On February 25, 2025, the Upper Austrian kick-off meetings in Freistadt and Munderfing marked the regional launch of the BorderLabs CE project, aimed at overcoming border obstacles. Organized alongside euroregion board meetings, the event gathered regional leaders, policymakers, and experts. Discussions focused on key cross-border challenges, including healthcare cooperation, legal frameworks for emergency services, mobility, and disaster response.

In Freistadt, chaired by Gabriele Lackner-Strauß, experts from Upper Austria, including Markus Gneiß and Katja Rosner, presented the INTERREG BY-AT initiative and survey findings on major border challenges. Participants actively contributed their insights, highlighting urgent issues in rescue operations, healthcare, and environmental protection.

Meanwhile, in Munderfing, the Inn-Salzach Euroregion Board Meeting, led by Hannes Waidbacher, featured discussions on the Bavaria-Czech Republic border. Experts like Dominik Hartmann and Brigitte Dieplinger emphasized the importance of resolving cross-border barriers, particularly in disaster response preparedness and legal frameworks for rescue operations.

Key priorities identified included expanding cross-border healthcare services, addressing legal gaps in emergency rescue operations, and improving joint disaster response mechanisms.

The meetings ended on a positive note, with a strong commitment to collaboration and policy improvements, ensuring a more integrated and cooperative Central European border region through BorderLabs CE.