A coordination point in practice

the “Flemish-Dutch Schakelpunt” as a pilot for the Facilitation tool

Abstract

The research article examines the Flemish-Dutch Schakelpunt, a pioneering joint initiative at the Dutch-Belgian border designed to professionalize the resolution of cross-border barriers. Launched to the public in September 2024, this coordination point serves as a real-world pilot for the European Commission’s "Facilitation Tool" proposal, which aims to establish structured mechanisms for solving legal and administrative obstacles across the EU. The initiative is rooted in the "Meuse-Rhine Region," a macro-region with high levels of integration where cross-border workers can account for up to 5% of the regional labour market. Despite this integration, the region faces a "paradoxical reality" where increased mobility makes legal obstacles more visible and persistent. The Schakelpunt operates on the innovative administrative logic of "do not adapt, but deviate". This approach suggests that instead of attempting major, politically difficult legislative changes to national laws, authorities should seek targeted, regional-level deviations to solve specific bottlenecks. The process is highly structured: local or regional authorities submit obstacles, which then undergo a "Quick Scan" to determine eligibility based on their impact on the Flemish-Dutch border area. Following this, academic partners like Maastricht University (ITEM) and Hasselt University conduct in-depth legal and administrative analyses to provide concrete recommendations. The project is a diverse consortium involving the Flemish government, the Dutch Ministry of the Interior, and provincial governors who act as administrative border coordinators. Unlike initial fears that such points would duplicate existing bureaucracy, the Schakelpunt is designed as a complementary instrument that integrates into robust existing structures like the Benelux Union. Ultimately, the Schakelpunt shifts the focus from a purely legal instrument to a governance process, testing whether a dedicated body for identifying and prioritizing obstacles can effectively lead to problem-solving at the highest ministerial levels.