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Cross-border workshop reveals how personal ties strengthen regional cooperation

Formal agreements alone won't build trust—it's the informal conversations that spark real progress. Discover how one workshop is reshaping regional cooperation.

The image shows an old map of the Netherlands with the provinces of Germany and the Netherlands...
The image shows an old map of the Netherlands with the provinces of Germany and the Netherlands highlighted. The map is printed on a paper with some text written on it.

Cross-border workshop reveals how personal ties strengthen regional cooperation

A recent cross-border workshop highlighted the importance of direct dialogue in strengthening regional ties. Government President Andreas Bothe stressed that good neighbourly relations depend on more than just formal agreements—they grow through personal connections and shared efforts.

The event focused on key areas like energy supply, education, and digitalisation. Bothe described the border region as a dynamic space for collaboration, innovation, and economic opportunity. Over the past five years, progress in energy cooperation has been notable, including the Entlastungsallianz signed in July 2023 by Baden-Württemberg's government, municipal groups, and financial stakeholders.

LEADER projects, such as *FairArbeitung*, received EU and state funding of up to €4 million per action group for 2023–2027. Local water supply initiatives in Rosenfeld also moved forward, with fees set at €2.83 per cubic metre for 2026–2028. However, no specific updates were shared on education or digitalisation efforts. Participants emphasised the value of informal networking. The workshop encouraged open discussions and experience-sharing, reinforcing the idea that lasting cooperation often begins with personal relationships.

The workshop underscored the need for both structured agreements and face-to-face engagement. While energy projects have seen clear advancements, other areas like education and digitalisation remain less defined. Officials now look to informal exchanges as a way to build stronger, more practical cross-border partnerships.

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