On 2 and 3 December 2024, the 3rd Borders Forum was held in Paris, organised by the Mission Opérationnelle Transfrontalière (MOT). The presentations and panel discussions addressed a potential European Cross-Border Deal, which, like the Green Deal and Industrial Deal, will bring cross-border cooperation at the forefront of EU policies.

The keynote speaker, Maria-Varinia Michalun, Head of Unit of the OECD, promoted the horizontal inclusion of the cross-border aspect in every European policy. Then, two roundtables were held, addressing i) the issue of territorial sovereignty that needs to be shared with the neighbours for a better aligned European cross-border deal and ii) the evolution of the cross-border demos and the role of ethnic minorities in this process.

9 parallel workshops were organised addressing diverse cross-border themes, from urban planning to ecological planning, from public services to citizen participation, and issues like cross-border health care, water management and public transport.

During the event, the ACROSS platform was launched by Ricardo Ferreira (Border Focal Point Coordinator at the European Commission, DG REGIO) and Matteo Berzi (Spatial and Policy Analyst at the Joint Research Centre). The platform will facilitate the exchange of best practices and the networking of those stakeholders interested the most in a European Cross-Border Deal.

You can find out more about the ACROSS platform and the new Data Hub for EU Border Regions in our 21st Beyond Borders Breakfast Debate that will be held on Thursday 12 December.

Additional information on the proceedings of the 3rd Borders Forum can be found here.