Cross-border Cooperation Projects Research Articles

Organizational forms of cross-border cooperation of healthcare institutions

The article examines the organizational forms of cross-border cooperation of healthcare institutions. It has been established that currently, it is essential not only to restore the destroyed infrastructure of the health care system but also to restore the health of war victims, as well as the development of an appropriate health care system in connection with the integration of Ukraine into the European Union. It was determined that in such unclear and risky conditions, it is necessary to strengthen the ability to develop cross-border cooperation of healthcare institutions in Ukraine with the relevant healthcare institutions of neighboring states, member states of the European Union, namely: Slovakia, Poland, Hungary and Romania through various available organizational forms. It was established that there are various organizational forms through which health care institutions can implement cross-border cooperation. It was determined that the use of such a form for cooperation as a European grouping of territorial cooperation on the external border of the European Union will be useful both for the exchange of experience of neighboring health care institutions of the member states of the European Union and health care institutions of Ukraine, as well as for their possible effective participation in programs and implementation of cross-border cooperation projects, which would be aimed at the development of the health care sector in order to provide the population with affordable medical care. It was noted that because of the events taking place due to the full-scale invasion of the russian federation into Ukraine, namely the devastating consequences for the health of thousands of people, then it would be expedient to create such a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation on the external border of the European Union with Ukraine. It was established when comparing the legislation of neighboring states, the member states of the European Union, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and Romania, and analyzing the provisions of European Union regulatory acts regarding the activities of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation, it appears that the list of participants of such a grouping may be somewhat wider.

Fuzzy multicriteria evaluation model of cross-border cooperation projects under resource curse conditions

The main goal of this study is to develop a fuzzy multicriteria evaluation model of heterogeneous cross-border cooperation projects to ensure sustainable development of neighbouring regions, taking into account the goals of the announced competition and the possibility of avoiding the resource curse. The model allows you to compare projects of cross-border cooperation of different categories, takes into account expert linguistic conclusions on projects, considers the compliance of the challenge project, moves from expert conclusions to quantitative assessments. At the output of the model, we have an aggregated quantitative assessment of the project and a ranking of cross-border projects is built for their selection and financing. The results of the study can be useful for managers of cross-border project tenders, with the aim of improving the validity of supporting decision-making and sustainable development of neighbouring regions through the prism of the curse, both natural and human resources.

INSTITUTIONAL ASPECTS OF CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION DEVELOPMENT OF THE UKRAINIAN DANUBE REGION IN THE CONTEXT OF COHESION POLICY

INSTITUTIONAL ASPECTS OF CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION DEVELOPMENT OF THE UKRAINIAN DANUBE REGION IN THE CONTEXT OF COHESION POLICY

Cross-border cooperation - a tool for capitalizing and promoting culture and historical heritage

The purpose of this article is to analyze cross-border cooperation as one of the important multifunctional tools aimed at developing good neighborly relations with states on the borders of the European Union, as well as supporting economic and social development and promoting European values in partner countries in the context of EU enlargement. The long-term objectives of cross-border cooperation projects aim at: creating more bilateral benefits; improving the physical and economic infrastructure; human resources development of the region; deepening cultural and educational ties; preparing for EU membership; environmental protection etc. Cross-border cooperation is favored by cultural heritage, ethno-linguistic heritage, historical heritage or the presence of national minorities. The Romanian community in Ukraine or the Ukrainian community in Romania, the common ethno-linguistic heritage of the population of Romania and the Republic of Moldova are favorable elements in the process of cross-border cooperation.

The Financial – Economic Factors in the Strategic Planning of European Borderlands: Envisioning the So-Desired Sustainable Development

In Europe, there are a considerable number of borderlands involving various Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC) projects, plans, and strategies. It is a well-known fact that these border synergies are perceived as very intricate processes. Consequently, research projects that focus on different variables, factors, and perspectives that could affect the success or failure of the common border projects are essential to achieve consistent regional sustainability. In fact, we believe there is a gap on the perception and implementation of some of the critical factors for territorial success in borderlands by the regional main actors. Thereby, this study through the use of exploratory tools as top-to-bottom questionnaires examines the border cooperation of eleven CBC projects (twenty-one European cities) focusing on the financial-economic theme. Besides, the research permits us to recognize and isolate the two main decisive factors to consider from a financial-economic: (i) Strong territorial strategy; (ii) Access to European funds. Moreover, this study shows that the CBC could be used as a catalyst for creating job opportunities in these regions.

