On Tuesday 10 October, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) called on the European Commission to present a new proposal establishing a ‘European Cross-Border Mechanism’ (ECBM) designed to make life easier for citizens, workers and industries in border regions.
The current proposal, supported by the CoR and the European Parliament, is being blocked by the EU Member States.
The loss of growth in the EU’s border regions is a direct result of legal and administrative obstacles. These give rise to considerable administrative burdens that hamper the cross-border activities of citizens, local authorities and businesses. Yet 30% of Europe’s population lives in border regions.
In adopting the opinion of French MEP Magali Altounian (Renew Europe), the CoR calls on the EU and its Member States to redouble their efforts to reduce these obstacles in order to complete the single European market, create jobs and growth, and improve people's quality of life. Cross-border coordination points should therefore be set up in all Member States.
The CoR proposes to organise working meetings with the Member States, the Commission and the European Parliament to find a solution for a new proposal on ECBM. The original regulations were adopted in 2018. However, a number of Member States expressed considerable reservations in this regard and discussions were suspended (see EUROPE 13131/10). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)