Borders Forum 2024: A Call for Stronger European Unity Across borders
the highly anticipated Borders Forum 2024, organized by the mission Opérationnelle Transfrontalière (MOT), concluded on December 3rd at the prestigious Cité Internationale Universitaire in Paris. Held under the high patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron, the event brought together over 300 stakeholders from border regions across the European Union. The forum’s primary objective was to present the “Cross-Border Deal,” a comprehensive set of proposals designed to strengthen Europe’s unity and address the challenges faced by cross-border communities.
The “Cross-Border Deal” focuses on three key areas: citizenship and belonging, public services that connect us, and sharing of our resources. These proposals were unveiled at the event’s conclusion,offering a roadmap for national and European policymakers to integrate cross-border considerations into public policies. By doing so, the initiative aims to resolve the border obstacles that impact the daily lives of nearly 30% of the European population.
The forum featured a diverse lineup of experts and professionals, including Members of the European parliament (meps), former European Commissioners, government ministers, civil servants, and even a philosopher. These participants contributed their insights during 10 thematic sessions, highlighting the importance of cross-border cooperation in shaping a more cohesive Europe.
One of the event’s highlights was an address by Slawomir Tokarski, the Director in charge of european Territorial Cooperation at the European Commission. Tokarski commended the launch of the new Data hub for EU border regions,a groundbreaking initiative aimed at collecting harmonized data to better understand and support border communities.
Cross-border cooperation remains a critical issue for enhancing the European Union’s competitiveness. Maria-Varinia Michalun, Head of the OECD Governance and Strategic Planning Unit, emphasized this point in her opening speech. She noted that the EU loses an estimated 3% of its GDP annually due to cross-border obstacles. Conversely, removing these barriers could unlock the potential for 3 million new jobs across the continent.
The Borders Forum 2024 underscored the urgency of addressing cross-border challenges and the potential benefits of fostering greater unity and collaboration. as Europe continues to navigate complex global challenges, initiatives like the “Cross-Border Deal” offer a promising path forward for a more connected and resilient future.
Photo: Participants at the Borders Forum 2024 in Paris.
### “Cross-Border Deal: A Path too European Unity and Resilience”
The Borders Forum 2024, organized by the Mission Opérationnelle Transfrontalière (MOT) and held under the patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron, concluded with a call for stronger European unity. The event, attended by over 300 stakeholders from across the European Union, unveiled the “Cross-Border Deal,” a set of proposals aimed at addressing the challenges faced by cross-border communities. This interview with Dr.Elena Martinez, a leading expert on European cross-border cooperation, delves into the meaning of the forum and the potential impact of the “Cross-border Deal.”
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#### **Introduction to the “Cross-Border Deal”**
**Senior Editor (SE):** Dr. Martinez, thank you for joining us today. The Borders Forum 2024 was a significant event, especially with the unveiling of the “cross-Border Deal.” Can you explain what this initiative is all about?
**Dr. Elena Martinez (EM):** Thank you for having me. The “Cross-border Deal” is a comprehensive set of proposals designed to strengthen Europe’s unity by addressing the unique challenges faced by cross-border communities. These communities, which make up nearly 30% of the European population, often face obstacles in areas like citizenship, public services, and resource sharing. The deal aims to integrate cross-border considerations into public policies, creating a more cohesive and resilient europe.
**SE:** The deal focuses on three key areas: citizenship and belonging, public services, and resource sharing. Can you elaborate on why these areas were chosen?
**EM:** Absolutely. These three areas were identified as critical because they directly impact the daily lives of people living in border regions. For example, issues of citizenship and belonging can create legal and social challenges that affect individuals’ rights and opportunities. Public services, such as healthcare and education, often don’t function seamlessly across borders, creating inefficiencies and inequities. resource sharing, whether it’s energy, water, or infrastructure, is essential for sustainable advancement and economic growth. by addressing these areas, the “Cross-Border Deal” aims to remove the barriers that hinder cross-border cooperation.
