Improving cooperation in EU border regions – BRIDGEforEU

KEY POINTS

Objective and scope of the regulation

While the regulation sets out a framework to address cross-border obstacles, its key features clarify how and where this framework can be applied:

• it applies to land and maritime border regions between two or more EU Member States;
• it does not apply to borders with non-EU countries, although Member States may develop national procedures to address such cases;
• the regulation complements existing EU law and does not affect procedures related to social security, taxation or the enforcement of EU law;
• Member States retain the full right to use national procedures, conclude bilateral agreements or create tailored solutions to resolve cross-border obstacles.

Establishment of cross-border coordination points

Member States may choose to set up cross-border coordination points (CBCPs) as contact bodies for processing files on identified obstacles:

• CBCPs may be national or regional, and may be shared between neighbouring Member States;
• they may be created as new entities or integrated into existing public bodies or cooperation structures;
• they must publish and update contact details and share them with the European Commission within two months of creation.

Main responsibilities of cross-border coordination points

When Member States voluntarily decide to set them up, CBCPs act as one-stop shops for managing files related to cross-border obstacles and ensuring coordination throughout the process. They function as the single contact point for initiators²; maintain communication with relevant national authorities and those of neighbouring Member States; carry out assessments to determine whether an obstacle exists and what measures may be taken to address it; and provide annual updates to the Commission for inclusion in the EU-wide register of cases.

Submission and handling of cross-border files

Initiators may submit detailed files identifying specific legal or administrative barriers:

• files must describe the problem, its regional context and its practical effects;
• submissions are allowed only if at least one Member State involved has established a CBCP;
• files affecting multiple Member States are assigned to a single CBCP to avoid duplication.

Assessment procedures

At the request of the Member States concerned, CBCPs or the competent authorities assess files, identify whether a real obstacle exists and determine which Member State is competent to address it:

• they may close files if insufficient information is provided, if no obstacle is found or if they decide not to remove the obstacle.
• time limits apply: assessments should be concluded within three or six months, depending on complexity.
• if another Member State is responsible, the file may be transferred with the initiator’s knowledge.

Cross-border facilitation tool³

This optional tool helps remove obstacles through coordinated legislative or administrative changes across borders:

• it can be applied where existing frameworks do not provide solutions;
• the procedure differs depending on whether the obstacle is administrative or legislative;
• authorities must inform the initiator of the result of the procedure within eight months or provide reasons for any delay.

Final outcomes and legal redress

After assessment, the initiator is informed whether the obstacle will be resolved, what steps are taken or why the issue cannot proceed:

• decisions must include clear reasons, and initiators have the right to challenge them if the correct procedure was not followed;
• where both sides agree to act, joint legislative or administrative procedures may be launched.

Commission coordination and reporting

The Commission supports implementation, maintains a public register of files and promotes best practices between Member States:

• by 9 June 2030, the Commission shall review the implementation of the Regulation and must report on the application of the regulation and the facilitation tool;
• coordination tasks include building the capacity and maintaining the visibility of CBCPs across the EU.

Links with other EU instruments

The regulation builds on and complements several related instruments, including the Interreg programmes under Regulation (EU) 2021/1059 (see summary), the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) under Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 (see summary) and the funding framework established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 (see summary).