Borders Forum 2024: A Cross-Border Deal for a Stronger Europe
Bridging Borders: European Forum Pushes for Stronger Cross-Border Cooperation
Paris, France – A major international forum aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation within the European Union concluded in Paris this week, with a call for policymakers to prioritize the needs of border regions. The Borders forum 2024, organized by the Mission Opérationnelle transfrontalière (MOT), brought together over 300 participants from across the EU, including Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), former European Commissioners, Ministers, and experts in cross-border cooperation.
The forum culminated in the presentation of the “Cross-Border Deal,” a set of proposals designed to address the unique challenges faced by nearly 30% of the european population living in border regions. The “Deal” focuses on three key areas: fostering a sense of citizenship and belonging across borders, improving access to public services, and promoting the sharing of resources.
“Removing cross-border obstacles could create 3 million new jobs and boost the EU’s GDP by 3%,” said Maria-Varinia Michalun, Head of the OECD Governance and Strategic Planning Unit, highlighting the economic benefits of stronger cross-border cooperation.
The forum featured ten thematic sessions where participants shared their experiences and expertise on a range of topics related to cross-border cooperation. Discussions covered everything from transportation and infrastructure to healthcare and education.
A key development announced at the forum was the launch of a new Data hub for EU border regions. This initiative,spearheaded by the European commission,aims to address the lack of harmonized data on border regions,a crucial step towards developing effective policies.
slawomir Tokarski, Director in charge of European Territorial Cooperation in the European Commission, praised the new data hub, emphasizing its importance in understanding the specific needs and challenges of border regions.
The Borders Forum 2024 served as a powerful reminder of the importance of cross-border cooperation in building a stronger and more prosperous Europe. The “Cross-Border Deal” presented at the forum offers a roadmap for policymakers to address the needs of border regions and unlock the full potential of cross-border collaboration.
Bridging Borders: A Conversation with Sławomir Tokarski on Cross-Border Cooperation in Europe
NewsDirectory3.com: We are joined today by Sławomir Tokarski, Director in charge of European Territorial Cooperation in the European Commission, following the recent Borders Forum 2024 in Paris. mr. Tokarski, thank you for taking the time to speak with us.
Sławomir Tokarski: It’s a pleasure to be here.
NewsDirectory3.com: The forum concluded with the presentation of the “Cross-Border Deal,” a set of proposals aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by those living in border regions. Could you elaborate on some of the key aspects of this deal?
Sławomir Tokarski: The “Cross-Border Deal” focuses on three key areas: fostering a sense of citizenship and belonging across borders, improving access to public services, and promoting the sharing of resources. We believe that by addressing these issues, we can create a more integrated and prosperous Europe for all.
NewsDirectory3.com: One of the meaningful announcements coming out of the forum was the launch of the new Data Hub for EU border regions. Why is this initiative so crucial, and what impact do you expect it to have?
Sławomir Tokarski: The lack of harmonized data on border regions has always been a significant obstacle to developing effective policies. This new Data Hub will provide us with the insights needed to understand the specific needs and challenges of these regions, allowing us to tailor policies accordingly. This is a vital step in ensuring that border regions are not left behind in the larger European project.
NewsDirectory3.com: The forum highlighted the economic benefits of stronger cross-border cooperation, with estimates suggesting the creation of millions of new jobs and a boost to the EU’s GDP. What steps are being taken to translate these potential benefits into reality?
Sławomir Tokarski: We are committed to working with Member States and regional authorities to remove the remaining obstacles to cross-border cooperation. This includes streamlining administrative procedures, promoting cross-border infrastructure projects, and facilitating the movement of people and goods.