After almost fifty years spent separated by the 'Iron Curtain' Austria and Slovakia have been reunited by a €5 million bridge for cyclists by the border.

The kilometre long 'Freedom Bridge' has been built between Schlosshof in eastern Austria and Devinska Nova Ves, the bridge, for cyclists and pedestrians, provides a missing link on the 10,000 km long Iron Curtain Cycling Trail, which retraces the route of the Iron Curtain. The trail is expected to be completed in 2020, needing a further €351 million investment. Campaigners say that, once complete, the trail will generate around €355 million a year in economic benefits.

The bridge was opened by Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn."I am delighted to see another example of the EU in action," he continued, "This is one of 30,000 cross border projects that have received funding from the EU. It's what the EU is all about - bringing once divided communities together as part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable tourism and recreation and ultimately jobs and growth to all of Europe's regions.” 

Senior Politicians, including Commissioner Hahn speak at the Bridge Opening Ceremony.

The opening comes after a report to the European Parliament suggested that cycle tourism is worth €44 billion a year to the EU.

Adam Bodor, responsible for European funding at the European Cyclists’ Federation, says that investment can increase the number of cyclists and boost the economy. "The funding for this bridge didn’t happen by chance. It was because countries and committed individuals asked for it," he said.

"I’m really happy to hear that Commissioner Hahn has increased resources by 30% for trans-national and cross border projects during the next funding period. It’s a big step in the right direction,” Bodor added.

This article originally appeared in New Europe on September 25, 2012.

About the Author

Andy Carling is a journalist at New Europe, a weekly European Affairs political newspaper.