«Barcelona is the best bridge between Spain and Central Europe», by Silvie Zámečník
Originally from the Czech Republic, Silvie Zámečník is a mother of one and has had close ties with Barcelona since 2002. She holds a degree in Hispanic Philology from the University of Barcelona and is the owner and Managing Director of AINCZECH, a member of ETL Global. Through her work, she promotes investment, international expansion and business development between Spain and Central Europe.
Why did you choose Barcelona?
My connection with Barcelona began long before I moved here. I was part of a group of students from the Instituto Cervantes in Brno who had the opportunity to visit Barcelona and Madrid. I particularly remember visiting the University of Barcelona: I felt an immediate connection with the city and thought that one day I would live here. In 2002, I had the chance to make that happen, combining my studies with work. After spending several years abroad for professional reasons, I returned two years ago. I wanted my daughter to grow up in an international environment and to return to a city that, for me, still offers an exceptional balance of quality of life, education and career opportunities.
What are the city’s strengths?
What I value most about Barcelona is its international character and, at the same time, the way it makes you feel part of the city. It is an open, welcoming place where people from many different countries live side by side and where it is easy to connect ideas, projects and opportunities. As a mother, I particularly value the quality of its international schools; as a professional, I appreciate its ability to attract talent and create connections. Added to this are its cultural and sporting opportunities, its climate and a quality of life that is hard to find in other major European cities.
Which aspects of the city need to be improved? How?
As a mother and a professional who has lived in several countries, I believe one of Barcelona’s main challenges is making housing more accessible so that families, young people and professionals can build their futures here. We also need simpler, more efficient administrative processes, both for residents and for those looking to start a business or invest. Barcelona has enormous potential, but to compete more effectively internationally, it must also ensure that the talent it attracts wants to stay and can build both a personal and professional future here.
What do you expect from Barcelona in the coming years?
I would like to see Barcelona remain a strong, dynamic city that attracts both local and international talent, while becoming even more connected to Europe. Through my professional experience, I see enormous potential to strengthen ties with Central Europe and turn them into investment, talent exchange and new business opportunities. Barcelona has everything it needs to achieve this without losing what makes it special: its identity, diversity and quality of life.
Which city do you consider to be your home city? What do you miss most?
It is hard to choose just one because I feel deeply connected to both. Brno is the city where I grew up, where my family, lifelong friends and roots are. Barcelona, on the other hand, is the city I chose and where I have built much of my personal and professional life. Perhaps that is why I feel both cities are part of who I am. What I miss most about Brno is something that no technology can ever fully replace: having family and friends close by in everyday life.
