Tuesday, 03.06.2025
First cross-border dialogue event
On May 27, 2025, the first Czech-German dialogue forum on the new Dresden – Prague railway line took place in Bad Schandau. The aim of the event was to promote exchange between project stakeholders from both countries and to jointly address key topics related to the planning of the new line.
Following the welcome and presentation of the status by the project managers Kay Müller (DB InfraGO) and Petr Provazník (Správa železnic), the forum provided space for in-depth discussions, including two panel sessions that focused on central aspects of the project.
From past to future – spatial planning and processes
In the first panel discussion, Miroslava Bechyňová (Mayor of Přestanov), Marion Franz (First Deputy Mayor of Heidenau), Matthias Zimmer (Saxon State Directorate) and the project managers Kay Müller and Petr Provazník exchanged views on planning processes and cross-border challenges. The discussion highlighted differences in planning procedures between Germany and the Czech Republic, coordination challenges and shared approaches on both sides of the border.
Focus on the environment – impacts of the new line
The second session brought together Martina Fialová (Exprojekt s.r.o.), Brit Jacob Hahnewald (District of Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains), Tomáš Rieger (Ústí nad Labem Region), Henrik Saske (EGTC new line Dresden – Prague) and the two project managers to discuss the environmental impacts of the new line. Topics included the results of previous studies, the handling of sensitive natural areas and the importance of early environmental assessments in the planning process.
In addition to the official programme, there were numerous opportunities for personal exchange – at information stands, during breaks and at thematic discussion stations in the afternoon. Many participants described the direct dialogue as enriching and constructive.
The forum demonstrated how essential personal exchange is for building mutual understanding – especially in a cross-border infrastructure project of this scale.
