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.

Programme – Tuesday, 14 October

11:15 - 11:30      Registration

11:30 - 11:35      Opening remarks by: 

Władysław Ortyl, First Vice-President of the ECR CoR Group; President of the Podkarpackie Region, Poland

11:35 - 13:00    Panel discussion

Moderator        

Pavel Branda, President of the European Cross-Border Platform; Deputy Mayor of Rádlo, Czech Republic

Speakers

• Matteo Bianchi, CoR Rapporteur on "Enhancing the Territorial Dimension of the EU-Switzerland Relationship"; Member of the Local Executive of Morazzone, Italy
• Nikoletta Horváth, Head of Department responsible for Managing Interreg Programmes, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hungary
• Simona Pohlová, Deputy Head of Unit for Interreg, Cross-border Cooperation, Internal Borders, DG REGIO, European Commission
• Kristoffer Storm, Member of the European Parliament, Denmark