euroregios

Euroregions, also called euroregios, are transnational regional cooperation structures comprising subnational authorities from neighboring European countries. Their goal is to coordinate planning and development across borders to address shared challenges and opportunities in areas such as transport, economy, environment, labor markets, culture, and tourism. While many euroregions exist as informal networks, a growing number have adopted formal legal status under the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), a European instrument designed to facilitate cross-border governance and access to EU funding.

Purposes and activities of euroregions include aligning cross-border planning, managing joint projects and services, promoting regional identity, and leveraging EU funds, particularly those from INTERREG programs. They aim to improve connectivity, attract investment, and enhance social and economic cohesion for communities on either side of a border. The scope can range from small cross-border municipalities to larger transnational regions that traverse multiple administrative levels.

Governance and funding structures vary. Some euroregions operate with loose governance arrangements and rotating leadership, while others have formalized bodies such as a joint council, executive committee, and a permanent secretariat. Funding typically comes from member contributions, national subsidies, and European funds. When established as EGTCs, euroregions gain legal personality, can hold property, sign contracts, and participate more directly in project implementations.

Representative examples include Euregio Meuse-Rhine (Belgium–Netherlands–Germany) and the Upper Rhine regions (France–Germany, with cross-border cooperation extending toward Switzerland). Across Europe, numerous cross-border groupings exist in the Alps, Adriatic, and other regions, reflecting a broad approach to European territorial cooperation and regional resilience.