Mikroregiony

Mikroregiony are a form of territorial self-government and voluntary association of municipalities in the Czech Republic. They are created to facilitate cooperation on common interests, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, environmental protection, tourism, culture, and social services. The concept of mikroregiony emerged in the early 1990s following the administrative reforms after the Velvet Revolution, aiming to empower local communities and address regional disparities.

These associations are not constitutional territorial units like regions or districts but are established by municipalities themselves, typically through mutual agreements. Membership in a mikroregion is voluntary. Each mikroregion usually has its own legal personality and is governed by a council or assembly composed of representatives from the participating municipalities. Funding for mikroregion activities often comes from contributions by member municipalities, grants from national or EU sources, and sometimes from their own economic activities.

The primary goal of mikroregiony is to improve the quality of life for their residents by undertaking joint projects that individual municipalities might find too expensive or complex to manage alone. This can include building or repairing local roads, developing cycling paths, establishing waste management systems, promoting local crafts and agriculture, or creating joint educational programs. Mikroregiony play a significant role in regional development and in fostering a sense of local identity and collaboration.