Intermunicipal Cooperation in Slovak Conditions

In the face of growing global uncertainty, ranging from climate change to geopolitical instability, regional resilience depends increasingly on the ability of local governments to coordinate, adapt, and act collectively. Intermunicipal cooperation (IMC) provides a governance mechanism through which municipalities can pool resources, enhance administrative capacity, and jointly deliver essential services. As such, IMC not only promotes efficiency, but also strengthens the institutional and social fabric necessary for regional sustainability and resilience. This paper analyzes inter-municipal cooperation (IMC) in Slovakia and its crucial role in improving the quality and availability of public services, particularly in the context of enhancing regional resilience. The study aims to identify the specific benefits, prevalent challenges, and untapped potential of IMC within the Slovak local government landscape and to propose concrete measures to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. The methodology is based on a comprehensive questionnaire survey conducted among Slovak municipalities. The results show that IMC brings significant benefits, such as cost savings and improved service quality, which directly contribute to regional robustness. However, it also faces persistent challenges like administrative complexity and lack of stable funding. The paper provides strategic recommendations for future cooperation and emphatically underscores the need for systemic legislative and financial changes at the state level to fully realize IMC's potential for sustainable and resilient regional development.