Collaboration in Geographical Regions Along Borders

In response to heightened concerns about illegal migration and security along Germany's borders, several working groups were established in 2024. The Border Area Check and the Interministerial Working Group for Cross-Border Cooperation were among these, tasked with intensifying border controls, implementing fixed and mobile border controls, coordinating between ministries, and developing temporary solutions for European-level border protection.

One of the key outcomes of these working groups was the establishment of the Working Group Border Area Check, co-chaired by the Federal Foreign Office and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This group was tasked with developing concrete implementation options for a Border Area Check, and a pilot test based on their recommendations is now planned.

The German government's efforts to improve cross-border cooperation did not stop there. In 2022, the Federal Foreign Office commissioned three studies to analyse the potential of various initiatives, including the "Border Scouts" and the use of experimental clauses in border regions. The study on "Border Scouts" demonstrated their usefulness and advocated for best practice exchange and expansion of existing structures.

The "Funding Guideline Border Scouts," published in 2024, supports advisory structures in border regions. Additionally, a study funded by the Federal Foreign Office, along with the Euro-Institute and Kehl University, identified concrete cases for opt-out or experimental clauses that could be implemented under the Real Labs Act.

The Treaty of Aachen, signed in 2019, aims to analyse the impact of new legal provisions on border regions and prevent potential negative impacts from the outset. The federal government also adopted a draft of the "Real Labs Act" in 2024, which would define general legal frameworks for using experimental clauses, including for border regions.

The pandemic highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation. Scarce medical materials were provided across borders, and patients were transferred where beds were available. Remarkable solidarity emerged across borders during this challenging time.

Living, working, and learning on both sides of the border is a daily reality for many people. To better consider the needs of border regions and cross-border cooperation at the federal level, the Interministerial Working Group on Cross-Border Cooperation was launched in the summer of 2024.

Germany shares its borders with nine neighboring countries, and the fundamental abolition of border controls has made cross-border life easier in the Schengen area. However, border closures during the pandemic highlighted the pain and opportunities of restrictions on free movement of people and goods in border regions.

In the last two years, the "German-Czech Regional Forum" and the "German-Danish Working Group for Strengthened Cooperation in the Border Region" were established based on the findings of these studies. These forums aim to foster closer cooperation and address the unique challenges faced by those living and working in border regions.

In conclusion, Germany is taking significant steps to strengthen cross-border cooperation, recognising the importance of this collaboration for both security and everyday life in border regions. The initiatives outlined above are just a few examples of the government's commitment to improving cross-border cooperation and ensuring the needs of those living and working in border regions are met.