Environmental challenges cross borders — solutions must too

Rivers, ecosystems and risks such as floods or pollution move freely across borders, while governance often remains fragmented. This was the focus of the b‑solutions Strategic Workshop on Cross‑Border Environmental Cooperation held online on 23 June 2026.

Moderator Caitriona Mullan opened the session by underlining how b‑solutions supports border regions in addressing the legal and administrative obstacles that hinder effective cooperation.

Speakers from across Europe showed how shared environments demand shared responsibility. On the Franco‑Belgian border, Catherine Christiaens (Lille–Kortrijk–Tournai Eurometropolis) explained how unclear responsibilities for the River Lys islands blocked restoration efforts for years. With support from b‑solutions, local actors clarified ownership, formalised cooperation and launched a structured dialogue with citizens.

Along the Portugal–Spain border, Sónia Antunes (Rio Minho EGTC) highlighted that the Minho River is one ecosystem governed by two systems. The challenge was not the rules themselves, but the lack of coordination. b‑solutions helped build a shared understanding and outline pathways toward more permanent governance structures.

In the Pannon EGTC, Péter Merza described how environmental protection along the Drava River intersects with the energy transition. b‑solutions supported the exploration of cross‑border energy communities, identifying legal barriers and preparing ground for future legislative change.

Looking beyond the EU, expert Olivera Antić stressed the importance of cross‑border environmental cooperation for the Western Balkans, a region exposed to transboundary risks. She described b‑solutions as a “missing link” for enlargement, providing targeted legal and administrative expertise that helps municipalities cooperate directly across borders and align procedures with EU standards.

Closing the workshop, Ricardo Ferreira (DG REGIO) reminded participants that borders are human constructs — and that effective environmental cooperation often starts locally. He encouraged territories to use b‑solutions, noting that practical cooperation frequently drives wider policy change.

The key message: environmental resilience depends on cross‑border cooperation. Through its practical, obstacle‑focused approach, b‑solutions strengthens capacities and is a tool that help border regions manage shared environments as shared responsibilities.

Watch the full workshop recording on AEBR’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuPak094dhY&t=371s