The contribution of EU b-solutions initiative to foster soft and hard territorial governance and how to assess its main cross-border impacts in the EU cross-border regions

Medeiros, Eduardo (2024) The contribution of EU b-solutions initiative to foster soft and hard territorial governance and how to assess its main cross-border impacts in the EU cross-border regions. JOURNAL OF ADVANCED STUDIES ON BORDERS COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT. pp. 10-21. ISSN 3057-9872

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Abstract

The article examines how the b-solutions initiative contributes to the reinforcement of territorial governance in European cross-border regions. Territorial governance is defined through two distinct processes: hard governance, which involves formal laws, regulations, and strategic planning, and soft governance, which focuses on decision-making, participation, and administrative capacity building. As of mid-2024, 169 b-solution cases have been identified, primarily targeting thematic areas such as employment and education, institutional cooperation, and public services. The research concludes that the initiative has a positive impact on both governance types. Hard governance facilitates the amendment of national and regional legislation to mitigate legal-administrative barriers. Soft governance solidifies cross-border co-creation, multi-level engagement, and institutional trust. The paper further proposes a methodology for performing an effective Cross-Border Impact Assessment. Using the TARGET_TIA matrix, it suggests, evaluating project impacts across four main analytical domains: social, institutional, accessibility, and environmental. This structured approach allows policymakers to assess how effectively legal and administrative obstacles are being reduced through public investment.

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