picture zebra crossing

The RFO – Content – RFO activities

Scheme of the cooperation of and links between thematic RFO-cooperation structures

The flow chart illustrates how these different main activities of the project “Change on Borders” are linked between each other.


The RFO "Change on Borders" can be understood as a coherent framework for interregional cooperation among 25 participating border regions (Main Partners) involved in "Change on Borders".

This overall framework allowed to share, transfer and apply technical know-how and to develop new and innovative solutions for common problems. Through meetings a wide dissemination of outputs and results could be achieved beyond the partnership.

The RFO cooperation framework consisted of three types of activities:

Sub-theme Working Groups (SWG)

The three related sub-themes were the framework for the RFO internal projects, the so called Sub-theme Working Groups (SWG).

In 16 SWGs, a limited number of partner regions worked together on specific cross-border questions addressing all regional / local actors practically involved in cross-border cooperation who were located in the Main Partner regions. The aim was to find solutions for particular problems related to border-regions, like e.g. the development of cooperation methods for cross-border regions or practical cross-border policy approaches. Furthermore, SWGs provided the opportunity to organise study visits or staff exchanges in order to improve the transfer of know-how. In addition, SWGs enabled the realisation of cross-border pilot actions in the respective border regions. In this context, a pilot on cross-border data harmonisation was realised via a web-application tool.

"Change on Borders" had the objective to realise 12 Sub-theme Working Groups. Finally, 16 SWGs have successfully been realised.

Thematic Forums (TF)

The 3 Thematic Forums were set up to achieve a sustainable cooperation process and their objectives were the theme-related exchange of experiences and the identification of best-practice examples on cross-border issues. Furthermore, the outputs of the TFs were used to improve practical policy approaches and concepts for border-regions.

For each Thematic Forum at least two meetings per year were held in different Main Partner regions. In total, 22 Thematic Forums were realised addressing a wide range of topics.

Annual Conferences (AC)

Through Annual Conferences, a cross-thematic integration of the RFO activities and outputs was realised which were developed during the TFs and SWGs. The Annual Conferences also helped to spread the RFO-achievements widely throughout Europe. In total, 3 Annual Conferences and 1 Final Conference have been realised within "Change on Borders".