ABSTRACT
The Slovak Republic became a sovereign democratic and legal state from 1 January 1993 following the division of the former Czecho-Siovak Federal Republic. The process of socio-economic transformation was initiated in the Slovak Republic in late 1989 when it still comprised part of the former Czechoslovakia. The division of the former Czechoslovakia has created a new state border between the two now independent nations which has specific characteristics. The implementation of regional policy priorities is important both for the successful application of EU principles and procedures and for the preparation and management of regional development projects. In particular, the creation of stable institutions for regional policy, including a structure of regional self-government, is necessary to ensure more efficient future implementation of the EU Structural Funds and better co-ordination is required between central governments, regions and other players including the private sector.