Premises and barriers associated with cross-border cooperation - evidence from border regions of Poland

The aim of the work detailed here has been to identify the most important premises upon which cross-border cooperation can be established, the conditions for its further continuation or lack of continuation; and the key barriers to and benefits from the cooperation in question. Also examined was the intensity of cooperation in the periods before, during and after the implementation of individual cross-border cooperation projects – the aim being to assess the extent to which joint projects generate mutual relations of greater intensity. Analysis drew on a questionnaire survey run among all organisations involved in the implementation of Poland’s EU-funded cross-border cooperation projects in the 2007–2020 period.

Pipe organ and organ music in Poland as a part of world heritage

The pipe organ, as a musical instrument and an important object of cultural heritage, has been gaining increasing interest from the international community in recent years. This paper aims at examining the possibilities of preserving organs and organ music in Poland in an international context. As part of the study, an analysis of UNESCO lists was conducted. Furthermore, the organ-building assets in Poland and tourist products developed on their basis (including cultural trails dedicated to organs and organ museums) were studied. Attention was also drawn to other sites and forms of the organ of possible interest to tourists, and to the functioning of organ festivals during the COVID-19 pandemic and virtual organ projects implemented in that period. In addition, public awareness concerning the organ in Poland and Europe as well as organ festivals and other associated tourist products was examined. Finally, actions aimed at preserving Poland’s organ heritage were proposed with reference to practices in other European countries. It was concluded that one of the possible ways to integrate the conservation of organ heritage is a comprehensive approach through the landscape. Organs and their music also form a part of the local landscape, both as landforms reminiscent of the instruments and as artistic installations and sounds, shaping a sense of local and regional identity. It is also very important to engage in cross-border cooperation (including an exchange of good practices) and educational projects with regard to the safeguarding of organ heritage.

Problems and Prospects of Cross-Border Cooperation in Ukraine

The purpose of the article is to analyze the current state of cross-border cooperation in Ukraine, characterize the main problems and outline the prospects for its development.
 The article considers the importance of cross-border cooperation for Ukraine, which consists in the possibility of solving common economic, cultural and environmental problems with the border regions of neighboring countries, attracting foreign capital, creating new jobs, equalizing territorial disparities in development.
 The history of formation of cross-border cooperation in the country is analyzed. It was found that the first Euroregion in Ukraine, the Carpathian one, was established in 1993, and in 1996 Ukraine became a member of the Tacis CBC Cross-Border Cooperation Program.
 The composition of the legal framework for the regulation of cross-border cooperation is studied, the conclusion is made about the declarative nature of state programs for its development.
 The problems hindering the development of cross-border cooperation in Ukraine are described. The main ones are the following: insufficient financial support for the implementation of cross-border cooperation projects and programs; insufficient level of project management quality at the level of subjects and participants of cross-border cooperation; inefficient use of borrowed funds; lack of official statistical information in the field of cross-border cooperation.
 Perspective directions of development of cross-border cooperation in Ukraine are outlined, among which it is necessary to allocate: creation of the uniform scientifically substantiated concept of cross-border cooperation of Ukraine with the EU member states which would consider the general European and national priorities; developing a clear mechanism for raising funds at the national level to ensure cross-border cooperation programs; improving existing mechanisms for obtaining and using EU technical assistance; intensification of formation and development of cross-border clusters.

