1. BUSINESS ACADEMY
LEVICE
SLOVAKIA

2. EUROPEAN CITY OF THE FUTURE
 More than two thirds of the European population lives in urban areas. Cities are places where
both problems emerge and solutions are found. They are fertile ground for science and
technology, for culture and innovation, for individual and collective creativity, and for
mitigating the impact of climate change. However, cities are also places where problems such
as unemployment, segregation and poverty are concentrated. We need to better understand
the challenges that different European cities will face in the years ahead. This is why I decided
to bring together a number of urban experts and representatives of European cities to think
about the future. This report is the outcome of that reflection. It raises awareness of the
possible future impacts of a range of trends, such as demographic decline and social
polarisation, and the vulnerability of different types of cities. It also highlights opportunities
and the key role cities can play in achieving EU objectives – especially in the implementation
of the Europe 2020 strategy. It presents some inspirational models and visions. It also
confirms the importance of an integrated approach to urban development. The ‘Cities of
tomorrow’ reflection process will provide inspiration for policy-makers and practitioners
involved in urban development, whether at local, regional, national or European level.
Looking ahead and developing visions of the cities of tomorrow is becoming increasingly
important at all levels. The development of our cities will determine the future of Europe

3. BRATISLAVA – THE EUROPEAN
CITY OF THE FUTURE

4. BRATISLAVA – THE EUROPEAN
CITY OF THE FUTURE
 Slovakia’s capital city Bratislava has always been
slightly distinct from the rest of the country. This is
probably also due in part to its asymmetric position in
the south-west corner of the country. It is therefore
only natural that following 1989, and with the entry
of Slovakia to the European Union, Bratislava is now a
city with the best prospects to fast become a modern
European metropolis with a high quality of life.

5. BRATISLAVA – THE EUROPEAN
CITY OF THE FUTURE

6. BRATISLAVA – THE EUROPEAN
CITY OF THE FUTURE
 Today Bratislava has a stable place on the map of global real
estate players. While just a few years ago the mention of it
would just raise the scrutinising eyebrow of experts, nowadays
Bratislava is one of the most sought after investment localities
in Europe. Commercial properties in the city on the Danube
are now owned by big names like Heitman, Rodamco
Europe, Hannover Leasing or Axa. In Bratislava, one can find
world renowned developers like Ballymore Properties or ORCO
which are accompanied also by strong Slovak players.
Prestigious consulting companies also have branches here, like
CB Richard Ellis, Colliers International and King Sturge.

7. BRATISLAVA – THE EUROPEAN
CITY OF THE FUTURE

8. BRATISLAVA – THE EUROPEAN
CITY OF THE FUTURE
 Special importance in the urban concept of Bratislava is
associated with the embankments on both sides of the
River Danube, the historical city centre, together with
other protected heritage sites. A specific position is held
by the dockland area. The hub of the new plans is the
area on the south bank of the Danube between The Old
Bridge and The Harbour Bridge. Bratislava will also
develop outwards to the southwest in the direction of the
Austrian border, this having been prevented until 1989 by
the iron curtain of the totalitarian regime.

9. BRATISLAVA – THE EUROPEAN
CITY OF THE FUTURE

10. BRATISLAVA – THE EUROPEAN
CITY OF THE FUTURE
 The city centre also expects to transform, as it becomes
broader, more attractive and livelier. Probably most
importantly, former factory sites will vanish from the
centre, being replaced by modern architecture and
adopting a multipurpose role. Emphasis will be put on the
construction of mixed-use buildings with quality
housing, premium office space, shops and leisure areas
with parks, playgrounds and sports facilities. The city
centre will start to spread out toward the river; several
kilometres of modern attractive boulevard will run along
both banks of the river Danube.

11. BRATISLAVA – THE EUROPEAN
CITY OF THE FUTURE

12. BRATISLAVA – THE EUROPEAN
CITY OF THE FUTURE
 The areas around the central bus and train stations will be
transformed. By 2010 the north and south of the city on either bank
of the River Danube will be linked up by a modern high-speed
tramway. In the coming years the city plans to invest millions and
millions of euro, primarily into the revitalisation of transport
infrastructure.
The economic reforms of the Slovak government from the 2002-
2006 period led to impressive economic growth, which last year
came to over 8% on average. The construction sector reflects the
excellent condition of the Slovak economy, and so the whole country
is experiencing a further construction boom. The heart of
construction work and real estate development is the capital
Bratislava, which is undergoing unparalleled development.

13. BRATISLAVA – THE EUROPEAN
CITY OF THE FUTURE

14. BRATISLAVA – THE EUROPEAN
CITY OF THE FUTURE
 What is among the city advantages? Above all, it is available
space. Bratislava is probably the last major European city
where there is still an abundance of potential construction
sites available. Fantastic locations that until recently were not
utilised, are about to transform into new city quarters, giving
the Slovak capital a new look. The new Land Use Plan of the
city, which has been approved last May, identifies a total of
4,000 hectares of additional development land earmarked for
the construction of flats, shops, offices and related
infrastructure. This is the key competitive advantage of
Bratislava in enticing foreign investors here, which only a few
other European cities can offer.

15. BRATISLAVA – THE EUROPEAN
CITY OF THE FUTURE

16. BRATISLAVA – THE EUROPEAN
CITY OF THE FUTURE
 Bratislava has every chance of developing into
a dynamic economic region in the heart of
Europe. The excellent geographic location
combined with its positive demographic
vitality make the Slovak capital a unique place
for the development of economic activity of
every kind. Bratislava is the “European City of
the Future”.

17. BRATISLAVA – THE EUROPEAN
CITY OF THE FUTURE