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Empowering EU Border Regions: The Border Focal Point Network

  • 15 January 2025
Empowering EU Border Regions: The Border Focal Point Network

The Border Focal Point Network (BFPN), led by DG REGIO, addresses cross-border challenges through innovative tools, expert discussions, and youth engagement. It empowers EU border regions with resources to foster cooperation, overcome barriers, and drive innovation.

The Border Focal Point Network (BFPN), launched in 2021, builds on the work of the European Commission’s Border Focal Point (BFP) to address challenges and opportunities in EU border regions. While the BFP focuses on analysing barriers and shaping policy, the BFPN connects policymakers, experts and local actors. It is a go-to platform for solving cross-border challenges, offering practical tools and resources, and inspiring initiatives to enhance cross-border cooperation.

A standout feature of the BFPN is the Beyond Borders Breakfast Debate series. These webinars bring together experts, policymakers and stakeholders to tackle pressing cross-border issues. With over 20 editions and more than 1,600 participants, the debates dive into topics like health, education, crisis management and regional cooperation. Each session is a hub of ideas and solutions for Europe’s border regions.

Another exciting initiative is the Youth4Cooperation Cross-Border Ambassadors programme, launched in 2024. This initiative invites young Europeans aged 18–30 to collaborate with the European Commission on addressing cross-border challenges. With two intakes already completed, featuring ambassadors from 16 countries, the programme has sparked discussions, inspired fresh perspectives and demonstrated the transformative potential of border cooperation.

The BFPN also features the B-Solutions programme, carried out by the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR) and which helps overcome legal and administrative barriers hindering cross-border projects. Complementing this is a vast library of good practices and multimedia resources, designed to support stakeholders in their cross-border efforts.

Whether you are looking for resources, opportunities, or a network to amplify your impact, the BFPN is here to help. Join us to stay informed, share your success stories and shape the future of EU border regions.

Explore more on the️ Border Focal Point Network and subscribe to the BFPN Newsletter.