Democracy

Trialogue in the Border Triangle

For the first time, citizens in the tri-border region of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic have engaged in cross-border dialogue to share their ideas for a livable and sustainable future. Their contributions mark the beginning of a joint development framework.
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In the tri-border area of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, lignite mining has long shaped local dynamics—and tensions. While the open-pit mine is economically vital for the Polish side, its environmental impact is viewed critically in Germany and the Czech Republic. One thing is clear: the region is undergoing profound change. And who could understand this better than the people who live there?
To support a positive transformation, the cities of Zittau (DE), Bogatynia (PL), and Hrádek nad Nisou (CZ) surveyed around 800 residents as part of the project Common Ground – Shaping Across Borders. The central question: What needs to change to make the region more livable in the future? Top priorities included expanding cross-border public transport and offering more language learning opportunities.
These ideas were further developed in participatory workshops. This kind of citizen engagement is not only a first for the region—it also marks the beginning of long-term change. The next step is to put the ideas to the test and integrate them into the tri-border region’s development framework.

Insights

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    City view of Zittau with market square, town hall, and mountain silhouette.
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    Cooling tower of the Turów power plant, with residential buildings in the foreground.
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    The Turów opencast lignite mine near Bogatynia, with the power plant in the background.
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    Participants at the citizen workshop held at Villa Schubert in Hrádek nad Nisou. 
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    Challenging topics were also addressed and discussed collectively during the citizen workshop.
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    Participants unfold a colorful parachute cloth together—a vivid symbol of cooperation, diversity, and shared responsibility across borders. 
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    During the workshop, ideas were written down, discussed, and presented—reflecting a shared commitment to shaping the region’s future together.

Your contacts

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Gloria Heymann

Stadtverwaltung Zittau

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