Partner meeting and thematic workshop of the BorderLabs CE project in Wrocław
On 2 and 3 March, the partners of the BorderLabs CE project met in Wrocław, Poland, to discuss the prospective final steps of the project and to exchange knowledge on the management of cross-border legal obstacles. The guests were hosted by the IRT, the Institute for Territorial Development. CESCI was represented by Gyula Ocskay, secretary general.
2026-03-17/by Ocskay LillaCESCI’s participation in the CROSUSMOB project
As a contracted expert, CESCI had the opportunity to participate in the CROSUSMOB project, implemented within the framework of the Interreg Europe Programme. The primary objective of the project is to promote regional cross-border sustainable mobility by removing existing legal, administrative and technical barriers, and by increasing the attractiveness of public transport through the harmonisation of timetables, tariffs and infrastructure. The project involves seven partners from six EU countries, including our contracting organisation from Hungary, the KTI Institute of Transport Sciences.
2026-03-12/by Ocskay LillaThe results of the CROSSGOV ESPON project have been published
A noteworthy milestone in the life of CESCI is that our first significant partnership participation in a project implemented within the framework of an ESPON programme has been successfully completed. The aim of the CROSSGOV project is to develop a new analytical approach and measures that help unlock the development potential of cross-border regions. This work is carried out in light of the recurring need to establish effective governance mechanisms for emerging cross-border functional areas, while recognizing that the available research background on this topic remains limited.
2026-03-10/by Ocskay LillaPálfi István EGTC 20 Memorial Conference
On March 5, 2026, a memorial conference was held in Budapest focusing on one of the most important legacies of István Pálfi’s work: the role and operation of EGTCs (European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation). The event was organized through the cooperation of the Association of the Seven Borders Municipal Alliance in the Carpathian Basin (HHÖSZ), CESCI, and EDUTUS University. Participants were welcomed by Dr. László Zsombok, President of HHÖSZ; Dr. Judit Bertalan Czunyiné, patron of the event and State Secretary responsible for regional development; Dr. Miklós Dukai, State Secretary for local governments; and Dr. Tamás Deutsch, Member of the European Parliament. In their speeches, they praised the activities of István Pálfi and highlighted the importance of EGTCs and the role of HHÖSZ.
2026-03-10/by Ocskay LillaAnnual Meeting of the European Network for Cross-Border Monitoring in Paris
On 5–6 February 2026, the French National Agency for Territorial Cohesion (ANCT) hosted the 5th annual meeting of the European Network for Cross-Border Monitoring in Paris. Organised by the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR) and the French Mission Opérationnelle Transfrontalière (MOT), the two-day event brought together experts and observatories to discuss the latest advancements in cross-border statistics, data collection, monitoring platforms, and their role in territorial policy-making. Our association was represented by Viktória Borsos, senior GIS expert, who gave an overview of CESCI, its achievements over the past year, and its future plans.
2026-02-19/by Ocskay LillaPlanning, institutionalization, implementation: CESCI at the V4-Ukraine CBC closing conference
On February 5-6, 2026, the University of Uzhhorod hosted the closing event of a project examining the best practices and institutional conditions for cross-border cooperation (CBC) between the Visegrad Four and Ukraine. The two-day event was both a professional forum and a “policy lab”: on the first day, the project’s research results and practical examples were presented, and on the second day, participants discussed policy recommendations targeting national, regional, and local actors. CESCI, represented on site by Gyula Ocskay and Roland Hesz, participated in the event as experts and as the Hungarian partner in the international project supported by the Visegrad Fund: the aim of the joint work was to draw institutional and implementation lessons from the V4 experiences that could be adapted for Ukraine.
2026-02-18/by Benczi MelindaThe third newsletter of the BorderLabs CE project has been published
This newsletter summarizes the latest news and events of the BorderLabs CE project, presenting the results of cross-border cooperation in Central Europe, pilot experiences, and upcoming programs.
2026-02-03/by Benczi MelindaReport from the B-SHAPES Winter School in Halmstad
From 28 to 31 January 2026, the B-SHAPES Winter School “Inclusive Policy-Making in European Borderlands – Culture, Landscape and Minorities” brought together a small group of early-career and practitioner participants at Halmstad University in Sweden. The Winter School was designed as an intensive, discussion-oriented programme focusing on how borderland contexts shape policy processes and governance, and on how cultural heritage, landscape, and minority perspectives can be better integrated into inclusive territorial development. The interest was very high: from around 120 applicants the organisers had to select the chosen 17 participants. CESCI was represented by Melinda Istenes-Benczi.
2026-02-02/by Benczi MelindaAdvancing Cross-Border Trade for Local Producers
On 2 February, Ister Granum EGTC held its 3rd Regional Stakeholder Group (RSG) meeting in Štúrovo, bringing together key actors involved in supporting the cross-border sale of local products.
2026-02-02/by Benczi MelindaHonlapunk a Külgazdasági és Külügyminisztérium támogatásával készült.
