Two new workshops to strengthen the Sambre-Avesnois Sud-Hainaut cooperation

January 2026

On 16 December 2025, the MOT ran two thematic workshops on environment and employment and training, as part of the Sambre Avesnois Sud Hainaut Cross-Border Assembly. Organised by the Maubeuge-Val de Sambre Urban Community, the workshops brought together more than 40 French and Walloon participants in Jeumont.

The MOT presented an analysis aimed at assessing the region’s dynamics and building a shared understanding of its challenges, before handing over to experts and project leaders to highlight initiatives already underway. Finally, participants discussed how to identify and prioritise the actions to be developed for the future of the Cross-Border Assembly.

The morning workshop focused on environemental issues. It highlighted the need for closer cooperation on water management and related challenges, including flooding, drought and biodiversity. The afternoon session on employment and training highlighted the region’s strong socio-economic interdependencies and explored the idea of creating a cross-border job fair.

The outcomes of the five thematic workshops held between November 2024 and December 2025 will be presented at a plenary meeting in early 2026, which will enable the Cross-Border Assembly to set its priorities for the coming years.