes the substantial contribution of the educational sector, including a joint kindergarten and the significant presence of Polish students at the Europa-Universität Viadrina, furthering academic exchange and collaboration. The Collegium Polonicum is highlighted as a key institution for scientific and cultural cooperation.
The most influential actors lack motivation: the Business sector is in crisis and the mentalities are a real obstacle to the motivation for cooperation: This section shifts focus to the challenges in fostering cooperation, particularly within the business sector. The lack of cross-border collaboration is attributed to the deep economic crisis in the region and significant wage disparities between Germany and Poland. While some networking initiatives, like the Rotary Club, exist, the primary interaction between the business sectors appears to be limited to German businesses providing consulting services to Polish firms. The section explores the tension arising from economic differences, with German citizens primarily crossing the border for cheaper goods and services in Slubice, while Polish citizens face anxieties about job security and income inequality. This highlights a significant impediment to deeper integration.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Cross-border cooperation, twin city, Frankfurt (Oder), Slubice, economic disparities, public administration, educational exchange, business sector, citizen attitudes, regional development, post-communist transition, INTERREG, PHARE, Euroregion Pro Europa Viadrina, unemployment, wage gap.
Frequently Asked Questions: Case Study on Frankfurt (Oder) and Slubice
What is this case study about?
This case study analyzes the cooperation between Frankfurt (Oder), Germany, and Slubice, Poland – two cities separated by the Oder River but historically intertwined. It examines the successes and challenges of their attempts to function as a "twin city," considering the roles of various actors and the impact of economic disparities and differing mentalities.
What are the key themes explored in the case study?
The key themes include cross-border cooperation between German and Polish cities; the role of public administration in fostering collaboration; the impact of economic disparities on cross-border relations; the influence of citizen attitudes and perceptions on integration; and the challenges to achieving a true "twin city" model.
Which actors are most actively involved in the cross-border cooperation?
Public administration (at national, regional, and local levels) and the educational sector are the most active actors. Initiatives like INTERREG and PHARE programs, the "Euroregion Pro Europa Viadrina," and the "Twin-City" program highlight the commitment to cross-border integration. The educational sector contributes significantly through joint kindergartens, Polish students at the Europa-Universität Viadrina, and the Collegium Polonicum.
What are the main challenges to cross-border cooperation?
The business sector presents a significant challenge due to the economic crisis in the region and substantial wage disparities between Germany and Poland. Limited cross-border business collaboration is observed, with interaction mainly involving German businesses providing consulting services to Polish firms. Differing citizen attitudes and perceptions, stemming from economic anxieties and income inequality, also hinder deeper integration.
What is the role of the public administration in promoting cooperation?
Public administration plays a crucial role through various initiatives such as INTERREG and PHARE programs, and the Brandenburg state program "2 win, one region, double profit." The establishment of the "Euroregion Pro Europa Viadrina" and participation in the "Twin-City" program demonstrate a commitment to fostering cross-border integration.
What is the impact of economic disparities on the relationship between Frankfurt (Oder) and Slubice?
Significant wage disparities and an economic crisis in the region create tension and limit cross-border cooperation, particularly in the business sector. German citizens primarily cross the border for cheaper goods and services in Slubice, while Polish citizens face anxieties about job security and income inequality. This economic imbalance is a major obstacle to deeper integration.
What is the role of the educational sector in fostering cooperation?
The educational sector plays a substantial role through initiatives like joint kindergartens and the presence of numerous Polish students at the Europa-Universität Viadrina. The Collegium Polonicum is a key institution for scientific and cultural cooperation, further promoting academic exchange and collaboration.
What are the key findings of this case study?
While public administration and the educational sector actively promote cooperation, significant challenges remain. The economic crisis, wage disparities, and differing citizen attitudes hinder deeper integration, especially within the business sector. Achieving a true "twin city" model requires addressing these economic and social disparities.
What are some key words associated with this case study?
Cross-border cooperation, twin city, Frankfurt (Oder), Slubice, economic disparities, public administration, educational exchange, business sector, citizen attitudes, regional development, post-communist transition, INTERREG, PHARE, Euroregion Pro Europa Viadrina, unemployment, wage gap.
- Quote paper
- Dennis Eggert (Author), Sarah Bentolila (Author), Caroline Dumont (Author), 2006, Twin Cities: Frankfurt (Oder) - Slubice, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/76534
