BRIDGEforEU: a new tool to empower EU border regions

Private or public bodies can flag obstacles in the way of cross-border services or infrastructure

Competent authorities can then decide to take action

MEPs have endorsed the negotiation result on an instrument for overcoming administrative cross-border obstacles that hold back border regions.

On Wednesday, the Committee on Regional Development voted 30-0 (2 abstentions) to endorse a provisional agreement on a Border Regions’ Instrument for Development and Growth (“BRIDGEforEU”) in order to find cross-border solutions to administrative and legal obstacles in border regions.

To resolve administrative and legal issues involving cross-border infrastructure or public services that make citizens’ lives more difficult and hold back economic growth, the proposal would empower regional or local authorities and private bodies to flag cross-border obstacles to coordination points set up by member states that wish to participate.

After assessing the problem and the underlying reasons, the coordination point can use a number of voluntary tools (including ones foreseen by international agreements) to address the obstacle. For example, it can contact the competent authorities (local, regional or national) and notify them of the issue, so that they can evaluate which administrative or legal changes within their remit could resolve the issue.

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After the vote, rapporteur Sandro Gozi (Renew, France) said: “The BRIDGEforEU instrument is an unprecedented win for EU border regions and the citizens living in them. By allowing local authorities and private bodies to flag obstacles blocking cross-border infrastructure and services, BRIDGEforEU can bring us closer to completing the Single Market, and thus promote the cohesion and development of EU regions. We got here thanks to a strong commitment by Parliament and a constructive approach from our political groups, whom I’d like to thank for their trust.”

Background

Around 150 million Europeans live in a border region. The European Parliament estimates that cross-border administrative and legal obstacles amount to a yearly loss of 457 billion euros at EU level, while the European Commission estimates that removing 20 % of current obstacles would boost EU GDP by 2 %.

Next steps

Before it can enter into law, the proposal needs to be formally endorsed by the Parliament plenary. It is expected to be on the agenda during the May 5-9 plenary session.