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DRAFT REPORT (2023/2076(INI))

On current and future challenges regarding cross-border cooperation with neighbouring countries

REGI-PR-751733

Committee on Regional Development · Rapporteur: Daniel Buda

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A draft report by the Committee on Regional Development on cross-border cooperation with neighbouring countries. It reviews Interreg NEXT programmes, cooperation with the Eastern Neighbourhood, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, lists obstacles to projects, and makes policy recommendations. It welcomes the suspension of cooperation with Russia and Belarus and the re-routing of funds to Ukraine and Moldova, and calls for funding for transport links, energy efficiency and post-war reconstruction. It asks for more financial support for the Black Sea, upgraded ports and a cohesive strategy, and for coordinated use of funds in the Mediterranean to boost competitiveness and manage migration. It finds that differing legal frameworks, language barriers, mismatched competences and the COVID-19 pandemic hinder project implementation, and recommends simpler procedures, complementarity between projects and more involvement of local authorities.

Committee position. The rapporteur proposes an own-initiative report divided into 7 chapters presenting key features of cross-border cooperation, highlighting benefits and challenges, and making policy recommendations focused on complementarity, synergies and simplification.

Key points

  1. Welcomes the alignment of Interreg NEXT programmes with Interreg programmes, which can simplify procedures, enhance synergies and increase the effectiveness of European investments.
  2. Welcomes electronic data transmission by managing authorities but warns that more frequent transmission can increase bureaucratisation, and expresses concern that large infrastructure projects will no longer need Commission approval.
  3. Welcomes the removal of the limit on EU funding for large infrastructure projects, believing infrastructure development contributes to socio-economic growth in cross-border regions.
  4. Welcomes the suspension of cross-border cooperation with Russia and Belarus and the re-routing of funds to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.
  5. Calls for funding to develop transport infrastructure, including railway connections with Ukraine, to streamline goods and grain flows and ensure food security, and for more infrastructure projects connecting regions.
  6. Deplores the destruction of homes and infrastructure in Ukraine, stresses the role of cross-border programmes and the New European Bauhaus in post-war reconstruction, and calls for more funding for energy efficiency and reduced dependence on Russia.
  7. Welcomes procedures to include Ukraine in the URBACT European Territorial Cooperation programme and the accession of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova as observer members of ESPON.
  8. Stresses the need for increased financial support for the Black Sea, highlights its energy potential, and calls for upgraded ports connected to TEN-T corridors and a cohesive strategy with synergies with the Danube Programme 2021-2027.
  9. Welcomes the expected increase in countries participating in Interreg MED programmes and proposes coordinated use of existing funds to boost Mediterranean competitiveness while respecting environmental rules.
  10. Considers cross-border programmes must help manage migration flows and foster inclusiveness on both sides of the Mediterranean, and recognises the role of research and innovation in disaster risk prevention, water management and CO2 reduction.
  11. Notes that different legal and institutional frameworks, language barriers, incompatible competences of authorities, frequent changes in regional authorities and the COVID-19 pandemic create obstacles and delays in project implementation.
  12. Recommends greater complementarity and synergy between projects and other policies to avoid double funding, calls on the Commission to simplify procedures and improve partner state authorities' access to funding, and stresses involving regional and local authorities in projects.

Who is affected

  • EU border regions and their inhabitants, who benefit from cooperation programmes addressing common challenges and reducing disparities.
  • Neighbouring countries, including Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Mediterranean and Black Sea partners, which receive funding and cooperation.
  • Regional and local authorities, which should be involved in project implementation and need guidelines.
  • Civil society, local authorities and the private sector, which gain dialogue opportunities through the programmes.

Figures and deadlines

  • 184 regions, 33 countries and 260 million inhabitants covered by EU cooperation programmes with neighbouring regions.
  • Half of the programmes proposed for the period 2021-2027 affected by the suspension of cooperation with Russia and Belarus.

Legal basis: Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union and Articles 4, 162, 174 to 178 and 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.