Last week, representatives from European institutions and EGTCs (European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation) from 13 different countries gathered in Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice. They wanted to give the twin cities a boost in setting up an EGTC and to share their experiences. Specifically, the focus was on further developing cross-border working and decision-making structures, ensuring the interfaces between the EGTC and both city administrations function as efficiently as possible, and making effective use of funding. These funds are to be secured to achieve the objectives of cross-border cooperation, particularly in the areas of urban development, transport and sustainable mobility.
Benefits of establishing an EGTC for Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice
A strong voice at European level
There are bodies at European level in which the interests of border regions and twin cities are articulated. These include the Committee of the Regions and the Working Group of European Border Regions. EGTCs carry particular weight in these bodies, for example when, as is currently the case, the priorities for the next EU funding period are being discussed. At European level, it makes a difference when the mayor of Frankfurt (Oder) or Słubice can act jointly in the name of a shared legal entity.
Securing funding
In future, funding will be scarcer and competition will increase. In this situation, a joint legal form recognised by both sides offers a major advantage.
Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice are working on a joint Master Plan 2025–2035 for the twin city. To achieve this, funding from various sources must be intelligently coordinated. Without a common legal form, this is virtually impossible due to differing eligibility criteria and reporting requirements.
Furthermore, it makes a significant difference whether the EGTC is launched this year or not until next year. This is because the new EU funding period 2028–2034 is just around the corner.
Last week’s conference, which was funded by the European Union under the Interreg Europe programme, was attended by representatives of the EGTCs ‘Pons Danubii’ (Slovakia–Hungary), the ‘Kvarken Council’ (Finland–Sweden), ‘Pathways of the Future’ (Slovenia–Croatia) and ‘Tyrol–South Tyrol–Trentino’ (Austria–Italy), as well as the Euregio Meuse–Rhine (Germany–Netherlands–Belgium) and the Trinational Eurodistrict Basel (Switzerland–Germany–France).
Background
There are currently 87 EGTCs across Europe. The 88th is currently being established in the north of the German-Polish border region, in the Euroregion Pomerania. Following three years of preparatory work by both administrations, the establishment of the Frankfurt-Słubice EGTC is now in its final stages.
The EGTC was already the subject of intensive discussion in the committees of the Frankfurt City Council in January and February of this year, and the establishment of the Frankfurt-Słubice EGTC ‘Ohne Grenzen-Bez Granic’ was endorsed by a large majority.&
At their meeting on 18 June, the Słubice town councillors identified a need for further clarification and deferred a decision on the matter.