The Reform of the EU Cross–Border Cooperation Programmes and Instruments in the Post 2020 period (the 2021—2027 Multiannual Financial Framework)
The Reform of the EU Cross–Border Cooperation Programmes and Instruments in the Post 2020 Period (the 2021—2027 Multiannual Financial Framework)

Summary/Abstract: Cross border cooperation in Europe is an important part of the cohesion policy which aims at reducing disparities between regions. At EU’s internal borders, cooperation across border regions is part of the cohesion policy, whereas at its external borders, cooperation is included in the neighbourhood policy. Within the European Union, cross border cooperation contributes to the very process of European integration by reducing the gaps between regions. At the EU’s external borders, it is important to develop good neighborly relations through cross border cooperation, as well as to strengthen the role of defense, security and safety. Both types of cooperation are financed by funds allocated by the European Union. The study briefly describes the historical evolution of the European cross border cooperation programs and instruments from the Interreg I, launched in 1990, to the present day. Over time, Interreg has undergone successive transformations related to multiannual programming, and continues today. Special emphasis will be on the new multiannual financial framework (2021–2027), characterized by many changes and reforms due to both internal and external context of EU’s evolution. Based on the analysis of official documents of the European Union, the paper will reveal how the new financial framework will improve cross border cooperation by establishing more concise and clearer rules and a more flexible framework for accessing the funds, a higher degree of adaptability to rapid changes that occur during implementation, harmonizing the rules of the programs and also increasing funds allocations.

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