The Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Commission’s science and knowledge service organised a Meeting with Cross-Border Regional Observatories. The event took place in Brussels from the 27th and 28th November of 2025.

The goal of the meeting was to bring together regional cross-border observatories to facilitate knowledge sharing, synergies and complementarities among them and with EU-level initiatives. Ultimately, the meeting aimed to enhance cross-border data production at the local level, supporting more effective decision-making and policy development. Our association was represented by Viktória Borsos, senior GIS expert, who outlined CESCI’s vision on the governance and long-term sustainability of cross-border monitoring.

The welcome speech was given by Ricardo Ferreira, who spoke on behalf of DG Regio. Matteo Berzi and Benedikt Hermann from JRC presented about the goals and background of the meeting.

The meeting was organised around five key topics, each addressing a critical aspect of cross-border data production. The topics were data collection and harmonisation; data production on interactions; data visualization and mapping; data exchange and interoperability; governance and sustainability of cross-border monitoring. In total, the work of more than 20 observatories was presented, with representatives coming from various parts of Europe.

It was a great opportunity for the regional cross-border observatories to get to know each other and the EU-level initiatives and also to share their respective work. Typically, they had not known each other beforehand. The event provided a valuable opportunity for networking and highlighted the shared challenges they face across Europe. They also identified potential solutions, including data sharing with similar or geographically closer observatories. At the very end of the meeting Jean Peyrony from MOT, Aleksandra Galic from Eurostat, Claire Duvernet from BBSR, and Viktória Borsos from CESCI shared their contributions on the governance of cross-border monitoring.

At the end of the meeting, there was a significant desire to maintain and strengthen these contacts. Therefore, after the meeting the organisers announced the launch of the Border Focal Point subgroup specifically for the Cross-Border Observatories. This subgroup will provide a dedicated space on the Border Focal Point Network for observatories to exchange experiences, ask questions, and collaborate on common challenges. This ensures that the wider cross-border community stays informed and opportunities for broader cooperation are maximised.