With the entry of both Hungary and Slovakia into the European Union in May 2004, this bridge has become an important economic link between the two nations.
Maria Valeria Bridge
The Maria Valeria Bridge spans the Danube River and links Esztergom, Hungary with Štúrovo, Slovakia. Retreating Germans blew up the original bridge in 1944. It was rebuilt and reopened in October 2001. The project was financed by the EU PHARE program, which assisted applicant central European nations preparing to join the European Union.