On 13 May 2025, Romanian students took part in a consultation exploring how living near a border influences education, infrastructure, and cooperation opportunities. The discussion revealed both optimism about the benefits of cross-border life and frustration with institutional barriers that limit young people’s access to European opportunities.
There was a clear consensus among participants that living near a border is an advantage. They highlighted benefits such as easier access to cross-border job and education opportunities, allowing people to expand their choices and experiences. Students also appreciated the ability to travel frequently and at low cost, often taking advantage of cultural events, shopping, and services in neighboring countries.
Participants identified two main areas where cooperation is urgently needed: education and infrastructure. They emphasized the importance of better-equipped schools, more educational opportunities, especially in rural or underserved areas, and greater access to non-formal learning. On the infrastructure side, they pointed to poor road conditions, limited public transport, and outdated facilities that hinder both daily life and economic development.
When asked about Interreg or EU-funded initiatives, none of the participants were able to name any relevant projects. Moreover, there was a general lack of awareness about European programmes such as DiscoverEU, Erasmus+, or the European Solidarity Corps. This pointed to a serious communication gap between institutions and young people at the local level. Participants agreed that more accessible, youth-targeted information is needed to increase engagement with EU-funded opportunities, including Interreg.
In discussing barriers to cooperation, participants unanimously mentioned infrastructure as the most significant challenge. Poor road and rail connections, particularly in rural areas, were seen as limiting mobility, economic exchange, and collaboration. Additionally, several students criticized the bureaucratic inefficiency of public institutions, arguing that administrative complexity discourages international partnerships and undermines trust in cross-border cooperation.
When imagining their “dream projects,” students proposed concrete and future-oriented ideas. One suggested building a highway between Brașov and Ploiești to improve regional connectivity and reduce travel time. Another envisioned a modern hospital to provide accessible and high-quality healthcare. Others focused on rural development, proposing projects to equip remote areas with essential infrastructure—roads, utilities, and internet access. A particularly forward-thinking idea involved creating a solar panel farm to promote sustainability and regional energy independence.