On Thursday, 12 June 2025, the Border Focal Point Network hosted the 23rd Beyond Borders Breakfast Debate: “BRIDGEforEU – Shaping the Future of Cross-Border Cooperation in Europe.”

This session explored the newly adopted BRIDGEforEU Regulation, a key step in tackling legal and administrative barriers in #EUBorderRegions. The debate focused on how the regulation enables Member States to address cross-border obstacles through voluntary tools and improved coordination.

Featured speakers: •

• Jean-Pierre Halkin, Head of Unit, Interreg, Cross-Border Cooperation, Internal Borders, DG REGIO
• Ricardo Ferreira, Planning and Programming Officer, Border Focal Point, DG REGIO
• Sandro Gozi, Member of the European Parliament and Rapporteur of the BRIDGEforEU report
• Jean Peyrony, Director General, MOT
• Arola Urdangarin, Director of the Euroregion Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Euskadi, Navarra

Moderator:

• Karen Clements, Deputy CEO, LOW Associates Brussels

Video contribution:

•  Alessia Setti, former Youth4Cooperation Cross-Border Ambassador, shared insights from her doctoral research and personal experiences in the Italy–Austria border region, shedding light on the persistent challenges faced by citizens in cross-border areas.

A practical discussion on what BRIDGEforEU means for cross-border governance and why it matters now.