On 15 May 2025, Romanian students participated in a youth consultation addressing the challenges and opportunities of living near a border. The discussion evolved from initial concerns about safety to a broader reflection on cooperation, public services, and the need for more inclusive and responsive institutions.
At first, many participants viewed life near a border as a disadvantage, expressing concerns that border communities are the most exposed during conflicts or wars. This sentiment reflected current geopolitical anxieties and a growing awareness of regional security risks. However, as the dialogue progressed, students began to recognize several advantages, such as cross-border shopping, affordable goods, and the positive effects of tourism from neighboring countries. Ultimately, they agreed that while risks exist, living near a border also brings unique opportunities, especially in mobility, economic activity, and cultural exchange.
When identifying areas where cooperation is most needed, participants emphasized public service quality, particularly the efficiency and reliability of police forces, which many felt were inadequate or unresponsive. They also highlighted traffic congestion and its link to air pollution and reduced quality of life, as well as the need to modernize education—through updated teaching methods, improved resources, and more inclusive learning environments.
Although participants could not name a specific Interreg project from their region, they demonstrated awareness of EU youth programmes such as Erasmus+ and DiscoverEU. This indicates a degree of engagement with European initiatives but also exposes a communication gap regarding Interreg’s visibility and local relevance.
Students also discussed several practical barriers to cooperation, including the inefficiency of police services in handling cross-border incidents, weak enforcement of environmental laws, and uneven regulations affecting border commerce. They pointed out that such inconsistencies limit sustainability efforts and complicate economic exchange. One participant also mentioned the lack of coordinated management of stray animals in border regions, an issue requiring greater cross-border collaboration.
In imagining their “dream projects,” participants proposed creative and pragmatic ideas:
- a cross-border enterprise that buys affordable goods from neighboring countries and sells them in Romania at fair prices, promoting economic accessibility;
- a modern exhaust system for motorcycles and ATVs to reduce noise and air pollution in rural and mountainous areas;
- the construction of a high-speed railway to enhance regional mobility and tourism; and
- an information hub dedicated to helping citizens access international opportunities, such as scholarships, mobility programmes, and EU-funded initiatives.