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MOT at the Cohesion Forum: how can cross-border issues be taken into account in the Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion of the EU?

These questions are addressed in the 9th report on economic, social and territorial cohesion of the European Union, presented at the Forum. It offers an assessment of the state of cohesion in the Union, with an entire chapter dedicated to the specificities of border regions (chapter 3.4).

At the Forum, the subject of cross-border cooperation was addressed in a round-table discussion on the role of cities in regional development. Participants emphasized the importance of cohesion policy in the success of cross-border cooperation.

For Carole Delga, President of the Occitanie Region, European territories must realize that they belong to “cross-border macro-regions”, such as that of the Mediterranean basin: “anything that promotes relations between states and European awareness is essential, as are the territorial cooperation programs made possible by cohesion policy”.

According to Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca, the added value of cross-border cooperation is particularly visible in emergency situations: “In some regions, ambulances and fire departments can reach citizens in 15 minutes, whereas near the border it can take up to two hours. It is essential to invest more in Interreg programs, which change the lives of our fellow citizens and demonstrate that Europe helps every territory”.

To consult the 9th Cohesion Report, click here.