Geographical Preconditions of the International Controversies Around the Turów Mine

Abstract

The chapter examines the physical-geographical and human-geographical characteristics of the Czech-Polish-German Three-border region, particularly the Turoszów Spur in Poland and its surroundings behind the borders. These characteristics differ within the region and influence socioeconomic settings and cross-border flows. Resulting asymmetries became more visible in connection with the controversies around the Turów Mine located in the Turoszów Spur. The arguments took place mainly between the Czech Republic and Poland. However, Germany cannot be overlooked due to its importance in the region. Countries neighboring the mine are not satisfied with its long-term effects on their border areas, and their attitudes were shared by the EU. The analysis is interdisciplinary and mainly grounded in geography, specifically neo-environmental determinism, and border studies, predominantly examining the effects of market forces and cross-border flows. The text aims to illustrate the significance of geographical factors in the small region without extreme geographical barriers or differences.