Cross-border cooperation in Poland in spatial and organizational dimensions

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify patterns in the formation of cross-border cooperation in the Polish borderlands, specifically within the context of transborder functional regions. The diverse nature of the analyzed borderlands, influenced by factors such as, among others, the functions of internal and external Schengen zone borders, natural and socio-economic features, allowed for an examination of the impact of conditions on the characteristics of cooperation. Particular attention was given to the spatial distribution of cross-border cooperation, including the influence of distance from the border on its development, as well as the examination of the type structure of beneficiaries and projects. This study also focused on the motivations of organizations for initiating and continuing cooperation, as well as the barriers they face. The analysis encompassed nearly 1600 projects and over 2300 organizations involved in cross-border cooperation programs along Poland's land borders, utilizing the European Territorial Cooperation, European Neighborhood Instrument, and European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument within two consecutive EU programming periods (2007-2012 and 2014-2020). The study covered borderlands on both sides of the state border, including both Polish and neighboring countries' organizations involved in joint cross-border projects. The research approach utilized both quantitative (statistical analysis of projects and organizations) and qualitative methods (surveys and interviews among organizations) to enable a comparative analysis of the shaping of cooperation in individual borderlands and its change (or stability) over time.

The findings of the study revealed that despite the similar legal and institutional framework of EU programs, cross-border cooperation was not realized in the same manner. The diverse local conditions of cross-border territories had an impact on program implementation, demonstrating that the formation of cooperation is largely dependent on the territorial context. The study enabled the identification of the main motivations and barriers to cooperation, which are universal in nature but displayed variations in the forms of cooperation. Moreover, it showed that the initiation and subsequent maintenance of cross-border relationships is a complex process involving numerous factors, whereas the break-up of cooperation requires individual factors. The study outcomes allowed for the identification of areas characterized by the stability, intensity, and specificity of cooperation, which, given the nature of these cross-border links, could create favorable conditions for the formation of local functional cross-border regions.