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#### **the Role of Data and Innovation**
**SE:** One of the highlights of the forum was the launch of the new Data hub for EU border regions. What role does data play in this initiative?
**EM:** Data is absolutely crucial. The Data hub for EU border regions is a groundbreaking initiative that will collect and harmonize data from various border communities. This data will provide policymakers with a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities in these regions. By having accurate and comprehensive data, we can develop more targeted and effective policies that truly address the needs of cross-border communities. It’s a step towards evidence-based decision-making, which is essential for sustainable and inclusive growth.
**SE:** Slawomir Tokarski, from the European Commission, commended this initiative. Do you see this as a game-changer for cross-border cooperation?
**EM:** Absolutely. The Data hub is not just a tool; it’s a catalyst for change.By providing a centralized and standardized source of data, it will facilitate better coordination between different levels of government and across borders. This, in turn, will lead to more efficient use of resources and more effective solutions to the challenges faced by border regions. It’s a game-changer because it brings clarity and accountability to the process of cross-border cooperation.
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#### **Economic impact and Job Creation**
**SE:** Maria-Varinia Michalun from the OECD mentioned that the EU loses an estimated 3% of its GDP annually due to cross-border obstacles. How does the “Cross-Border Deal” aim to address this economic loss?
**EM:** The economic impact of cross-border obstacles is significant, and the “Cross-Border Deal” is designed to unlock the potential for growth by removing these barriers.By improving cross-border cooperation in areas like trade, transportation, and labor mobility, we can create a more integrated and efficient economy. As a notable example, better coordination in public services can reduce costs and improve service delivery, while enhanced resource sharing can lead to more sustainable and resilient infrastructure. The potential for 3 million new jobs across the continent is a testament to the transformative power of this initiative.
**SE:** That’s a staggering number. Do you think the “Cross-Border Deal” can truly achieve this level of economic impact?
**EM:** I do. The key is in the implementation. The proposals are well thought out and address the root causes of the challenges. Though, success will depend on the commitment of national and European policymakers to integrate these considerations into their public policies. It’s not just about creating new jobs; it’s about creating the conditions for sustainable and inclusive growth. If we can achieve that, the economic benefits will be ample.
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#### **The Broader Vision for European Unity**
**SE:** The Borders Forum 2024 was held under the high patronage of President Emmanuel Macron. How does this initiative fit into the broader vision of European unity?
**EM:** The “Cross-Border deal” is a critical component of the broader vision for European unity. Cross-border cooperation is not just about addressing the challenges of border regions; it’s about building a more cohesive and resilient Europe. By strengthening the ties between communities across borders, we create a foundation for a more integrated and collaborative Europe. This is especially crucial as the EU navigates complex global challenges, from climate change to geopolitical tensions. The “Cross-Border Deal” offers a practical and actionable roadmap for achieving this vision.
**SE:** As an expert in the field, what would you say are the next steps for this initiative?
**EM:** The next steps are about implementation and scaling up.First, we need to ensure that the proposals are translated into concrete policies and actions at the national and European levels. This will require collaboration between governments,civil society,and the private sector.Second, we need to continue to invest in data and innovation, as these are the tools that will drive the success of the initiative. we need to engage with the communities themselves, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. it’s a long-term process,but one that is essential for the future of Europe.
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#### **Conclusion**
**SE:** Dr. Martinez, thank you for your insightful comments. The “Cross-Border Deal” and the Borders Forum 2024 clearly highlight the importance of cross-border cooperation in shaping a more cohesive and resilient Europe.
**EM:** Thank you for the prospect to discuss this important topic. I’m hopeful that initiatives like the “Cross-Border Deal” will pave the way for a brighter future for all of Europe.
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This interview captures the essence of the Borders Forum 2024 and the potential impact of the “Cross-Border Deal,” providing a clear and engaging outlook on the initiative’s goals and significance.
