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European Week of Regions and Cities

Workshop - "Enhancing capacities of regions and cities for better cross-border cooperation”
The latter, organised by Euro-Institut on behalf of the TEIN network, in partnership with the MOT, the AEBR and CESCI, was held in the presence of the European Commission’s DG REGIO. The workshop, which brought together more than a hundred participants, was an opportunity to echo the Commission’s communication “Boosting growth and cohesion in EU border regions” that was adopted in September, and to present the actions undertaken by the four organisations, while emphasising their cooperation. During this workshop, Jean Peyrony, Director General of the MOT, presented the final report of the Intergovernmental Working Group on innovative solutions to cross-border obstacles that resulted from the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the European Union of 2015, and more particularly the “European Cross-Border Convention” instrument, as well as the creation of a European multi-level platform for the elimination of obstacles to cross-border cooperation. This platform, composed of organisations acting in different parts of Europe, must permit better coordination of their actions by acting on each border, supporting local stakeholders in line with the EU cooperation programmes, but also sharing experiences, raising awareness at the national level of persistent obstacles, supporting the intergovernmental process and managing a database of obstacles and solutions. More info


Workshop - “Regional and intermediate policy makers, drivers for maritime cooperation”
The MOT also participated in a workshop organised by the partners of the PASSAGE project (Public AuthoritieS Supporting low-cArbon Growth in European maritime border regions), alongside DG REGIO, InterAct, the CPMR (Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions) and the County of Kent.
The aim was to address the manner in which public authorities communicate with citizens on the benefits of cooperation: persuading inhabitants of border regions of the importance of cooperation is all the more important in light of Brexit. Participants were reminded how essential the Interreg tool is for initiating and supporting cross-border cooperation, although it is not the only tool available and has limits, notably in taking into account the needs of local players, the participation of local authorities, and its governance. Lastly, the participants were able to present their vision of maritime cooperation post-2020. More info

More info on the European Week of Regions and Cities