Why did you set up an EGTC? What are the main challenges, priorities and objectives of this new structure?
The EGTC represents a further stage in the cooperation between the Flandre-Dunkirk-Côte d’Opale region and Flandre occidentale. This cooperation, started in the 1980's, showed that we had complementarities, a large number of similarities and problems in common.
A common approach to these issues, dialogue and exchanges proved to be necessary to advance with truly sustainable development in the border region. As our concern is to build together a Europe that will be closer to its citizens, we have simply chosen to work on concrete issues by addressing matters which primarily concern the daily lives of our inhabitants.
In 2005 this approach was materialised through the formation of the informal cooperation platform and today through the EGTC. The main mission of our grouping is to simplify, promote and support efficient and coherent cross-border cooperation within its territory. It provides cooperation through its institutional, technical and financial strength. By bringing together the different authorities on both sides of the border – from the national level to the territorial level – it will become easier for projects really working across the border to emerge and be managed. The grouping will also be able to directly receive European funds for its projects. The region will clearly display its cross-border identity through the EGTC.
Can you give us some examples of cross-border projects that you would like to implement?
Among the projects for 2009, which are either directly run or supported by the EGTC, we have the Interreg IV projects on hospital cooperation, culture (4x4, Vis-à-vis), tourism ("enhancement of the Westkust Flandre Côte d’Opale coast"), rural life ("Lanscapes under transformation"), pedestrian connections, communication, but also the continuation of works on water management and the follow-up of the cross-border thematic groups, a reflection on carbon neutral activity areas or the extension of the Belgian tramway…
Source: Cross-border news, No.49, April 2009
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