AEBR is organising its first online forum in an effort to connect its members and other stakeholders also in times of social distancing and travel restrictions.
9 9 2020: Here is a link to the video of the forum: https://www.facebook.com/1417881991802080/videos/2624424017826813.
An open forum, accessible to a maximum of 100 participants, will see the participation of various representatives from European border regions to discuss the current situation in their territories.
National and EU measures for confinement and de-confinement have been taken in most countries, including the closing of the borders. In some cases, exceptions for cross-border workers have been introduced.
In a “round-table”, we want to offer a platform to exchange experiences and identify what the effects of these measures on border regions are. How affected are cross-border labour markets in Europe’s border regions? Have citizens in border regions been guaranteed full access to services? What is the impact of the economic crisis on SMEs in cross-border areas?
On this occasion, AEBR will also inform about the progress made by European institutions on granting support to recover from the present crises, as well as on other important issues at the European level. In the last weeks, the European Commission has proposed a revised future budget for the EU, introducing also a Recovery Instrument to help European Member States, regions and municipalities to sustain their finances after the pandemic. This proposal is taking further shape now. During the forum, participants will also discuss some details about the opportunities opened by this new financial scenario.
We hope to share a link to follow the forum as a live stream on a streaming platform (YouTube/Facebook/Twitch). We will keep you updated via our social media channels.
However, for those accessing the platform, with the possibility of taking the floor, prior registration will be mandatory.
Draft Agenda: CBC in times of pandemic - New borders vs. new opportunities
Welcome and Opening by AEBR President, Ann-Sofi Backgren (Ostrobotnia Council, Finland)
Rüdiger Kubsch, Secretary General, Euregio Elbe-Labe (DE/CZ)
Pamela Arthurs, CEO, East Border Region (IE/UK)
Frédéric Siebenhaar, EGTC Eurodistrict PAMINA (DE/FR)
Eszter Csokasi, Director, Euregio DKMT (HU/RO/RS)
Xosé Lago, Director, EGTC Galicia-Norte de Portugal (ES/PT)
Stuey Hamelink, Euregio Scheldemond (BE/NL)
Arola Urdangarín, Director, Euroregion Nouvelle Aquitaine-Euskadi-Navarra (ES/FR)
Christoph von Ach, Europaregion Tirol-South Tirol-Trentino (AT/IT)
Christoph Almering, Secretary General of EUREGIO (DE/NL) (tbc)