Three reasons to strengthen transnational cooperation in Europe

European unity is more important than ever before. The question of how to reinforce the European continent in the face of threats to its stability appears almost daily in the media, in corridors and across dinner tables.

On this backdrop, the 13 transnational Interreg programmes have developed a joint paper presenting their role in today’s rapidly shifting world. It also offers examples of how transnational cooperation brings Europe forward at pace and scale.

The transnational programmes cover larger geographic regions in Europe and neighbouring countries. They support cross-sectoral teams of experts and practitioners from several countries to join forces in tackling pressing issues in their region.

This set-up has proved a strong formula for building solidarity and synergies while creating positive change. The paper puts the spotlight on these three pillars of strength.

Reason 1: Solidarity beyond borders

Transnational projects forge bonds across borders by bringing people together around a shared goal. This fosters trust and understanding, and the relations tend to outlast the projects. In some cases, the projects even give rise to new international organisations and networks. 

A recent report from the German Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BBSH) finds that transnational cooperation is well placed to benefit places that are otherwise of risk at being left behind. The BBSH calls for transnational programmes to play a stronger role in this context:

'Interreg B makes it possible to include rural and economically weaker regions in the development of the entire region, especially through spatially limited co-operation. This is a unique selling point of transnati­onal cooperation that needs to be utilised more than before.'

Many transnational projects focus on social aspects and address the needs of vulnerable people. Physical and mental health are among the topics addressed. 

Also, projects focused on other topics often have a social dimension. For example, a project may design cities for walking and cycling with the primary aim to reduce transport emissions; however, this also benefits public health and helps those who are struggling to afford a car or pay for public transport. Solutions are often co-created with residents, adding a local democracy dimension. 

Reason 2:  Synergies for all territories

Transnational programmes are well placed to ensure synergies. Since projects involve cross-sectoral teams of experts and practitioners from several countries, they jointly possess large professional networks and a sweeping overview of what is happening in their field of work. 

This allows the partnerships to build on existing knowledge and collaborate with other ongoing initiatives. Also, the inclusion of neighbouring countries enables further synergies between insights and solutions emerging inside and outside of the European Union. 

Interact’s post-2027 stakeholder consultation report Synergies and Cooperation features initiatives taken by transnational programmes to enhance synergies, making the most of the funding. The actions range from special calls to thematic cooperation with other funds such as IJG (Investment for Jobs and Growth).

Reason 3: Change through green and digital transitions

Transnational projects typically entail high-quality innovation at speed. Within a few years, they deliver new or improved solutions and test them on the ground in a variety of settings. 

The mix of practitioners and academic partners bridges the gap between theory and practice. This ensures robust and feasible solutions based on knowledge pooled from several countries. Also, the inclusion of implementing organisations means that the projects’ work will be taken forward. 

In many projects, innovative responses to the need for the green transition go hand in hand with digital tools and support to the European business ecosystems.

An antidote to division and discontent

With this publication, the Interreg transnational programmes are not only showcasing the diversity of their work and how it vitalises regions and cities by bringing them together. They also reveal how they contribute to core values of vital importance in the current volatile situation. 

The first Interreg transnational programmes were set up in 1994, in the aftermath of the worst floods  in Europe in 60 years. The disastrous floods along the river Rhine in December 1993 revealed a need to cooperate across larger regions to prevent and handle similar emergency events in the future.

In the 31 years that have passed since then, transnational cooperation has proven a unique and powerful force creating regional cohesion and robustness. Taking a place-based approach, they have a scope and set-up enabling them to respond to pressing needs as they emerge. They do all of this effectively, tapping into synergies and speeding up innovation.

Perhaps most importantly, they create social cohesion. Many projects help rural, remote and less affluent places to thrive. Others develop solutions that benefit vulnerable groups. And all of them build trust across borders – a vital asset in sorely short supply these days.