Legal forms of participation of Ukrainian citizens in cross-border cooperation

The article examines the legal forms of participation of Ukrainian citizens in cross-border cooperation. It is established that the European Framework Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Com-munities or Authorities does not explicitly establish forms of involvement of citizens in cross-border co-oper-ation, but does not restrict them. It was found that citizens are members of local communities and they can not directly and indirectly benefit from cross-border cooperation, so their participation in such processes should not be limited.The provisions of Protocol № 3 to the European Framework Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities concerning Euroregional Co-operation Associations of 16 November 2009 are analyzed. It is established that this protocol clearly regulates the consideration of the interests of individuals in the activities of associations of Euroregional cooperation.The activity of Euroregions formed with the participation of separate territories of Ukraine («Lower Danube», «Upper Prut», «Dniester» and «Carpathian Euroregion») is studied, clearly confirms the involvement of citizens in cross-border cooperation projects. The legal bases of involvement of citizens in the decision of important problems of territorial communities, including the account of their opinion in the course of cross-border cooperation are ana-lyzed. Among the analyzed forms, public consultations, citizens’ appeals and electronic petitions, general meetings of citizens and public budgets were highlighted.It is proposed to classify the legal forms of citizens’ participation in cross-border cooperation as follows: direct forms of participation (first of all, participation of citizens in cross-border cooperation projects, including such events as round tables, conferences, seminars, trainings, etc.); indirect forms of participation (forms of citizen participation aimed at ensuring that their views are taken into account in the process of cross-border cooperation, in particular through: public consultations, citizens’ appeals, general meetings, public budgets, public hearings, local initiatives, etc.).

Cross-border cooperation to strengthen innovation and knowledge transfer: An Iberian case

This study seeks to find out the main achievements of a cross-border cooperation project (INESPO III) in terms of innovation and university-firm knowledge transfer in a region situated in the central region of Portugal and Castile and León, Spain. To achieve this aim, research of a qualitative and exploratory nature was chosen., that is, case study method. Data collection was based on seven interviews with several project actors, and content analysis was also used. Through interviews with project beneficiaries, empirical evidence suggests that this type of cooperation allows access to new sources of external knowledge, with the network benefiting globally from each partner’s type of specialization. This study makes an important contribution to the literature on cross-border cooperation by extending its field of research to knowledge transfer and innovation, analysing a project that has produced good results. It can be determinant for government institutions responsible for administering cross-border incentive systems, and for partner networks in drawing process of similar projects for benefit of their own regions, besides the clear academic interest in business cooperation networks. Final results and main contributions of the project are also presented.

Where there is a will, there is a way: some remarks on institutional distance in the Polish-German borderland

This study concerns the problem of institutional distance between local government units, and its impact on the cross-border cooperation of regional and local authorities in the Polish-German borderland. Contrary to cross-border cooperation per se, the analyzed notion is not featured regularly in the subject literature. Above all, the existing studies focus on the forms of, barriers to, and conditions for cross-border cooperation, the assessment of cross-border cooperation projects co-financed by the EU, and the broadly conceived social and economic cross-border ties. On the other hand, there is a shortage of studies analyzing the competencies of various local government units with regard to cross-border cooperation. Hence, this article examines the competencies of local government units with respect to cross-border cooperation based on the example of the Polish-German borderland. The adopted research method involves the analysis of the subject literature, domestic legislation in Poland and Germany, and the documents and legal acts of the Council of Europe and the EU.

Cross-border Cooperation in the Field of Investment Activity with Regional Development Implications

The article focuses on the issue of cross-border cooperation in the field of investment activity and its impact on the sustainable regional development. In particular, subsidy funds of the European Union are closely linked to regional development. This article covers the research of mapping the situation of cross-border cooperation of the territory of interest, which is partly formed by the South Moravian Region in the Czech Republic and partly by the Trnava and Bratislava Regions in the Slovak Republic. This area comprises 43 municipalities in the Czech Republic and 70 municipalities in the Slovak Republic. The questionnaire survey carried out showed that cross-border cooperation is more applied in the Czech Republic, while the Slovak Republic is more sceptical about the cross-border cooperation projects. Based on the evaluation of the questionnaires, a specific investment project was chosen between the municipalities of Mikulčice and Kopčany, which was financed through the European Regional Development Fund, specifically the Interreg V-A programme the Slovak Republic – Czech Republic. Analysis of the current state of financing was carried out for this project with proposals of possible other financing options. At the end of the article, the impact of the project on the sustainable development of border regions is evaluated.

