Perspectives of strengthened cooperation between cross-border regions: The European Commission’s proposal of a regulation on the mechanism to resolve legal and administrative obstacles in the cross-border context

Abstract

According to some recent data, cooperation between cross-border regions may prove key to support the economic development not only of those regions, but also of the European Union as a whole. However, the very existence of the border may have a negative impact in that regard. The purpose of this article is to provide an analysis of the European Commission’s proposal of a regulation on the mechanism to resolve legal and administrative obstacles in the cross-border context. This instrument, should it come into force, may play a decisive role in promoting the economic development of those areas and the Union, but, most importantly, may be regarded as a way to introduce a cryptofederal element to the European integration process.