Border Focal Point Network

Our Youth4Cooperation Cross-Border Ambassadors have been busy sharing new ideas through articles and videos on Futurium. They also took part in the Youth for Future Cooperation - On the Road to Interreg GO! event in Brussels, where young Europeans came together to help shape the future of Interreg and highlight the importance of youth engagement in policy and communication

Looking ahead, join us at the 21st Beyond Borders Breakfast Debate on 12 December. We'll present the launch of the ACROSS Data Hub, a new tool to inform and improve decision making and services in EU border regions. 

We also share updates on EU policy, including the Committee of Regions’ plans to improve cross-border emergency services and the Council of the EU’s mandate to address shared challenges.

In addition, we are featuring success stories, such as innovations in recycling in Belgium and France and new job opportunities in the Romanian-Hungarian border region, showing the power of working together.

Warm greetings,

BFPN Team

This dynamic event provided a unique platform for young Europeans to shape the future of Interreg by exploring vital themes such as empowering border regions, streamlining regulations, engaging diverse stakeholders and ensuring young voices are central to policy and communication efforts.

Youth4Cooperation Cross-Border Ambassador Kyriakos Kourtidis stated: "The role of youth in shaping policies across borders is crucial. Together, we can create a cohesive and resilient Europe!"

Sara Cardona Rubio echoed this sentiment, adding: "Cross-border cooperation is not just about policies; it’s about bringing communities together, sharing cultures and protecting our diversity."

The event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion led by Jean-Pierre Halkin, Head of Unit D.2 at DG REGIO, highlighting the critical role of youth in shaping the next generation of territorial cooperation policies. A key outcome of the event was the drafting of a Youth Declaration, which will be formally presented at the Interreg GO! event in Gorizia-Nova Gorica in March 2025.

Beyond this impactful event, the Youth4Cooperation Cross-Border Ambassadors have been busy advocating for cross-border cooperation through engaging articles and videos on the Futurium platform. Their insights reflect a rich diversity of perspectives and inspire new ways of thinking about cross-border cooperation.

Discover their latest contributions:

· Emma Chlebowski: Bridging Borders: Improving railway connectivity between Hauts-de-France and Belgium

· Kyriakos Kourtidis: Island Regions and Insularity: Why Islands Matter for EU Cohesion and his video introduction

· Oleksandra Kobernik: Video

· Sara Cardona Rubio: United (and richer) in diversity: The importance of cross-border co-operation to protect minority and regional languages and her video

· Sara Pane: Video

· Vicent de Keer: Video

You can read more about the event on Futurium and stay tuned for more from the ambassadors as they continue to shape the future of cross-border cooperation!

The opinion identifies key obstacles to effective cross-border emergency responses:

· Legal and administrative issues

· Financial issues

· Technical issues

· Language issues

· Cultural issues

The opinion suggests using EU funding and cross-border frameworks like European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs), which have helped improve cooperation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more about the Draft Opinion on Futurium!

The new regulation will help improve co-operation between countries, especially in areas such as infrastructure and public services. An important part of the plan is the creation of cross-border coordination points in each country to deal with problems and work with the relevant authorities. Each country will have the freedom to decide how to tackle these challenges.

Read more about the plan.

The event will present the ACROSS Data Hub for EU border regions, a new platform developed by DG REGIO and the Joint Research Centre (JRC).

Border regions often face unique challenges, from managing shared resources to coordinating public services. The  ACROSS Data Hub provides harmonised geospatial data and socioeconomic insights, empowering decision-makers to plan smarter policies, enhance services like healthcare and transport, and monitor the impact of cross-border initiatives.

During this session, you’ll see the ACROSS Data Hub in action through a live demonstration, hear from experts about its policymaking applications and join an interactive Q&A to explore how it can support your work.

Featured speakers include:

· Jean-Pierre Halkin, Head of Unit, DG REGIO, European Commission

· Alessandro Rainoldi, Head of Unit, Joint Research Centre (JRC)

· Matteo Berzi, Expert, Joint Research Centre - Ispra

· Romina Kocina, CEO, EGTC GO

Don't miss this opportunity to discover how better data can transform decision-making and solutions for EU border regions. Register now!

With 3 round tables, 10 workshops, and 30 speakers, this event is set to shape the future of cross-border cooperation.

Amid increasing challenges and transitions, the forum explores how resilience, societal innovation and democratic engagement can foster a citizen-centric "cross-border deal" that strengthens Europe's internal borders and sense of belonging.

Learn more about the event on Futurium.

This comprehensive guide explores the state of CBECs in Europe, offering practical insights, best practices, solutions to challenges, and recommendations on methodology, legal frameworks, governance, and financing.

Date: 20 January 2025
Time: 13:00–17:30
Location: European Commission, Brussels

Registration closes on 15 December. Read more on Futurium.

By tackling the challenge of recycling composite materials from industries like transportation and aeronautics, the project has developed innovative methods for creating value-added recycled products.

With over 50 companies engaged through networking and awareness-raising activities, the initiative highlights how collaboration can lead to impactful solutions for a greener future.

Learn more about this pioneering project on the BFPN!

The CBC-EMPLOYMENT project between Romania and Hungary is showing the way!

By tackling gaps in entrepreneurial skills and bridging labour market mismatches, this initiative has created new employment facilities, hosted vibrant job fairs with over 1,500 participants, and even launched a mobile centre promoting local products. It’s a remarkable example of how cooperation can transform border regions into thriving hubs of opportunity.

Want to know more about this inspiring success story? Read the full article on the BFPN.

Speakers discussed the impact of climate change, such as droughts and floods, and shared examples of how working together can lead to practical and sustainable solutions.

DG REGIO’s support was a key focus, including funding through Interreg and the Cohesion Fund, and cooperation through the Border Focal Point Network. The debate highlighted projects like the PAWENA project, which improved water supply and quality between Germany and France, and the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR), which brings countries together to protect water resources. Finally, a B-Solutions case on cross-border cooperation between Poland and Lithuania showed how agreements between local authorities can help solve coordination challenges.

Find out more by reading the insights of the event and watching the recording 🎬

We invite our colleagues and community members to share their perspectives on cross-border issues under the "Have Your Say" section on Futurium.

This dedicated section of our newsletter, Perspectives from our Network, is an opportunity for community members to submit brief editorial pieces. Are you interested in appearing in the next issue of the BFPN Newsletter? Please email your proposal and your piece might be selected! Additionally, let us know if you're keen to contribute to next year’s Beyond Borders Breakfast Debates – become a speaker or suggest topics for debate!

📩borders@loweurope.eu