University of Silesia in Katowice

We are pleased to share the key achievements of the MECOG-CE project, “Strengthening Metropolitan Cooperation and Governance in Central Europe,” implemented under the Interreg Central Europe 2021–2027 programme.

At the University of Silesia, the project is carried out by a team from the Institute of Sociology and the Observatory of Metropolitan and Urban Processes (OPMiM), consisting of:
Assoc. Prof. Robert Pyka, PhD (Project Leader),
Assoc. Prof. Krzysztof Bierwiaczonek, PhD,
Assoc. Prof. Małgorzata Suchacka, PhD,
and Zuzanna Neuve-Église, PhD.

1. Project Anniversary

On April 1st, the project reached its one-year milestone – marking the end of an intensive phase of work by the University of Silesia team, focused on analysing best practices that strengthen metropolitan cooperation and governance in Europe. At the same time, a new and exciting phase begins: selected tools and practices will now be tested and adapted to new conditions within specially created clusters.

2. Outcomes

To date, four deliverables have been produced, addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by metropolitan areas in Central Europe, metropolitan governance systems, and relevant best practices.

As part of the first work package (WP1), the University of Silesia team has identified nearly 80 best practices and tools that support metropolitan cooperation in Europe, as a response to the diverse and complex challenges of urban areas.

a/ Report on metropolitan governance systems and existing tools/best practices at partner MAs for enhancing metropolitan cooperation
👉 Link to the report >>>

✨ Explore the interactive StoryMaps >>>
Check out summaries of the partner metropolitan areas, including main governance structures and developed practices:

1. Executive Summary: Metropolitan Governance Structures and Best Practices
2. Executive Summary: Best Practices Outside MECOG-CE Partners’ Regions

b/ Analysis of Best Practices Outside Partners’ Regions
👉 Link to the report >>>

c/ Common Metropolitan Vision
The Common Metropolitan Vision was developed by Charles University in Prague in cooperation with all MECOG-CE consortium partners. This strategic document reflects the shared commitment of various actors and policymakers from Central European metropolitan areas to strengthen the metropolitan dimension in both national and European policy-making.

👉 Link to the document >>>

We warmly encourage you to follow project updates on the MECOG-CE >>>

Thank you for your interest in our project!