The Interreg Spain–Portugal (POCTEP) programme participated in an interactive online session focused on the Interreg Specific Objective 1 “A better cooperation governance” (ISO1), with contributions from the Managing Authority and the lead beneficiary organisation of the GIT EUROACE CON VIDA project.
The session explored how Interreg programmes and projects used ISO1 to tackle cross-border obstacles and build lasting solutions. New ISO1 opportunities were also presented.
During the session, Belén Muñoz, from the POCTEP Managing Authority highlighted that overcoming cross-border obstacles and strengthening administrative cooperation are key elements of the programme’s strategy, drawing on more than three decades of experience working along the border. It also stressed that these issues had already been addressed in previous programming periods under different terminology, such as Thematic Objective 4 “Public Administration” in POCTEP 2014–2020. It also presented examples of projects such as RED MAY and NUMA, both focused on institutional cooperation in the field of health, as well as projects that have supported the activities of Eurocities such as EuroGuadiana, Tui–Valença, Chaves–Verín, and Cerveira–Tomiño.
Meanwhile, Javier Figueiredo, in representation of the Directorate-General for External Action of the Regional Government of Extremadura, lead beneficiary entity of the GIT EUROACE CON VIDA project, summarised some of the project’s main achievements. Figueiredo explained how issues such as cross-border taxation, the permeability of relations, the promotion of cultural cooperation, while also emphasising the need to identify new challenges related to cross-border obstacles. In this regard, he highlighted the importance of cross-border social dialogue, which led to the creation of the series of events “Diálogos de Frontera” within the framework of the project. (WATCH vídeos here)
Other event`s key highlights included:
- An introduction to the InterregGov project, a new initiative from DG REGIO, covering an upcoming call for applications to develop ISO1 activities, and the programmes that should apply.
- Practical examples from two Interreg programmes that successfully used ISO1 to address legal and administrative border barriers.
- Updates from DG REGIO on the future of ISO1 in the post-2027 programming period.
The session was aimed at Interreg programme representatives and anyone interested in ISO1 practices currently implemented to tackle cross-border obstacles.
Webinar Recording – ISO1 in Practice: Tackling Cross-Border Obstacles