Regional identity of inhabitants in the Czech part of Euroregion Nisa =Regionální identita obyvatel České části Euroregionu Nisa

Abstract

The regional identity of the inhabitants of the Czech part of the Nisa Euroregion is examined here by means of biographical narrations of the representatives from the grandparents’ generation and the generation of grandchildren. The regional identity is perceived as one of the aspects of the human identity. Displacement of the German inhabitants after the year 1945 from the Czech (and Polish) part of the euroregion and arrival of the new settlers influenced the social structure, stability and regional identity of the current inhabitants. According to the analysis of the biographical statements of older generation members, most of them identify themselves with their current place of residence. They regard it as their home and the place, where they want to live forever. As for the younger generation, the regional attachment is even stronger. It is, however, especially for the people from smaller villages, disturbed by deteriorating economic conditions (lack of job opportunities), bad transport accessibility and insufficient civic amenities in the municipalities. The positive migration balance indicates the attractiveness of the Czech part of euroregion - especially however of its industrial and recreational centers. We may ask whether the interest in living in the region centers associated with economic changes will remain preserved in the next years as well