On 8 June 2025, Romanian participants reflected on how living near a border shapes opportunities, cooperation, and everyday life. The discussion revealed a balanced perspective—one that recognized both the potential and the persistent challenges of cross-border living.
Most participants agreed that living near a border is an opportunity, though its benefits often depend on context and cooperation. They emphasized that borders can provide access to new jobs, education, and healthcare services, especially when bilateral agreements and Interreg-supported projects are in place. Borders also encourage cultural exchange, bilingualism, and tourism, contributing to local economic growth.
However, several disadvantages were noted. Some mentioned differences in salaries, taxes, or legal systems, which can cause confusion or inequality. Others pointed to traffic congestion at border crossings and delays for commuters. In regions marked by political tension, borders may still feel like barriers rather than gateways. Despite these issues, most agreed that EU initiatives such as Interreg have helped reduce inequalities by funding joint projects, improving infrastructure, and strengthening cooperation between neighbouring regions.
When identifying areas where cooperation is most needed, participants pointed to transport and infrastructure, especially for those who cross the border daily for work or study. They also highlighted environmental protection, stressing the importance of joint action to safeguard rivers, forests, and air quality. In addition, they underlined the need for cross-border job creation, business support, and shared access to healthcare and emergency services, particularly in remote border areas.
Students identified the Danube Transnational Programme as one of the most useful Interreg projects for their area. They appreciated its focus on transport improvement, environmental protection, and innovation in regions like Constanța, which connects the Danube River and the Black Sea. They also praised Interreg V-A Romania–Bulgariafor improving cross-border roads, tourism, and emergency response services. For Bucharest, participants noted that Interreg supports regional development and better links with other European capitals.
In discussing the main challenges to cross-border and transnational cooperation, participants emphasized bureaucracyand differences in legal systems, which create paperwork burdens for those working or studying abroad. Other obstacles included language barriers in rural areas, inconsistent business and transport regulations, and weak infrastructure in some regions. A few also mentioned a lack of trust or awareness about cooperation programs, meaning that many people remain unaware of available opportunities.
Finally, students shared their vision for dream cooperation projects:
- building fast, modern transport links—including better trains and roads—between Constanța, Bucharest, and Bulgaria;
- simplifying procedures for young people to study, work, or volunteer across borders;
- launching a large-scale environmental project to clean the Black Sea and protect the Danube Delta through regional collaboration; and
- developing digital cooperation initiatives, such as shared online platforms for education, jobs, and healthcareacross borders.
Together, these ideas reflected a clear message: borders should not divide communities but connect them, transforming shared challenges into shared progress through cooperation, trust, and innovation.