On Tuesday 9th February, the Border Focal Point Network organised the first episode of the ‘Beyond Borders: Breakfast Debates’ series. The inaugural event focused on cross-border public service cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The session covered the consequences of closed borders and the efforts of local authorities and cross-border structures to deal with the restrictions. Testimonies from the ground brought evidence on how the cross-border networks helped to tackle the crisis and emphasised the benefits of good trans-border public services especially in three main sectors: transport, employment, and healthcare. The conversation ended with a panel discussion where experts stressed the importance of political commitment from the local and national authorities, whereas the Commission stirs the interest through funding with the INTEREG programme and sheds lights on the existing obstacles.

If you could not join us for this event or if you want to watch it again, the recording is available here:

Presentations of speakers:

More information on the topic and useful websites:

• B-solutions
• B-solutions calls of proposal
• Consultation on the long-term future of cross-border cooperation
• Cross-border public services (CPS) in Europe
• ITA-SLO in the area of Gorizia/Nova Gorica
• The Effects of COVID-19 induced border closures on cross-border regions
• EUprevent
• European Cross-Border Citizens' Alliance
• Franco-Belgian health observatory
• Health Across

The 'Beyond Borders: Breakfast Debates' series has been designed to highlight ways in which cross-border regions can be supported in tackling specific problems,building on their many assets. The debates will provide the opportunity for stakeholders and policy experts to convene and discuss the continued challenges and obstacles to cross-border cooperation.