Border management

Franco-British Cooperation: The MOT Convenes a “Task Force” — The Wimille Declaration

July 2026

On 8 June, the MOT convened a task force dedicated to Franco-British cooperation. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss with its members the current dynamics of cooperation and the desired future direction for this unique maritime border with the MOT’s members.

An initial assessment helped frame the discussions within their political and institutional context, particularly in light of the results of the local elections in the United Kingdom, and more specifically in the counties bordering the English Channel. Migration issues, which are regularly at the heart of bilateral relations, were also addressed.

An overview of the cooperation programs in place prior to Brexit helped establish a link to the Wimille Declaration, which expresses the desire of multiple border territories to encourage the United Kingdom’s renewed participation in Interreg programs (see box below). The initiatives led by the Cross-Channel Geopark were also highlighted.

The participants then shared their recent experiences, particularly in connection with Horizon Europe projects, as well as their priorities regarding youth and climate risk adaptation, which were identified as potential areas of cooperation with the United Kingdom.

The discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening ties with UK stakeholders in order to identify partners who are interested and able to commit to future projects. Despite the specific constraints of this maritime border and the lingering effects of Brexit, MOT members reaffirmed their commitment to continuing and developing Franco-British cooperation.

The Wimille Declaration

On 3 March 2026, the Straits Committee formally submitted the Wimille Declaration to the European Commission. This document calls for the strengthening of territorial cooperation between the United Kingdom and the European Union, in particular through Interreg programmes.

The Strait Committee was established in 2020, against the backdrop of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union, and brings together the County of Kent (UK), the Departments of Nord and Pas-de-Calais (France), the Provinces of East Flanders and West Flanders (Belgium), and the Provinces of South Holland and Zeeland (the Netherlands). This cooperation supports small-scale projects along this border, but does not replace the funding previously provided by European programmes such as Interreg.

Following its withdrawal from the European Union, the United Kingdom has decided to participate in only one European territorial cooperation programme (PEACE PLUS, implemented along the border with Ireland) for the period 2021–2027. However, the regions of north-western Europe, which have historically been interconnected, need a stronger framework for cooperation in order to preserve their economic, cultural and security ties and interests.

The Wimille Declaration sets out the shared commitment of these territories to support the United Kingdom renewed participation in Interreg programmes for the period 2028–2034. In particular, it calls for the reinstatement of the Interreg 2 Seas programme, emphasising the importance of having a dedicated programme to strengthen European cohesion and ensure the long-term future of vital cross-border cooperation between the United Kingdom and its neighbouring territories within the European Union.

This statement, along with other cooperation initiatives at this border, was at the centre of discussions at the MOT’s Task Force meeting.