The main aim of the meeting at the New Town Hall was to present and discuss the key analytical documents, starting points and schedule for the preparation of the Integrated Development Strategy for the Brno Metropolitan Area for the period after 2027. The meeting was attended by approximately 120 experts in spatial development, project and strategic managers, mayors and other specialists. Since 2014, they have been involved in the preparation and implementation of the metropolitan strategy and the implementation of projects funded through the Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI) instrument.
“Cooperation between all stakeholders is essential during the preparation and implementation phases of the strategy. The ITI tool enables us to consider and plan within a broader context, whilst systematically developing cooperation with the municipalities in the wider Brno area. It is clear that transport and environmental issues do not stop at the city’s administrative boundaries, and it is therefore essential to address them at the level of the entire metropolitan area,” said Markéta Vaňková, Mayor of Brno and Chair of the Steering Committee of the Brno Metropolitan Area.
To begin with, the participants reviewed the activities carried out to date between 2013 and 2026, including an evaluation of the current strategy. The discussion then focused on current developments at European and national level, particularly in the context of preparations for the new EU programming period 2028–2034, the financial framework for the Czech Republic and the role of cities and metropolitan areas within it.
The next part of the programme featured analytical studies that have been carried out since autumn 2025 in collaboration with the Institute of Geography at Masaryk University, Urban Planner and other partners. These analyses identify the main trends in the development of Brno and its surrounding area in the fields of mobility, demography, the environment, healthcare and social care. The available data show that the population of the Brno Metropolitan Area (BMA) will age in the coming years, albeit at a slower rate than the Czech average. At the same time, it will grow at a faster rate than the national average.
Climate scenarios predict a gradual rise in temperatures, an increase in the number of tropical days and changes in rainfall patterns, with periods of drought alternating more frequently with short but intense downpours. Housing also remains a significant challenge. Data show that average flat prices in the BMA have risen by 234.9 per cent since 2015, which has a significant impact on housing affordability.
“At the end of the meeting, we presented the main problem areas and development potentials identified from the analytical data, and called on all participating partners and stakeholders to comment on and prioritise them, so that the new strategy truly reflects the territory’s key needs. “With these identified needs, we will also appeal to the managing authorities of the operational programmes to ensure, during the preparation and implementation of the use of European funds, that appropriate priority is given to funding for metropolitan areas, which are key drivers of development and, at the same time, face a significant proportion of socio-economic and environmental challenges,” added Martin Příborský, member of the Brno City Assembly for Strategic Development and Metropolitan Cooperation.
The Brno Metropolitan Area received approximately 5 billion Czech crowns for its development during the 2014–2020 programming period, and 8 billion Czech crowns for the 2021–2027 period. The city secured these funds through the ITI instrument. A further financial allocation is expected for the subsequent 2028–2034 programming period, which will be crucial for the continued development of the metropolitan area. The preparation of the strategy is a complex and long-term process involving analytical work, expert discussions, consultations, revisions and the incorporation of feedback.
The strategy-drafting process will continue throughout this year and next, and several further expert meetings with the stakeholders involved are planned. The final document will then be approved by the BMA Steering Committee and the Brno City Assembly.
A brief summary of European funds in BMA since 2013:
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