АКТУАЛЬНІ ПИТАННЯ СПІВРОБІТНИЦТВА УКРАЇНИ З МІЖНАРОДНИМИ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЯМИ У СФЕРІ ФОРМУВАННЯ ТА РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ ПОЛІТИКИ РЕГІОНАЛЬНОГО РОЗВИТКУ

The aim of the article is to research the modern practices of Ukrainian state cooperation with international organizations in the sphere of development and implementation of the regional policy for discovery of types of those interactions under the decentralization reform. Albeit the huge number of publications on the current problems of implementation of regional policy and decentralization reform, the most biggest part of authors understand cooperation between Ukraine and international organizations on regional policy as cross-border cooperation and cooperation of bordering communities of Ukraine and EU member-states. Base on the open data analysis of the state authorities of Ukraine authors provide conclusions that the sufficient part of the financial support provided by EU for assisting Ukraine in development and implementation of the state regional policy is equal or bigger than the amount of state support provided for implementation of the cross-border cooperation projects. Authors reviewed significant empirical material and practices of interactions on support for Ukrainian regional development between Ukraine and such international organizations as European Union (EU), Council of Europe (CoE), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OSCD), German Society of International Cooperation (GIZ), US Agency for International Development (USAID). Article proposes summarizing of modern trends in the sphere of development and implementation of the state regional policy. The Authors underlined a format of those interactions and proposed ways for increasing of cooperation with international organizations through the improvement of legal, institutional, organizational and methodological capabilities of the public management of regional development policy. Practical aim of this publication is development and implementation of scientifically based approach for increasing efficiency of Ukraine’s cooperation with international organizations in the sphere of development of regional policy. Based in the analysis of implementation of technical assistance projects and programs authors provided their proposals for increasing their efficiency. In addition, recommendations are given to the state authorities on the consequence of project’s results and objectives with a new State strategy on regional development for 2021-2027.

EU-Russian cross-border cooperation between (de-)securitization and paradiplomacy: In search of new approaches towards cross-border governance

For almost 30 years, cross-border cooperation between Russia and the European Union has been balancing between cooperation and control, geopolitics and paradiplomacy. In different periods of relations, the dominance of one or another logic of development is noticeable. In the “post-Crimean” period of international relations in Europe, cross-border cooperation remained one of the few spheres of interaction between Russia and the EU which showed somewhat positive dynamics, or at least had not degraded significantly. The Karelian section of the Russian state border attracted close attention from both Russian and Western researchers in the 1990s due to the rapid pace of institutionalization of cross-border cooperation. The creation of Euregio “Karelia” in 2000 and the launch of cross-border cooperation programs within the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy helped to maintain research interest. In recent years, the negative dynamics of relations between Russia and the EU has led to a noticeable decrease in the research interest to some issues of EU-Russian cross-border cooperation. At the same time, cross-border cooperation projects continue to have a positive impact on the development of border communities, and the cross-border governance system continues to develop and transform. Thus, the study of the dynamics of cross-border cooperation in the Euregio “Karelia” is still of scientific interest. It makes it possible to answer specific questions about the peculiarities of interaction between Karelia and Finland, as well as more general questions related to EU-Russian relations. Based on the analysis of discursive cooperation practices inherent to different participants of the cross-border cooperation in the Euregio “Karelia”, the article shows why positive interaction of actors is still possible, and what vector of development can be expected for the regional cooperation between Russia and the EU in the medium-term perspective.

