Some Arguments Concerning Promotion of Cross-Border Cooperation and European Union Integration

Abstract

With the process of EU integration at hand, cross-border cooperation has become a top priority in East-Central Europe. In fact, there is no viable alternative to integrated regional development. From the perspective of advancing European integration process, the existence of the appropriate legislative framework, economic and social policies aimed at ensuring the three movement of persons, labor, material and spiritual goods across the borders is of an utmost importance.

Another important argument for the elaboration and implementation of integrated regional cross border development policies is concerning the necessity to overcome the existing gap between the economic levels and life standards in its constitutive micro-regions.

Beyond policies aimed at enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship, which are two major drivers of competitiveness, many other EU policies also have an impact on the business environment and enterprise performance. All horizontal policies - i.e. regional policy, competition, trade, taxation, etc. - should make the best possible contribution to competitiveness in addition to pursuing their own, specific objectives.

Keywords: cross-border cooperation, European Union, regional development, EU policies

JEL Classification: F15, F13, F42