Call for b-solutions 3.0 Cases on Cross-Border Barriers

The b-solutions 3.0 Call supports public authorities in resolving legal and administrative barriers to cross-border cooperation in Europe. Selected cases receive expert technical assistance to analyse obstacles and propose practical, legally sound solutions. The initiative strengthens regional integration by addressing issues in public services, labour mobility, governance, and sustainability.

Overview

The European Union-supported b-solutions 3.0 initiative helps public authorities overcome legal and administrative barriers that limit cross-border cooperation.

The programme provides expert support to identify problems, analyse legal frameworks, and develop actionable solutions that improve collaboration between neighbouring regions.

Objectives of the Call

The initiative aims to:

• Remove legal and administrative obstacles in border regions
• Strengthen institutional cooperation across countries
• Improve access to public services across borders
• Enhance labour mobility and education cooperation
• Support sustainability goals aligned with the European Green Deal

Key Focus Areas

1. Institutional Cooperation

• Coordination between public authorities across borders
• Governance and policy alignment

2. Public Services

• Access to healthcare, transport, and social services
• Cross-border service delivery improvements

3. Labour Market and Education

• Workforce mobility
• Recognition of qualifications
• Cross-border education systems

4. Sustainability and Green Transition

• Environmental cooperation
• Climate-related cross-border initiatives

Key Concepts Explained

Cross-Border Cooperation

Collaboration between neighbouring countries or regions to address shared challenges such as mobility, services, and environmental issues.

Legal and Administrative Obstacles

Barriers caused by:

• Conflicting national laws
• Different administrative procedures
• Lack of legal frameworks for cross-border interaction

Technical Assistance

Expert-driven support that includes legal analysis, recommendations, and solution design tailored to specific cases.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• National, regional, or local public authorities
• Cross-border institutions or organisations
• Bodies governed by public law (including public-equivalent entities)

Geographic Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be located in an EU Member State or neighbouring countries such as European Free Trade Association (EFTA) or Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) countries
• Share at least one land or maritime border with an EU Member State (or eligible neighbouring country)

Additional Requirements

• Clear mandate to operate in a border region
• Responsibility for delivering public services
• Defined territorial scope

What Support is Provided?

Selected cases receive:

• Expert legal and administrative analysis
• Identification of root causes of barriers
• Practical and legally viable solutions
• Recommendations aligned with EU frameworks

Support Timeline

• Duration: Up to 3 months
• Expert input: Maximum 8.5 working days per case

Output

• A detailed report outlining:
  • Problem analysis
  • Legal context
  • Recommended solutions
  • Implementation pathways

How the Programme Works

Step-by-Step Process

1. Identify the Obstacle
   • Define the legal or administrative barrier affecting cross-border cooperation
2. Prepare Application
   • Describe the issue clearly
   • Explain its impact on cooperation
   • Demonstrate institutional authority
3. Submit Case Proposal
   • Include details on replicability and potential solutions
4. Selection and Matching
   • Selected cases are assigned experts
5. Expert Analysis Phase
   • Legal and administrative review
   • Development of tailored solutions
6. Final Report Delivery
   • Actionable recommendations provided to stakeholders

What Makes a Strong Application?

Applicants should:

• Clearly define the problem and its legal context
• Show measurable impact on cross-border cooperation
• Demonstrate feasibility of resolving the issue
• Highlight how the solution can be replicated elsewhere
• Provide evidence of institutional mandate

Why This Initiative Matters

• Reduces fragmentation across European regions
• Improves efficiency of public services across borders
• Enhances economic and labour mobility
• Supports policy harmonisation and integration
• Contributes to long-term regional development and sustainability

Common Challenges Addressed

• Conflicting national regulations
• Administrative delays and complexity
• Lack of legal clarity for cross-border services
• Limited coordination between authorities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Vague or poorly defined obstacles
• Lack of legal or administrative detail
• No clear cross-border impact
• Weak justification of institutional role
• Ignoring replicability of the solution

Tips for Applicants

• Use real examples to explain the barrier
• Provide supporting legal or administrative evidence
• Focus on practical, implementable outcomes
• Emphasise cross-border benefits
• Align with EU priorities such as sustainability and mobility

FAQs

1. What is the main goal of b-solutions 3.0?

To identify and resolve legal and administrative barriers that hinder cross-border cooperation in Europe.

2. Who can apply?

Public authorities and bodies governed by public law in eligible EU, EFTA, or IPA countries.

3. Is financial funding provided?

No direct funding is provided. The programme offers expert technical assistance instead.

4. How long does the support last?

Each case receives support for up to 3 months, with a maximum of 8.5 expert working days.

5. What kind of issues can be addressed?

Issues related to legal conflicts, administrative barriers, public services, labour mobility, and sustainability.

6. What is the expected output?

A detailed report with legal analysis and practical recommendations.

7. Why is replicability important?

Replicable solutions can benefit multiple regions facing similar cross-border challenges.

Conclusion

The b-solutions 3.0 Call for New Cases is a strategic initiative that helps public authorities tackle complex cross-border challenges through expert guidance. By addressing legal and administrative barriers, the programme not only resolves local issues but also contributes to broader European integration and policy innovation.