EGTC-NET

The main objective of the project is to establish a sustainable network among the five European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs) operating within the Interreg Italy-Austria Programme area. This network will work towards reducing and eliminating administrative, legal, and/or other cross-border obstacles that hinder effective governance and cooperation. Each EGTC will identify one specific obstacle that affects its administration and potentially limits its operations.

The project will begin with an in-depth analysis of the governance models of the five EGTCs, focusing on the reasons behind their establishment and their specific objectives. This will provide a comprehensive overview of the shared challenges and differences among the EGTCs, serving as a basis for identifying possible solutions to the obstacles encountered, with reference to their past experiences and best practices.

The proposed analysis will build on the already existing governance structures of the participating EGTCs, aiming to develop practical, replicable solutions for each identified obstacle. These solutions will not only be applicable within the partner EGTCs' regions but will also be transferable to other existing EGTCs across Europe. As a result, the network will become a reference point for good practices in overcoming cross-border cooperation challenges throughout the entire programme area.

Additionally, the project will assess the potential impact of the recent Regulation of the European Parliament and Council on the facilitation of cross-border solutions (BRIDGEforEU). The evaluation will focus on how this legislative development could influence the functioning and future development of EGTCs.

To further strengthen cooperation, a permanent round table among the five EGTCs will be established. This forum will begin with a series of study visits involving public and private stakeholders as well as students. These visits will aim to raise awareness about the roles and functions of EGTCs and promote their strategic importance for cross-border cooperation.

This is the first project to bring together all five EGTCs of the programme area, working collectively towards a shared goal of common interest. It aims to address joint territorial challenges in the Interreg Italy-Austria region—a region characterized by its reliance on EGTCs as tools for implementing cross-border collaboration and finding solutions to shared problems in achieving their missions.

Key Challenges Addressed:

Administrative and Legal Barriers: Different laws and regulations between neighboring regions and countries create bureaucratic hurdles, slow down decision-making processes, and complicate the management of joint projects. These issues are particularly relevant for EGTCs operating directly in cross-border contexts.

Lack of Coordination and Collaboration: Effective cross-border cooperation relies heavily on the ability to coordinate actions and maintain ongoing communication among stakeholders. Currently, there is no permanent or sustainable network for collaboration and information exchange among the EGTCs in the programme area.

Approach and Methodology:

The project will first focus on analyzing the governance structures of the involved EGTCs, mapping out commonalities and challenges. Based on this analysis, the project will work on eliminating the specific cross-border obstacles identified by each EGTC. This process will foster a deeper understanding of the individual EGTCs' nature and governance, enabling the identification and exchange of best practices.

To address the lack of a permanent structure for cooperation, the project will promote ongoing dialogue through initiatives such as a permanent round table and mutual learning during study visits. These activities will facilitate the exchange of project results and simultaneously provide training opportunities for students, researchers, and local stakeholders.

Ultimately, the project will enhance the effectiveness of EGTCs by addressing structural obstacles, promoting strategic collaboration, and increasing awareness of their role in European territorial cooperation.