b-solutions

Taking Down Border Barriers for a More Integrated Europe. Introductory Notes

Abstract

This study serves as an introduction to the lessons and reflections gathered from the b-solutions initiative. The authors highlight that cross-border cooperation (CBC) is a fundamental part of the European Union's political identity and is vital for achieving territorial cohesion, climate action, and the deepening of the single market. Since 2017, the initiative has documented over 170 case studies where legal and administrative obstacles, such as mismatches in health insurance, lack of coordination in emergency services, and barriers to labour mobility, hinder deeper integration. The study emphasizes that these obstacles often arise from a "national centralism" within welfare-state bureaucracies that fails to accommodate the diverse needs of border regions. Through various expert contributions, the publication explores the role of European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs), health system innovations, and environmental cooperation. Ultimately, the study argues that releasing the full potential of border regions through targeted legal and administrative solutions is essential for creating a more responsive and locally anchored European Union.