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years since this railway bridge over the Mura river was mined – at the end of the World War II, on April 12th, 1945.
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years since the Radgona railway line opened, on October 16th, 1890, of which this bridge was part.
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is the European Year of Rail and as such the ultimate opportunity to restore broken links that were the result of wars. Let's show some love for dear neighbourly connections and secure us all love locks on this cross-border bridge over the Mura river already today.
Round Table Keynotes
Keynote Speakers
Besides key stakeholders in Mura and Drava river regions, Mura's Bridge round table has three distinguished speakers that will introduce their topic, which will be subsequently discussed at the round table.
Janez Potočnik
Dr; Co-Chair of the International Resource Panel; Former European Commissioner for Science & Research and for the Environment; Partner at SISTEMIQ, London, United Kingdom
Miro Kristan
Head of the Organizational unit for Environment, Space and Countryside at Soča Valley Development Centre, Tolmin, Slovenia
Marko Savić
Director of the Mobilitatis Omni institute; Senior Lecturer in Design Management at the Faculty of Design; Interdisciplinary Doctoral Student of Environmental Protection at the University of Ljubljana
Director of the Institute
Discussion
Discussion at the Mura River Bridge round table
Key stakeholders from policy, economy, railways and civil society will discuss the importance of the re-establishment of Mura-Drava-Rails between not only Slovenia and Austria but also Croatia and Hungary, whereby cross-border Mura' Bridge presents the critical missing link.
Introductory presentation
Discussion after the presentation by Dr. Janez Potočnik : A System Change Compass (report summary)
The European Green Deal provides a timely North Star for a prosperous and sustainable Europe. However, as a political programme that bridges old and new theories of change, it is vulnerable. This report lays out an integrated systems perspective, based on a System Change Compass.
Never since the formation of the European Union has there been a better moment for Europe to transform itself on the inside and to lead on the outside. The European Green Deal (EGD) and a European COVID-19 response can – if handled well – address Europe’s climate, biodiversity, pollution, economic, political and health crises, and at the same time strengthen its institutions and reignite popular support for the European project. Efforts that, in their own way, support the EU’s delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Europe’s history is rich and full of turning points. The ongoing COVID-19 crisis may well be such a turning point.
First, our global and tightly coupled human-ecological system is failing. After decades of economic growth evaluated against GDP indicators, societal needs are still unmet, economic gains are shared unequally and the social contract is eroding.
Second, deep transformational change is needed, and we now know that when faced with an emergency, people and societies can make change work.
Third, we recognise that we struggle to bring this transformational vision to life. Business-as-usual proponents criticise the EGD as unaffordable or untimely.
Europe’s determination for a green and social recovery through a robust EGD sets the direction for a more sustainable, low-carbon, equitable and inclusive economy. By treating the EGD and COVID-19 crisis recovery as two sides of the same coin, the European Commission is demonstrating genuine leadership. This report is written at a critical juncture for the EGD’s success and, ultimately, for its implementation across European Member States.
Programme
Programme of the Mura River Bridge Round Table
Mura River Bridge Round Table programme has three parts. We are more than pleased to present an introductory speaker – the twofold former European Commissioner, Dr. Janez Potočnik. In the main part of the round table, our new colleague from the Organizational unit for Environment, Space, and Countryside at Soča Valley Development Centre in Tolmin, Miro Kristan, will present the case study of the Bohinj railway line, including the railway connection of the cities of Nova Gorica and Gorica at the border of Slovenia and Italy. Not least, in the final part of the round table, we will solemnly hand over Declaration on the Mura's Bridge in the Mura-Drava-Rails Network to the representatives of the responsible ministers for infrastructure and mobility in the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Austria, respectively.
Timetable
| Time | Contribution |
|---|---|
| 9:00 – 9:30 | Dr Janez Potočnik: Implementing the European Green Deal in a time of recovery |
| 9:30 – 10:15 | Discussion |
| 10:15 – 10:30 | Break |
| 10:30 – 10:45 | Miro Kristan: Case Study of the Bohinj Railway Line |
| 10:45 – 11:30 | Discussion |
| 11:30 – 12:00 | Solemn handing over of the Declaration on the Mura's Bridge in the Mura-Drava-Rails network |
SUPPORT FOR THE MURA RIVER BRIDGE
Support statements to the Declaration on the Mura's Bridge in the Mura-Drava-Rails Network
Founders, members, and partners of the institute Mobilitatis Omni, Murska Sobota have been the first to sign the Declaration on the Mura's Bridge in the Mura-Drava-Rails Network and state their support to reforming the cross-border Slovenia – Austria Mura River Bridge.
The railway connection with Austria across the border river Mura represents an exceptional opportunity for the economy and tourism in all Mura and Drava regions
Impact of one cross-border bridge
Mura River Bridge
Sustainable, active, and inclusive mobility of all as a bridge to a low-carbon society. A regional, both rail and long-distance cycling hub as a bridge to connections throughout Central Europe.
Inter-regional sustainable connections as a bridge to greater security. Cultural heritage as a bridge to better understanding. Sports, especially volleyball and beach volleyball as a bridge of connections.
Sustainable tourism as a bridge to regional development. And regional development as a bridge to the stability of the European Union. Historical milestones as a bridge of co-working.
Last but not least. Love locks on the bridge as universal symbols of love.
Round Table Registration
Membership, Registration & Donation
We take seriously our responsibility to serve the public good, to consider the health and well-being of our participants, and to protect the communities we work with and in. Our Mura River Bridge round table will be held completely online.
We offer free registration for new members of our MBTT Club, a discount for early registration to attend the round table online and the possibility to contribute to our cause and help us cover the costs of organisation by contributing a donation of your choice.
After more than 76 years, it’s about time that we re-establish Slovenia – Austria Cross-Border Bridge over the Mura River.
At the online celebrational signing of the Mura’s Bridge Declaration, dr. Abramović has presented the case of the regional railway line.
Herald Ruijters’, from the European Commission, intervention on mobility beyond the TEN-T.
Director of the Institute Mobilitatis Omni, Marko Savić, solemnly presented the Declaration on the Mura’s Bridge.