Cross-Border Cooperation as Enlargement Catalyst Commissioner Marta Kos delivered a speech at the InterregGO opening emphasizing the pivotal role of cross-border cooperation projects, particularly the EU-funded Interreg programmes, as foundational steps toward European Union enlargement. Drawing on examples from across Europe, she highlighted initiatives like the 4YourSmiles dental health project in border regions encompassing Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine, and the Interreg Danube Region programme promoting technology transfer, environmental protection, and tourism.
Extension of Funding to Candidate Countries Commissioner Kos revealed that since July 2024, the Interreg Europe cooperation programme has extended access to seven EU candidate countries, granting them EUR 394 million in funding for cross-regional policy development. This expansion reflects a policy orientation toward deeper integration of candidate countries, supporting a gradual incorporation into the EU Single Market.
Concrete Plans for Western Balkans The speech outlined concrete proposals such as the establishment of Green Lanes at Western Balkans borders aimed at reducing waiting times by 50% to 70%, with potential regional GDP gains up to 3%, as per World Bank estimates. These measures focus on tackling bilateral tensions and unresolved disputes seen as barriers to enlargement.
Policy Significance and Stakeholder Impact Kos framed cross-border cooperation not only as physical but as mental border dismantling, promoting a European identity and reconciliation. The proposal to increase candidate country access to funding and market integration strengthens EU influence and regulatory alignment, directly impacting candidate governments, EU regulatory bodies, local border communities, and businesses in border regions.
While enhanced cooperation offers tangible economic and social benefits, such as improved infrastructure and social inclusion, it may also impose administrative and operational demands on national authorities and businesses adapting to new EU frameworks. Furthermore, the political sensitivity surrounding bilateral disputes, especially in the Western Balkans, underscores the diplomatic challenges tied to these initiatives.
Overall, Komis's speech lays out a forward-looking but pragmatic step towards EU enlargement by reinforcing cross-border collaboration, enhancing candidate country participation, and addressing regional conflicts through concrete infrastructural and economic measures.
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