
The Regional and Structural Policy (Cohesion Policy) of the European Union in the 2007–2013 Programming Period, by René Wokoun
This article mentions briefly the developments of the regional and structural policy (cohesion policy) of the EU, comparing the objectives for 2000–2006 and 2007–2013. Attention is focused on the characteristics of the basic objectives for the period of 2007 to 2013 and the addressees of the support from various funds. Concludingly, financial resources for the regional and structural policy are presented.
Programming Documents of the Policy of Economic and Social Cohesion in the Czech Republic in the 2007–2013 Programming Period, by Marek Jetmar
This contribution describes in brief the basic documents of the economic and social cohesion applied in the Czech Republic for the programming period of 2007–2013, such as the National Lisbon Programme 2005–2008, the National Programme of Reforms of the Czech Republic, the National Strategic Reference Framework, the National Development Plan, and the operational programmes.
EU Structural Policy: the 2000–2006 Programming Period in the Czech Republic, by Lucie Staroňová
From the viewpoint of the structural policy, the period of 2000–2006 was essentialy important for the Czech Republic. During the stage of the preparations for the regular utilization of funds, as a candidate country the Czech Republic was using the means of the pre-accession programmes like SAPARD, Phare, and ISPA. The EU accession on 1 May 2004 was the start of the utilization of the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund for member states initiatives, though with certain limitations. According to the previously outlined rules, specified by various European and national regulations, the Czech Republic was given the opportunity to utilize over 2,630 million euros from the means of the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund.
European Territorial Cooperation – Third Basic Objective of the EU Cohesion Policy in the 2007–2013
This article is a general introduction to the five following contributions on the European territorial cooperation objective of the EU cohesion policy for the period of 2007 to 2013, informing about the basic structure, targets and links of the new programmes to those of the previous period, 2000–2006.
Cross-border Cooperation, by Jiří Škoda
This article describes the actual situation in the preparation of the cross-border cooperation programmes within the European territorial cooperation objective of the EU policy of economic and social cohesion for the period of 2007 to 2013. Besides the initial information about the continual shift from the Interreg IIIA initiative, the contentual elements of the programme are described (especially those of the five separate operational programmes to be materialized in the Czech Republic) as well as the spatial delimitation, the range of applicants, the financial matters, and the rules of the allowance of subsidies. An essential part of the report is the description of the programme subjects, which have been based upon need analyses of discussed territories, and a list, though incomplete, of activities the applicants may use the programme’s finance for.
Transnational Cooperation, by Věra Korkischová
The article gives basic information on the Transnational Cooperation Programme within the European territorial cooperation objective of the EU cohesion policy for the period of 2007 to 2013. Described is the basic characteristics of the programme, the preparation, fundamental objectives, financing, and the organizational structure of the programme. Also, a brief evaluation of the previous Interreg IIIB CADSES programme of 2000-2006 from the viewpoint of the Czech Republic is included.
Interregional Cooperation, by Alice Vybíralová
The article gives basic information on the Interregional Cooperation Programme within the European territorial cooperation objective of the EU cohesion policy for the period of 2007 to 2013. Described is the basic characteristics of the programme, the preparation, fundamental objectives, financing, and the organizational structure of the programme. Also, a brief evaluation of the previous Interreg IIIC programme of 2000–2006 from the viewpoint of the Czech Republic is included.
The ESPON Programme Reshaped, by Lubor Fridrich, Věra Korkischová
The ESPON programme (European Spatial Planning Observation Network) is entering a new programming period this year, the ESPON 2013, while the previous (ESPON 2006) was concluded last year. A programme of European cooperation in which all member/partner states should participate, it is worthwile to herewith comment on its history and offer information about its future.
The INTERACT II Programme, by Soňa Schovánková
The article introduces the INTERACT II Programme implemented within the European territorial cooperation objective of the EU cohesion policy in the programming period 2007–2013. It provides basic information on this programme such as its preparation, objectives, financing, and organizational structure.
Principles and Rules of Physical Planning. A guideline manual to be published, by Eva Rozehnalová
When the new Building Act and the related implementing legislation is entering in vigour, a guideline manual entitled Principles and Rules of Physical Planning is being prepared in order to help the physical planning specialists to be well acquainted with the new regulations. The manual is especially designed for physical planning authorities of Municipalities and Regions, planners, students of related subjects, and other users who have to do with physical planning. The article comments on the assignments, work procedures, and contents of specific chapters of the manual.
Legal Aspects of Radon Measurement, by Ondřej Vícha
Radioactive gases (emanations) rise from rock medium due to radionuclide decay of natural decay series. Emanations spread then according to the physical and chemical characteristics of its ambient, soils and rocks. In the case of radon, emanations have a significant impact on the environment. The problems of radon, its measurement and the protection from its harmful effects, are referred to by various obligatory regulations (such as the Atomic Act, the Building Act, the Act of Geologic works). This contribution discusses briefly some relevant implications of the legislation.
The European Landscape Convention and the Options of its Implementation in View of the Concept and Planning Tools for the Realization of Landscape Policies, by Martin Weber
The European Landscape Convention, CETS No. 176, is a new tool, destined exclusively for the protection, administration, and planning of the landscape in all European countries. On 1 October 2004 the Convention became obligatory for the Czech Republic. This contribution presents the contents of the document, quoting selected parts from the Convention’s official translation. As part of the draft of the Strategy of the Responsibility for the Czech Landscape of the Past, Today, and the Future, some possibilities of the implementation of the Convention are discussed in view of the concept and planning tools of landscape policies.
Sustainable Development in the New Building Act and its Related Documents, by Marie Machová
The words sustainable development are more and more frequently heard these days. Involving a large number of disciplines and sciences, this term is largely reflected in physical planning, which is one of the most efficient tools of the implementation of sustainable development’s objectives. How has this term been conceived by the new Building Act?
Olomouc’s Department Stores: commenting on the past and current developments of urban retail shopping, by Zdeněk Szczyrba
As in any other large town or city in the Czech Republic, department stores in Olomouc represent a fundamental element of the retail shopping network. The importance of such shopping units is still evident, concentrating significant commercial potential of the city. On the other hand, the current trends make the “classic” stores less and less relevant, both those of full range of goods and specialized ones, giving way to the dynamic development of “modern” shopping centres, hypermarkets, and hobby markets. From the viewpoint of their commercial offer, such large shops perform similar functions to those of the department stores. Yet, a substantial difference is seen in the fact that their locations help decentralize the commercial functions in the city, changing the monocentric arrangement of retail shopping into polycentric.