Podrobný výpis o publikaci

This chapter presents findings from research on the situation in the Czech borderland. The opening of borders and the development of cross-border relations with neighbouring countries is one of the most significant changes that has occurred in the last two decades in connection with the fall of the Iron Curtain. There is a gradual convergence of border communities residing in individual countries "across the border". The research findings looking into the situation in Czech border regions provide a clear picture of how Europeanisation is taking place as a natural and spontaneous process of human coexistence under the conditions of the long-term peaceful coexistence of nations and nation states. Europeanisation is represented not only by steps taken and implemented in a top-down direction in the institutional and political spheres of life of nation states and the supranational institutions of the European Union, but also by all other aspects of the coexistence of European society, taking place both in the emerging European public spalce and in the form of many actual activities. Our findings note that, despite significant shifts, the existing asymmetry in cross-border economic and social areas, especially in relation to Germany and Austaria, has not changed. Moreover, social inequality has deepened in some respects.