УСПЕШНЫЕ МОНОГОРОДА И НОВЫЙ БРЕНД КАРЕЛЬСКОЙ СЕГЕЖИ

In 2018-2020, a finnish-russian cross-border cooperation project carried out a study, the main goal of which was to determine possible ways for the development of singleindustry towns (or monocities) in the Republic of Karelia on the basis of russian and foreign experiences. The research methodology included interviews with representatives of single-industry towns, a review of relevant literature, and an analysis of development plans and annual reports of single-industry towns in Russia, Finland, the United States and Canada. This study has found that karelian single-industry towns seldom apply branding as an instrument for economic development. At the same time, international experience demonstrates that branding is a widespread and effective tool for attracting investments, tourists and new residents to single-industry towns. This article presents several examples of successful branding of monocities and, on the basis of their experiences, proposes new ideas for creating a new brand of Segezha – a karelian monocity specializing in the production of paper and timber. In particular, it is proposed to make Segezha the founder and coordinator of the International association of pulp and paper cities, as well as to hold annually a number of original cultural events related to the topic of paper, such as a paper art festival, a paper mask carnival, the project “Segezha – the city where Buratino lives” and pageant “Miss valuable paper”. According to the authors, these events will be able to attract the attention of russian and foreign mass media to Segezha and to create a new attractive image for it, which should contribute to the city’s economic diversification and its further development.

The Socio-Cultural Factors in the Common Strategic Planning in European Territories: Principles for Sustainable Development Extracted from Borderlands

The large number of borderlands existing in European territory contains many ventures of Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC). Nonetheless, the management strategies related to such projects and the sustainable development they bring to the regions still raise many questions. Considering the little knowledge regarding the management and governance of borderland territories, the present research through the analysis of nine CBC projects (eighteen European border cities) aims to provide further insights from a common strategic planning perspective. The study was projected to locals, experts, and technicians related to the border cities' planning. In this regard, the participants were asked through questionnaires about their perceptions and feelings about the success of the border-cooperation projects in their area of residence or work. Thereby, the investigation enabled us to identify and isolate the five essential factors and challenges to consider from a socio-cultural perspective: (i) Sense of belonging and break cultural barriers; (ii) Diverse infrastructural offer - Euro Citizenship; (iii) Better life's quality standards; (iv) Retain young and talented people; and Public participation

The Relevance of Political Engagement and Transparency in Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC) Environments: Analyzing Border Cities in Europe

Within European territories, exists a large number of borderlands comprising several Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC) projects and strategies. However, these CBC relationships are known by a high level of complexity. Therefore, the study of all the variables and factors that could influence the success or failure of these CBC projects and strategies are critical to reaching long-lasting territorial sustainability. Contextually, the present paper analyzes the border cooperation of eight CBC projects (seventeen European cities) focusing on the political engagement and transparency. Furthermore, the study allows us to identify and isolate the four main critical factors to consider from a political perspective: (i) Connectivity - Movement between cities; (ii) Political transparency and commitment; (iii) Common objectives and master plans; and (iv) Young and talented people magnet.

Cross-border cooperation projects as a community development generator – „Adriatic Canyoning“ project

Cross-border cooperation projects as a community development generator – „Adriatic Canyoning“ project

UKRAINIAN-POLAND CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION : CURRENT SITUATION

The article analyzes the components of cross-border cooperation between Ukraine and Poland. The main directions of cooperation between the two States on a cross-border basis within the Euroregions are described. The article reveals the formation and development of Ukrainian-Polish cross-border cooperation. The author studies the formation of bilateral cooperation and analyzes the cooperation between Ukraine and Poland in the political, economic, trade and IT spheres. The theoretical aspects of cross-border cooperation between Ukraine and Poland. The state of international financial support for Ukraine cross-border cooperation projects. Identify priority directions of the state policy of cross-border cooperation of Ukraine.

The role of open borders and cross-border cooperation in regional growth across Europe

ABSTRACT This paper estimates the impacts of opening of borders and intensity of cross-border cooperation (CBC) on regional growth across European border regions. The difference-in-difference estimations show that the opening of national borders for free movement of people is associated with a 2.7% increase in regional gross value added (GVA) per capita for the border regions of Europe. Using an extension of this estimation based on European Commission-supported CBC projects data for the 2007–13 period (through the INTERREG programme), the results suggest that the doubling of the number of CBC project partners (per 100,000 population) is correlated with an increase of 2.3% in regional GVA per capita. These results confirm the positive economic benefits of European integration by means of CBC. For future research efforts, these findings also encourage the research community to investigate more deeply the channels through which CBC affects the socioeconomic development of border regions.