Our team recently participated in a significant workshop titled “A Participatory Approach to Implementing Cross-Border Cooperation,” held on May 29, 2024, in Gorizia, Italy. The workshop, organised by ISIG within a study visit of experts and young officials organised by the Central European Initiative (CEI), Regione Autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia, GO!2025, and the Robert Schuman Institute, brought together around 20 participants, including experts and young officials from Balkan countries, to engage in a unique interactive setting.

The workshop focused on advancing cross-border cooperation and enhancing understanding of border studies. The event aimed to showcase best practices related to cross-border mobility while fostering active collaboration and dialogue among attendees.

Two main sessions were featured:

Introductory Session: Bridging Borders

Led by ISIG, this session was an overview titled “Bridging Borders: An Introduction to Cross-Border Mobility, Resilience, and Culture – A World Café Dialogue.” Through this introduction, participants explored foundational concepts and challenges in cross-border mobility, resilience, and cultural integration. In this session the TRACE project was presented among the good practices and initiatives related to mobility. 

World Café Session: Hands-On Collaboration

The second session shifted to an in-depth World Café format on “Territorial Cooperation, Multilevel Partnerships, and EU Integration: Lessons Learned.” Participants were divided into three working groups for a dynamic table simulation exercise, encouraging them to map cross-border mobility challenges and collaboratively propose actionable solutions. This hands-on approach allowed attendees to identify potential solutions for challenges, discussing strategic steps to foster cross-border mobility and partnerships. An occasion for ISIG to explore and analyse aspects linked to citizens’ needs in terms of mobility and logistics, as well as acceptance and trust towards automated mobility systems, as part of the research activities of the TRACE project. 

The workshop proved to be an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange and collective brainstorming on enhancing cross-border cooperation across various European regions.