Unblocking border regions: Tackling cross-border obstacles through cooperation and coordination

Better cooperation governance (ISO1) Cross border obstacles

In a context of global instability, security for Europe does not only involve defence. It also involves bringing countries together, fostering trust, cohesion and solidarity and breaking down barriers. While border regions can be regarded as living labs of EU integration, cross-border regions and citizens are confronted by limitations and barriers created by the administrative borders. An important step in fostering cross-border cooperation and breaking down border barriers is Interreg. By making governance a strategic priority in ISO1 of Interreg, important governance-related Interreg projects have started. These projects act within their multi-level governance systems, aiming at improving the approach towards border barriers.

The aim of the workshop is twofold: first, it reflects on the results and importance of the ISO1 priority of Interreg in the approach towards border barriers and the implications for post-2027 cohesion policy. Second, with the final BRIDGEforEU regulation in place, this workshop aims to explore how Cross-Border Coordination Points and ISO1 Interreg projects can contribute to strengthening cohesion.

This online workshop showcases three relevant Interreg projects, rooted within the ISO1 priority of better cooperating governance: Alcotraité, ACCESS and Schakelpunt Grensbelemmeringen.

By bringing together the experiences of projects from across the EU, this session will highlight how cross-border obstacles are tackled, together – across governance levels, borders and institutions.

The online workshop is co-organised by ITEM, AEBR and Interact, and it is closely connected to the European Week of Regions and Cities, as it will directly feed the session ‘A Dialogue for Enhanced Cross-Border Cooperation to Shape the BRIDGEforEU Regulation’, taking place on 15 October 2025 14:30-16:00 ( you can find more information here).