European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation as the instrument of cross border cooperation

Abstract

The article considers one of the most common and most effective forms of cross-border cooperation between the countries of the European Union, namely the European groupings of territorial cooperation. The role of territorial cooperation in the European Union is constantly growing as it is the basis of political, economic and social cohesion, which is an integral part of Ukrainian society. The development of territorial cooperation is due to the change and development of national, regional or local participants in this process. The Schengen Agreement, the common internal market and the common currency, as well as the emergence of numerous new cross-border projects and the development of cross-border territories, are integral parts of this process. The article examines the EGTC Tisza, which was established in October 2015 in the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine together with the Hungarian region of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg and the municipality of Kisvárd. It is noted that the union has received broad social and political support from both sides at the regional and local levels. This event was decisive for both Ukraine and the EU, as for the first time such an association was created with the participation of a non-EU country. This was a long-awaited step, as the participating regions have long been cooperating together in various fields, including the implementation of grant projects. Many issues need to be addressed together, including flood protection, the rehabilitation of wastewater treatment plants, transport and the development of economic ties. We can say that today Euroregions are the most developed form of cross-border cooperation in Ukraine, but their activities also show a range of problems that hinder their effective functioning. This includes a large number of participants with different cultural and economic characteristics, disparities in the legislation and administration of the country, the low level of business structures and non-governmental organizations. Issues such as the lack of a systematic approach to the organization of Euroregional cooperation, the low level of regional government and the lack of financial support are also worth mentioning.