Interreg: a catalyst for cross-border labour market cooperation

A well-integrated cross-border labour market is key to the economic and social prosperity of neighbouring regions. Yet, structural barriers often hinder labour mobility and market integration. The findings from the  Cross-Border Regional Labour Market Analysis project commissioned by DG REGIO, underscore the pivotal role of Interreg programs in acting as a catalyst for projects aimed at overcoming those obstacles.

Interreg programs have played a critical role in supporting cross-border labour market initiatives by:

• Fostering institutional collaboration – connecting public authorities, statistical offices, and employment agencies
• Providing financial support – enabling sustainable frameworks for cross-border labour market integration
• Encouraging the development of shared methodologies – supporting data sharing and harmonization initiatives
• Reducing legal and administrative barriers – supporting initiatives that facilitate the mutual recognition of qualifications, labour rights, and social security systems

Several Interreg-supported initiatives showcase how cooperation and data-driven policymaking can strengthen cross-border labour markets, among them:

• INFOBEST (Upper Rhine Region).  Established in 1991 with Interreg funding, INFOBEST acts as a one-stop-shop for cross-border workers, helping them with employment, tax, health and social security issues. Over time, INFOBEST expanded with additional Interreg funding and now operates four regional centres, funded by local and regional authorities, providing legal and administrative advice to cross-border commuters. More recently, the INFOBEST 4.0 project, funded by Interreg, is focusing on digitising services to improve accessibility and efficiency for commuters.
• Observatorio Transfronterizo Galicia-Norte de Portugal. This Spanish-Portuguese cross-border observatory was initiated with Interreg funding and remains a key reference for data exchange between Galicia and the Norte region of Portugal. The Instituto Galego de Estatistica compiles and presents indicators separately but also at an aggregated level for the Euroregion and collects them on the Observatory website, providing an important tool for evidence-based policy making.
• EURES Scheldemond (Zeeland-Brabant). The EURES Scheldemond network, which ran from 2003 to 2023, was a cross-border employment partnership between Dutch and Belgian authorities, employers' organisations and trade unions. Initially supported by Interreg funding, the network facilitated job matching services, exchange of labour market data and advisory support for cross-border workers and enterprises. However, the project faced challenges in securing long-term funding, leading to its official closure in 2023.

These examples show how Interreg remains a key driver in bridging labour market gaps, fostering cooperation, and support a more integrated Europe.

More information on the final outputs of the Cross-border labour market analysis project will be published soon.