It is the cause of history that Zakarpatska oblast borders simultaneously with four foreign countries, i.e. Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. The region is a specific window between Ukraine and Europe. In general, there live 76 various ethnic groups. The population of Zakarpattya is mainly formed by the Ukrainians (78%), but a considerable share also belongs to representatives of the above mentioned nationalities.

Zakarpatska oblast became a part of Ukraine in the middle of the last century. It was a part of Dual Monarchy before its reunification with Ukraine. Later on, it became a part of Czechoslovakia. Besides, the unique geographical location historically favoured establishment of business and cultural relationships among population of Zakarpattya and border regions of neighbouring countries, i.e. Pidcarpatska province (Poland), Koshice and Preshov self-governing regions (Slovakia), Sabolch-Satmar-Bereg Region (Hungary) and Maramuresh County (Romania).

In view of the European Union enlargement and its borders approaching to Ukraine, i.e. to Zakarpatska oblast, there are arising a number of opportunities and threats related to cross-border co-operation development in the Carpathian Region. Aimed at intensifying the processes of Zakarpattya integration into the community of countries of the Carpathian Region and integration of Ukraine into the European Community, in August of 2001 there was established the European Integration and Cross-Border Cooperation Department (hereinafter referred to as the “Department”) by Zakarpattya Oblast State Administration.

In turn, aimed at securing the participation of publicity in cross-border co-operation development, in January of 2002 there was initiated the establishment of the Agency of Regional Development and Cross-Border Co-operation “Transcarpathia” (hereinafter referred to as the ARD “Transcarpathia”) by the Department.

The ARD “Transcarpathia” is a non-profit organization aimed at securing stable and balanced development of Zakarpatska oblast, which is an important and integral component of the Carpathian Region. The main objective is to improve cross-border co-operation and make the process of European integration more effective.