Open Call for Visitors: Interreg stakeholders

The Border Regions Peer Exchange Programme, implemented by Fundación CEER with support from the European Commission, connects Interreg organisations and cross-border cooperation stakeholders with successful b-solutions case hosts to exchange knowledge and practical solutions. Selected participants can join two-day peer visits to learn from real examples of overcoming border barriers, with financial support of up to €750 available for eligible visitors.

The programme aims to strengthen cooperation governance, promote knowledge sharing, and improve solutions for challenges affecting European border regions.

About the Border Regions Peer Exchange Programme

The Border Regions Peer Exchange is a European Commission initiative implemented by Fundación CEER to support collaboration among stakeholders involved in Interreg A programmes and cross-border cooperation.

The programme creates opportunities for participants to directly engage with organisations that have successfully addressed real cross-border obstacles through the b-solutions initiative.

Through these peer exchanges, participants can:

Learn from practical examples of cross-border problem-solving.
Share experiences with other European stakeholders.
Understand successful cooperation models.
Strengthen partnerships between border regions.
Improve governance and coordination across borders.

Purpose of the Peer Exchange Programme

The main objective of the programme is to improve cross-border cooperation by connecting stakeholders with proven solutions.

The initiative focuses on:

Showcasing successful b-solutions case studies.
Supporting knowledge transfer between border regions.
Encouraging innovative approaches to border challenges.
Strengthening cooperation between Interreg A programmes and local stakeholders.
Promoting better governance mechanisms for cross-border initiatives.

The programme highlights how practical solutions can help overcome administrative, legal, social, and operational barriers between neighbouring regions.

How the Peer Exchange Works

The programme is structured around visits hosted by organisations that have participated in the b-solutions initiative.

Key features include:

Ten selected host organisations will organise peer exchange visits.
Each visit will last two days.
Participants will visit host organisations and learn about implemented solutions.
Visitors will discuss challenges, strategies, and lessons learned.
Exchanges will encourage cooperation and future collaboration.

Each exchange visit will include:

Up to five financially supported visitors.
Up to five additional visitors without financial support.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include stakeholders involved in cross-border cooperation, such as:

Public administrations.
Cooperation entities.
Academic institutions.
Civil society organisations.
Public service providers.
Interreg A programme bodies.
Other organisations working on cross-border cooperation.

Applicants must be involved in cooperation activities within:

Internal borders of the European Union.
European Economic Area (EEA) countries.
Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) countries.
Countries benefiting from the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA).

Eligible Participants

The programme is designed for individuals and organisations that:

Work on cross-border development issues.
Participate in Interreg-related activities.
Manage or support regional cooperation projects.
Seek practical approaches to overcome border-related challenges.
Want to exchange knowledge with European partners.

Financial Support Available

Selected visitors may receive financial support to participate in the exchange.

Funding details:

Maximum support amount: Up to €750 per selected visitor.
Funding type: Lump sum contribution.
Purpose: To support participation costs related to the peer exchange visit.

Participants should use the funding to help cover eligible participation-related expenses.

Why This Programme Matters

Cross-border regions often face challenges caused by differences in legislation, administration, infrastructure, and public services.

The Border Regions Peer Exchange Programme helps communities and organisations:

Identify effective solutions to border challenges.
Improve cooperation between neighbouring regions.
Build stronger European partnerships.
Share successful practices.
Develop more efficient cross-border governance models.

By connecting stakeholders with real examples, the programme helps transform challenges into opportunities for cooperation.

Examples of Cross-Border Challenges Addressed

The programme may support discussions around challenges such as:

Differences in public administration systems.
Limited coordination between regional authorities.
Barriers to cross-border public services.
Legal and regulatory differences.
Difficulties in implementing joint initiatives.
Challenges in regional development cooperation.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Check eligibility
- Confirm that your organisation works in cross-border cooperation and meets programme requirements.
Identify your participation interest
- Select a peer exchange visit relevant to your organisation’s needs and objectives.
Prepare application information
- Provide details about your organisation, role in cross-border cooperation, and reasons for participating.
Submit the application
- Complete and submit the required application form according to programme instructions.
Selection process
- Applications will be reviewed based on eligibility, relevance, and potential contribution to the peer exchange.

What Selected Participants Should Do

Selected participants should:

Actively participate in the two-day exchange visit.
Engage with host organisations and other stakeholders.
Share their own experiences and challenges.
Document lessons learned.
Explore opportunities for future cooperation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying without demonstrating involvement in cross-border cooperation.
Providing unclear reasons for joining the exchange.
Selecting visits unrelated to their organisation’s work.
Submitting incomplete application information.
Failing to explain how knowledge gained will be used after the exchange.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their applications by:

Clearly describing their role in cross-border cooperation.
Explaining specific challenges they want to address.
Showing interest in learning from practical solutions.
Highlighting potential benefits for their region or organisation.
Demonstrating commitment to sharing knowledge after participation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Border Regions Peer Exchange Programme?

The Border Regions Peer Exchange Programme is a European Commission initiative that connects cross-border cooperation stakeholders with b-solutions case hosts to exchange knowledge and practical solutions.

2. Who can participate in the programme?

Public administrations, cooperation bodies, universities, civil society organisations, public service providers, Interreg A bodies, and other cross-border cooperation stakeholders can apply.

3. How long are the exchange visits?

Each peer exchange visit lasts two days and is organised by one of the selected host organisations.

4. Is financial support available for participants?

Yes. Selected visitors may receive a lump sum contribution of up to €750 to support participation costs.

5. How many participants can join each visit?

Each visit can include up to five financially supported visitors and up to five additional non-supported visitors.

6. Which regions are eligible for participation?

Participants must be involved in cross-border cooperation within EU internal borders, EEA countries, DCFTA countries, or IPA beneficiary countries.

7. What is the main benefit of joining the programme?

Participants gain direct knowledge from successful cross-border projects, develop partnerships, and learn practical methods to overcome regional cooperation barriers.

Conclusion

The Border Regions Peer Exchange Programme provides a valuable opportunity for European cross-border cooperation stakeholders to learn from successful solutions and strengthen collaboration. By connecting Interreg organisations and regional actors with b-solutions case hosts, the programme supports better governance, innovation, and long-term cooperation across European border regions.