The first methodological seminar of the project “Cross-Border Cooperation in Ukraine and the V4: in search of best practice” took place on 26 October 2024 in Uzhhorod with the participation of Gyula Ocskay, CESCI’s secretary general and Melinda Istenes-Benczi, CESCI’s international relations coordinator. The event marked the start of an initiative to enhance regional cohesion and support Ukraine’s EU accession process. Funded by the Visegrad Fund and running from 2024 to 2026, the project brings together five research institutions from Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Ukraine to identify, systematise, and promote effective cross-border models that have already proven successful in V4 countries, offering vital insights for Ukraine’s border regions. Against the backdrop of the Russian invasion and upcoming EU membership, the project addresses pressing issues and potential opportunities for Ukrainian institutions and communities.

The Uzhhorod seminar, organised by the Research Institute of Central Europe at Uzhhorod National University (UzhNU), opened with a welcome address from Myroslava Lendel, the director of the institute. She provided an overview of the event’s primary goal: to establish a solid methodological foundation for the project. This research methodology would underpin the project’s aim of compiling exemplary CBC models for Ukraine’s application. Following Lendel’s introduction, Nadiia Kichera presented the project’s overarching goals and tasks, including a timeline for seminars and deliverables such as policy papers, publications, a website, and student lectures. She also emphasised the unique aspects of the project, such as the application of shared research methods, focus group interviews, and the Delphi method for expert forecasting, all aimed at capturing a multifaceted understanding of cross-border practices.

The seminar agenda featured presentations from academics and experts in the field of CBC who outlined the specific methodologies that could guide the research. Myroslava Lendel spoke on developing a methodology for mapping CBC institutions across V4 borders, covering various forms of cross-border engagement. She explained the necessity of including both informal and formal contacts, joint activities, bilateral or multilateral agreements, and institutionalised forms such as Euroregions, European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs), and European Cross-border Groupings (ECG). Using insights from a 2018 study on Euroregions, which identified criteria such as territorial jurisdiction and legal form, Lendel’s approach aims to classify CBC institutions systematically.

Martin Lačný from the University of Prešov presented how the CBCED methodology could be adapted for the aims of the current research. The previous project within the EU’s Sixth Framework Programme focused on evaluating governance structures and local actor involvement in cross-border initiatives. He discussed the importance of a governance framework that encompasses various policy actors while promoting community-level involvement. In terms of practical methodology, he advocated for qualitative analysis, semi-structured interviews with key informants, and expert meetings to gauge the types of initiatives that foster successful CBC.

On behalf of the Central European Service for Cross-Border Initiatives, Gyula Ocskay presented CESCI’s methodological toolkit referring to the complexity of cross-border development, discussing its application to cross-border studies and emphasising a key principle of CBC borrowed from Eduardo Medeiros:  cross-border cooperation aims at reducing border barriers and valorising territorial capital of the borderland. He noted that a normative approach, while useful, can risk disadvantaging less established CBC structures, highlighting the need for a balanced, context-sensitive framework.

Yulia Fetko of UzhNU examined the legal forms of CBC in both V4 countries and Ukraine. Her presentation delved into the complexities of CBC’s legal landscape, reviewing the national and international agreements that shape its framework. Focusing on entities such as EGTCs and Euroregions, Fetko outlined the criteria used to assess each legal form, from their founding documents to their approval processes and organisational structures.

Another important perspective was provided by Joanna Kurowska-Pysz from WSB University, who discussed a case study on cross-border functional areas based on the Polish-Lithuanian experience. This case demonstrated how grassroots initiatives, supported by the European Commission, can foster tourism-focused CBC projects, building cross-border relationships from the ground up. She shared that various participatory methods, including workshops and “walk-and-talk” events, helped stakeholders from both countries build trust and identify shared objectives.

Artur Boháč from the Technical University of Liberec shared a case study on the Turów lignite mine dispute, a complex cross-border environmental issue between Poland and the Czech Republic. He discussed how CBC tools were used to mediate the conflict, leading to a formal agreement in 2022. His presentation emphasised how CBC can evolve from underperformance to meaningful action when supported by an impulse from national governments.

The seminar concluded with a discussion led by Michal Cirner, who underscored the importance of Ukrainian researchers’ expertise in CBC. Cirner praised the brainstorming session as a valuable opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and refine their approaches. This interactive segment allowed the project team to align their objectives and methodologies, ensuring a cohesive research plan moving forward.

Overall, this initial seminar marked a significant milestone in the CBC in Ukraine and V4 project, setting the stage for a research agenda aimed at identifying best practices that could be adapted for Ukraine. The event allowed researchers to establish a shared methodological foundation, aligning their approach to data collection, stakeholder analysis, and case study selection. As the project unfolds through a series of four seminars, a final conference, and numerous research activities, it is anticipated to yield substantial findings and policy recommendations, ultimately strengthening cross-border collaboration between Ukraine and its V4 partners.

More details about the project can be read here.