The first pilot case study (10 other cases are currently being implemented) on cross-border labour market is completed. The case examines the labour market in the Öresund Region, also called Greater Copenhagen, which covers the metropolitan areas of Copenhagen in Denmark and Malmö in Sweden. The pilot case study was conducted by Nordregio. 

The region is well connected geographically thanks to functioning infrastructure, has a strong economic vitality, including good innovation and research capabilities, and has very similar values and culture. Although commuting patterns are mainly one-sided, the regional labour market is well-integrated. This is fostered through the region’s history of cross-border cooperation, through increasingly strengthened collaborative governance structures, between national, regional, and local authorities. The entire cross-border region is committed to removing border obstacles and strengthening joint development.

The case reveals that regional labour market deficits can, to an extent, be addressed by the mobility of the labour force in the cross-border area. The available data shows, however, that these effects are limited, and even in an integrated border region, cross-border commuting does not make up a considerable share of the workforce. These specific deficits could potentially be overcome by a more in-depth analysis of the employment needs and labour force supply as well as better targeted policy responses. Even though comprehensive data sources on the joint cross-border area are available, these have not led to crucial policy changes required to strengthen the cross-border labour market. Recent crises have however unveiled some of the critical gaps in the cross-border policy framework and initiated processes to review and address those gaps.

The full-fledged case study report will be publicly available upon official closure of the project, early 2025.