Thematic Forum 1
Final Conference of the RFO “Change on Borders” in Düsseldorf, Germany
During four years of cooperation (November 2003 - October 2007), 25 border regions from 15 European countries have successfully worked together within the RFO "Change on Borders" by sharing know-how and experience on an interregional level which was helpful for the development of new solutions to economic, social and environmental challenges in border regions.
Thanks to financial support from the INTERREG IIIC West Programme, the partnership has
released many essential, thought-provoking impulses for cross-border cooperation which led
to the realisation of cross-border pilot actions in the respective partner regions.
All activities within the RFO "Change on Borders" were arranged around three core themes, each
comprising several sub-projects in which a limited number of partners worked closely together.
All in all, 16 sub-projects have successfully contributed to finding answers to recent
cross-border related challenges by developing efficient cooperation methods for border regions,
thus, helping to dismantle cross-border related barriers. The outcomes of the common work were
presented at project stands and some project were exemplarily portrayed in the framework of
the agenda of the Final Conference of the RFO "Change on Borders" which took place on 23rd
October 2007 in Düsseldorf, Germany (agenda).
All interested stakeholders of cross-border cooperation in Europe were invited to this
event (invitation) which was finally attended
by approx. 200 participants also from Albania and Bulgaria.
After some welcoming remarks by Ms Christa Thoben (Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy of
the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, DE) on behalf of the Lead Partner, Mr. Colin Wolfe
(DG Regio, European Commission) rose to speak about future challenges of cross-border
cooperation and the potential for interregional exchange in this context.
In the framework of this event, an introductory film on the work and achievements of the RFO "Change on Borders" was presented briefly describing the 16 sub-projects emphasizing the unique character of this cooperation. Moreover, the finalised Best Practice Manual on cross-border cooperation was also introduced to the public. This manual whose main parts are summarized in a brochure is a user-friendly and concise guide for cross-border cooperation which was elaborated based on the experiences gained in the course of the implementation of the RFO. Afterwards, concrete examples of interregional cross-border cooperation were given by the exemplary presentation of three sub-theme working groups (SWG) in the field of harmonisation of cross-border geo data infrastructure of border regions (Cross-SIS), the joint marketing initiative for the cycle path along the river Rhine (Rhine Cycle Path) and the increase of regional innovation capacities through the testing of training and educational tools (Youth for Innovation). The common work within the SWGs has highlighted that the aims of cross-border cooperation have to reflect all partners' needs, as only a "win-win situation" providing benefits for all partners can be a real stimulus for cross-border cooperation.
In the following panel discussion between European cross-border experts and partners of the RFO, border specific challenges and future strategies of handling these were discussed and advantages as well as learning effects of interregional cross-border cooperation were pointed out. This partnership helped to raise the awareness for common problems and favoured the elaboration of possible solutions in border regions. It has become evident that the presence of regional networks and partnerships is crucial for effective mutual learning and the transfer of knowledge.
Finally, the Dutch cabaret artist Karin Bruers vividly demonstrated the importance of "networking" in order to build European partnerships. The conference emphasized that cross-border cooperation is still going to be a matter of major importance in the future by outlining the most significant results of the partnership. This event also gave an outlook on the future in the framework of the Structural Funds Period 2007-2013 supporting the implementation of the Lisbon and Gothenburg strategies for a sustainable and competitive Europe. All "Change on Borders" partners are united in their view that this cooperation has widely opened up a door towards a more intense and sustainable exchange between border regions.