May 4th, 2026 will go down as an important date in the history of the Trzebownisko Municipality. On that day, we hosted a delegation from the Slovak town of Svidník, led by Mayor Marcela Ivančová. The visit was of a special nature – it was the first official meeting that may mark the beginning of a lasting and multifaceted partnership between our local governments.
The key moment of the visit was the signing of a letter of intent by the Mayor of Trzebownisko, Sławomir Porada, and the Mayor of Svidník, Marcela Ivančová. This document expresses a shared commitment to building relations based on trust, mutual respect, and a desire for joint development. It carries significant symbolic meaning – opening the way for concrete future actions and projects.
Partnership Based on Shared Values
The signed document highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation as one of the key factors in the social, economic, and cultural development of border regions. The Trzebownisko Municipality and the Town of Svidník are connected not only by geographical proximity, but also by shared cultural heritage and long-standing Polish-Slovak relations.
The parties declared their willingness to cooperate in many areas, such as:
- culture and heritage protection,
- tourism and regional promotion,
- economy and entrepreneurship,
- education and youth exchange,
- ecology and sustainable development.
This broad scope provides a solid foundation for developing ambitious and valuable projects.
Svidník – A Partner with Potential
The town of Svidník, located in north-eastern Slovakia, is an important regional center known for its rich history and strong cultural traditions. It lies in the picturesque valley of the Ondava River, at the foothills of the Low Beskids, making it an attractive place for both residents and tourists.
Svidník has a population of over 12,000 and serves as an important administrative, social, and cultural hub of north-eastern Slovakia. Its location in the scenic Ondava valley, in close proximity to the Low Beskids, gives it unique landscape and tourism value.
One of the most distinctive sites in Svidník is the Military Culture Park, featuring an extensive open-air exhibition of military equipment related to World War II and the Dukla operation. Nearby stands the monumental Czechoslovak Army Memorial at the Dukla Pass, one of the most important memorial sites in the region.
Another highlight is the Open-Air Museum of Folk Architecture (Skanzen), showcasing traditional buildings and the lifestyle of Carpathian region inhabitants. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the authentic historical culture of the borderland.
Svidník is also known for numerous outdoor events, festivals, and initiatives promoting local traditions, music, and folklore, attracting participants from across the region and abroad.
The town also has its own sports airport, which is an interesting common point with the Trzebownisko Municipality – an airport municipality that hosts the Rzeszow–Jasionka Airport. This aspect may become one of the pillars of future cooperation, particularly in infrastructure development, regional promotion, and economic initiatives.
Airport Municipality – New Opportunities
The Trzebownisko Municipality, as a dynamically developing airport municipality, has great potential in attracting investments, developing entrepreneurship, and building international relations. The presence of one of the most important airports in south-eastern Poland creates unique opportunities for supra-regional and international cooperation.
Partnership with Svidník may contribute to:
- joint promotion of the regions as attractive investment destinations,
- development of cross-border tourism,
- exchange of experience in infrastructure management and urban planning,
- development of joint transport and logistics projects.
Partnership Cooperation – Tangible Benefits
The experience of many local governments in Poland and across Europe shows that international partnerships bring measurable benefits. They enable access to European funds, implementation of joint infrastructure, educational and social projects, and the building of lasting relationships between residents.
In practice, such cooperation translates into:
- organization of joint cultural and sports events,
- youth exchanges and development of educational programs,
- cooperation between schools, cultural institutions, and NGOs,
- promotion of local products and entrepreneurs,
- tourism development and creation of new offers for visitors.
Sport, Culture and Education – Foundations of Integration
One of the key aspects of partnership cooperation is the integration of local communities. Joint sports events, festivals, concerts, and educational workshops allow residents to get to know each other better, understand one another, and build relationships beyond borders.
Particularly important are:
- youth exchanges that foster openness and intercultural competence,
- cooperation between schools and educational institutions,
- joint sports initiatives promoting a healthy lifestyle,
- cultural events showcasing the traditions of both regions.
The First Step Toward the Future
The visit of the Svidník delegation took place in a very positive atmosphere and provided an opportunity to present the potential of the Trzebownisko Municipality. The guests visited, among others, the industrial zone and the airport in Jasionka, educational institutions, the Sports and Recreation Center in Nowa Wies, the Municipal Cultural Center in Laka, and the historic Rzadcowka manor.
The meetings and discussions showed that both sides share many common goals and ambitions. The signing of the letter of intent is only the beginning of the journey – but a very important and promising one.
Future Perspectives
Establishing a partnership between the Trzebownisko Municipality and the Town of Svidník is an investment in the future. It creates opportunities for development, new possibilities, and strengthening the region’s position on the map of Europe.
In the face of dynamic economic and social changes, cross-border cooperation is becoming not only a value but a necessity. It enables local governments to respond more effectively to contemporary challenges and better utilize their potential.
The signed letter of intent proves that the Trzebownisko Municipality actively seeks new paths for development and is not afraid to pursue ambitious goals. It is also a signal that the future of our municipality is being built on openness, cooperation, and European values.
This is just the beginning – but a very good one.
