Futuring cross-border regions

The workshop “Futuring cross-border regions” organised by Lund University and Europe Direct Lund was held in Malmö on 18 November 2025 and gathered circa 35 participants, including the organisers.

The event opened with a welcome by Kristina Hrbinic on behalf of Europe Direct Lund, followed by a panel discussion which provided a rich foundation for the following collaborative futuring exercise. At the panel discussion, Marja-Liisa Öberg from Lund University introduced the research project "From Covidfencing to Constitutionalisation: Conceptualising Cross-Border Regions" conducted at Lund University, outlining the legal challenges and opportunities in the governance of cross-border regions in Europe. She was joined by Sandra Forsén from the Nordic Council of Ministers, Roko Kursar, Deputy Mayor of Malmö, and Carolina Garcés from OpenTech. Together, the panelists offered complementary, political and business perspectives on the Öresund region, emphasising the importance of cross-border collaboration, the obstacles that continue to hinder integration, and the future possibilities, particularly regarding regional resilience.

Following the panel presentations framing the event, participants engaged in a co-creative futuring exercise, led by Rhiannon Pugh from Lund University. Participants were divided into six diverse groups consisting of stakeholders representing different cross-border organisations and municipalities in the Öresund region, as well as university students from the fields of law, political science, and economic geography. Across all groups, a coherent and forward-looking vision emerged: a strongly integrated and resilient cross-border region where political, social, digital, and infrastructural systems work more effectively across national boundaries.

A recurring theme at the workshop was the desire for seamless cross-border mobility, not only in terms of physical movement but also digital services and administrative processes. Participants imagined a future where border controls are reduced or eliminated, where transportation systems are coordinated across Denmark and Sweden, and where digital tools, such as payment systems and mobility apps, operate smoothly throughout the region. Equally important was the recognition that current barriers to the free movement of third-country nationals create inequalities that run counter to the aim of building an inclusive and accessible cross-border region.

Another strong message concerned governance and political will. Many participants stressed that meaningful progress requires sustained engagement from national governments in both countries, particularly in Stockholm and Copenhagen. They highlighted the need for closer alignment of legislation, more frequent political dialogue, and recognition of the specific needs of the Öresund region. Harmonising or better coordinating tax, labour, and social security systems - especially as concerns the free movement of non-EU citizens - were seen as essential to supporting mobility and economic activity, while proposals such as regulatory sandboxes were brought up as important innovative solutions for cross-border policymaking.

Social and cultural integration were viewed as equally important pillars of cross-border cohesion. Participants envisioned deeper collaboration between schools, expanded language learning, and more joint cultural initiatives. These efforts were seen as crucial for strengthening mutual understanding and fostering a shared regional identity. Ideas such as establishing an “Öresund University” reflected the broader ambition to create institutions that could anchor long-term cooperation.

The need for improved resilience also featured prominently, informed by lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants pointed to the importance of coordinated crisis response, shared security strategies, and joint planning for infrastructure and public services. Ensuring the efficient – and local – use of revenues from shared infrastructure, including the Öresund Bridge, was highlighted as a concrete step toward greater cross-border preparedness.

The workshop also touched upon economic development and spatial balance. Several groups raised the issue of asymmetrical growth between Copenhagen and Malmö and the risks associated with brain drain. Attracting foreign investment, supporting cross-border industries with robust data, and ensuring consistent implementation of EU legislation were identified as necessary measures for building a competitive and cohesive regional economy.

Finally, participants recognised the transformative potential of technology and digital innovation. Technological solutions such as AI-assisted planning tools and interoperable digital systems, including for digital payments, were seen as essential enablers of smoother public administration and more efficient cross-border cooperation.

Overall, the workshop revealed a shared ambition for a more integrated, resilient, and future-oriented Öresund region. The insights generated through the panel and group discussions will hopefully lead to new directions in academic research as well as offer valuable guidance for policymakers seeking to support the development of Europe’s cross-border regions and demonstrate the importance of collaborative, forward-looking dialogue in shaping their future.