Key conditions for Euroregions development at external EU borders: A case study of the Polish–Belarusian borderland

Abstract

External borders of the European Union (EU) constitute a significant spatial and formal legal barrier for mutual relations. The key role in overcoming this barrier is played by cross‐border cooperation implemented by subnational units. The objective of this article is to identify key conditions for the cross‐border cooperation on the Polish–Belarusian border, constituting the external border of the EU. An additional objective is to develop a concept of institutionalization of the cross‐border cooperation, and to point to the possibilities of its implementation in the area of the Polish–Belarusian Euroregion Przybuże. This objective has been implemented by means of the triangulation method with the application of interrelated research techniques such as focus group interview, moderated workshop, surveys and desk research. The research discovered long‐term, intense cross‐border relations existing in the said region. The leaders of the cooperation were identified on both sides of the border. The institutionalization of this cooperation through the creation of the Euroregion was recognized by the stakeholders as an opportunity to dynamize social and economic development and to absorb EU funds more effectively. The developed concept of Euroregions creation and the case study analysis enrich the scientific output related to the theory of territorial cooperation, and offer practical solutions useful in the development of cross‐border areas, with particular consideration of regions located at the external borders of the EU.

UNESCO Transboundary Biosphere Reserves as laboratories of cross-border cooperation for sustainable development of border areas. The case of the Polish–Ukrainian borderland

“…In the case of the Polish-Ukrainian borderland, this problem was recently solved by the creation of the Roztocze Euroregion. Although cooperation in the Euroregion formula is not without its weaknesses, it is a well-established and relatively successful solution for facilitating crossborder cooperation at the EU's external borders (Studzieniecki et al, 2021). Supporting sustainable local development in the Polish-Ukrainian border region based on the natural and cultural values of the UNESCO TBRs and cross-border cooperation enhanced in the framework of the existing Euroregions ("Bug", "Carpathians" and "Roztocze") may be a positive direction for actions aimed at overcoming unfavourable development trends resulting from the region's peripherality.…”

Shifting attitudes towards identity, borders and geopolitical choices: The case of Moldova

“…Regardless of their type, borders are bound to shape perceptions and identities, and certain feelings of belonging. The latest literature on border studies draws ideas and expertise from a wide range of disciplines, including political science, regional economics (Studzieniecki, 2021; Studzieniecki et al, 2021; Székely & Kotosz, 2018) and sociology (Wayne, 2006), as well as human and cultural geography (Brambilla 2015; Bureiko et al, 2021; Newman & Paasi, 1998). Borders and regions are somehow fluid and dynamic, since throughout history, nation states’ borders have undergone continuous historical, political, economic, social and cultural variations.…”

Obstacles to cross-border tourism cooperation across the Baltic Sea as seen by Interreg stakeholders

“…Despite various efforts and funding , cross-border cooperation still faces many barriers and obstacles. Political borders present barriers that may obstruct cross-border mobility (Studzieniecki et al 2021), leading to the obstruction of cross-border cooperation. This barrier -the border -can be lifted, the literature on cross-border cooperation supports the claim that the major obstacles to cross-border cooperation are connected with legal-administrative issues, language-related barriers, difficult physical access, economic disparities, public authoritiesʼ interests, sociocultural differences, and lack of trust (Laissy 2018, Medeiros 2018and Svensson and Balogh 2018.…”