The Transfrontier Operational Mission (MOT)

 The MOT’s role is to assist project developers, to promote the interests of cross-border territories and to facilitate the networking of players and the sharing of experiences. It acts as the interface between the different stakeholders in order to find cross-border solutions at the right levels.

• Technical engineering at the service of cross-border territories: the MOT works with local authorities, government departments, and other practitioners of cross-border cooperation on studies and expert missions. It conducts territorial studies at the level of France’s borders, assists with the cross-border aspects of the ANCT’s national programs, and is a partner in European projects.
• A networking platform and a resource center : The MOT coordinates a network that brings together practicioners and institutional players involved in cross-border cooperation in a multilevel approach (map of the network – governance of the MOT) : projet developers, territorial authorities, government departments, European programmes etc. Since it was set up, the MOT has built up a unique body of resources on cross-border cooperation.
• Taking account of cross-border issuess : The MOT communicates the needs of its members to the authorities concerned at national level. If necessary, it draws up proposals for legislative and regulatory changes. The incorporation of cross-border issues into European policies is also a crucial matter for cross-border territories. The MOT defends the interests of its members at European level through numerous actions and partnerships. Consult the MOT’statements.

This positioning facilitates structured dialogue between national and European authorities and local and regional players.

Announced at the 29th MOT General Assembly in June 2023 in Metz by Dominique Faure, then Minister Delegate for Local Authorities and Rural Affairs, the “Roadmap for the partnership between the State and the MOT for the period 2024-2027” marked a new stage in the consideration of cross-border cooperation at the French national level. It comprises three areas of work. 

• Axis 1 : Facilitate the emergence and implementation of cross-border projects and the identification of issues at the local level.
• Axis 2 : Facilitate the identification of cross-border issues at the national level.
• Axis 3 : Facilitate the identification of cross-border issues at the European and international levels.

For the MOT’s President Christian Dupessey, Mayor of Annemasse and President of the French Genevois Metropolitan Pole, this roadmap makes it possible to “ensure that these difficulties are dealt with consistently by the ministries, for all borders, in conjunction with Parliament; and above all to steer a genuine cross-border policy for France.”