Reinforcing Cross-Border Cooperation in an Evolving Cohesion Policy Landscape

Cross-border cooperation remains a cornerstone of the EU’s cohesion efforts as the policy adapts to new priorities in a complex environment. The mid-term review highlights the need for flexible, place-based approaches that deliver benefits across borders. Programmes such as Interreg support joint development, while cooperation with non-EU neighbours, including Switzerland, is gaining momentum. Strengthening these ties through coordinated investments, shared services and governance, often within macro-regional strategies, is vital for ensuring border regions contribute fully to EU cohesion.