BIG is an international and innovative network of academic and societal partners (governments, the business sector, non-governmental organizations) engaged in border issues. The network is led by the University of Victoria (Canada) and consists, next to partners from North America, of consortia from all over the world. Radboud University and Euregio Rhein-Waal are participating in this project as partners in the Dutch-German border region.
Ten years ago, these partners already organised a policy forum about ‘Borders as a creative resource’. Much has changed in border regions since then. The Schengen Area within the EU has expanded, but at the same time, the refugee crisis, the coronavirus crisis and the reintroduction of border controls have altered our perspective on European internal borders. After a long period in which the barriers of European internal borders were progressively dismantled, a reversal is now happening. At the external borders of the European Union, the barrier function of the border is strengthened as well, to tighten control over migration. It seems as if we have forgotten the benefits of crossing the border without restrictions. By working together across the border, both parties can reap benefits. At a time when borders are becoming more visible and tangible, and are increasingly seen as obstacles, this is more relevant than ever.
These developments provide an opportunity to renew discussions on cross-border cooperation. What is often overlooked is that synergy can lead to more and better results than the sum of individual activities – a concept sometimes referred to as ‘1+1=3’. During the policy forum, which will take place at the Euregio Rhein-Waal in Kleve (Germany), synergy in border regions will therefore be the central focus. Four themes will be addressed within this topic: resilience, better governance, investments & infrastructure and sustainable prosperity & social cohesion. The morning of the policy forum will begin with an introduction to the topic, followed by keynote speeches on the four themes by guest speakers from home and abroad. In the afternoon, two parallel sessions will take place, in which there will be interactive discussions about these themes.
The names of the speakers will be announced at a later date, along with further details of the programme. Registration for the policy forum will open in June. English will be the working language during the presentations and plenary sessions. There is no charge for participation.
