The environment, resources and waste

• Introduction
• Value added of cross-border actions in the area of the environment
• Possible types of action
• Example of concrete projects
• Recommendations
• Legal framework and reference documents

Recommendations

AT LOCAL LEVEL

• Towards joint management of the cross-border environment in the different sectors concerned
  - On the basis of a shared conception of the territory’s development (among elected representatives and with the local population), establish cross-border ownership for the joint management of projects by the local authorities and players, with a legal framework (agreement, structure like the EGTC, etc.).
  - Finding financing mechanisms for cross-border investments and supporting them by regional, national and European co-financing (Interreg programmes, ERDF, EAFRD or EMFF), possibly provided jointly (integrated territorial investment, local development, etc.).

• The environment: a component in the sustainable development of cross-border territories
  Developing environmental governance for the different types of cross-border territories (urban, rural, river and marine basins, mountain ranges, etc.) by putting in place:
  - shared observation (SGI, etc.),
  - exchanges of information between the relevant players (local authorities, government departments, research centres, etc.) notably regarding regulatory and technical frameworks,
  - coordination and planning at local cross-border level (cross-border Agenda 21 initiatives), involvement of elected representatives, and awareness-raising and participation of citizens and businesses.

AT REGIONAL AND NATIONAL LEVEL

• Towards multi-level governance of the environment in cross-border settings
  - Supporting local authorities, notably at regional level, in carrying out their responsibilities with respect to the cross-border environment.
  - Organising coordination by border at the higher levels (regional and national) through bi-/multi-lateral agreements, with the involvement of local authorities.
  - Coordinating, adapting and harmonising national and regional legal and technical legislation and regulation in the environmental domain in accordance with the needs of cross-border areas.

AT EUROPEAN LEVEL

• Ensuring European support for the cross-border environment, a factor for European integration
  - Adapting the European framework (EU legislation and initiatives relating to the environment) to take account of the specific needs of cross-border areas (for example change the Water Directive to provide for cross-border sub-basin plans).
  - Developing methodologies and harmonising data (Inspire, etc.).
  - Continuing support for cross-border cooperation (cohesion policy).
  - Facilitating building on and transfer of experience between cross-border territories in the area of the environment.