Economic transition and innovation

The OECD report ‘Building More Resilient Cross-border Regions’ is now available!

December 2024

In collaboration with the European Commission, the OECD’s new report shows that well-designed and well-resourced cross-border governance bodies can help unlock the development potential of border regions.

It points out that in 2021, GDP per capita in EU border regions was just 86% of the EU average, and proposes evidence-based recommendations for:
• Improving cross-border governance to better address shared challenges
• Ensuring sustainable, long-term funding and financing for cross-border action
• Strengthening political support to drive meaningful cross-border co-operation

This document summarises the findings of the pilot project launched in 2023 at five pilot sites*, in which the MOT has been closely involved.

Key Points of the Report:

Why cross-border regions often lag behind: the report explores why cross-border regions frequently underperform compared to non-border regions. It also examines the multi-level governance mechanisms in place to boost their development.
Cross-Border Governance Framework: based on insights from the five pilot regions, the report analyzes governance arrangements across four key dimensions:

1. cross-border governance architecture;
2. strategic planning;
3. funding and financing;
4. promotion and advocacy for cross-border development.

More info – Download the report: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/building-more-resilient-cross-border-regions_d5fd3e59-en.html

* Belgium-France, Lithuania-Poland, Luxembourg-France, France-Spain, Portugal-Spain. Find out more here: http://www.espaces-transfrontaliers.org/en/news/news/news/show/un-projet-pilote-porte-par-la-dg-regio-et-locde/