ESPON Core-IB [Collecting and analysing data for the post-27 INTERREG] - Final report

Chilla T, Bertram D, Günther E, Hippe S, McMaster I, Vironen H, Georgieva N, Kah S, Arena V, Roland G, Mansutti S, Gorny H, Wiest M, Dallhammer E, Andronic C, Badouix M, Hsiung CH, Badea R, Pászto V, Barvíř R, Macků K, Burian J, Dobešová Z, Bittner O (2026)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Other publication type

Publication year: 2026

ISBN: 978-2-919816-91-0

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.27853.81129

Abstract

The European Commission, through DG REGIO, has launched a forward-looking debate on the future of Interreg as part of preparations for post-2027 Cohesion Policy - calling for stronger spatial data and sharper priorities to ensure cooperation programmes deliver where they matter most. To support this process, ESPON was tasked with a challenging undertaking: to create the profiles of all 48 border areas that cover every single Interreg A programme area in Europe. ESPON responded with the Core-IB project, which produced a complete mapping of all cross-border areas covered by Interreg, based on standardised data across a highly diverse set of regions. Each border profile (about 90 pages) combines quantitative analysis with visual tools to capture the specific dynamics, assets, and challenges of individual cross-border regions. Taken together, they give policymakers, programme authorities, and stakeholders a common factual starting point enabling pan-European comparable assessments across borders. This evidence feeds into a policy process that will include stakeholder consultations, participatory exchanges, and thematic discussions. This Final report explains the methodology and key findings. The border profiles and the technical annex can be found under the ESPON project page. ESPON Core-IB project homepage: https://www.espon.eu/projects/coreib-collecting-and-analysing-data-post-27-interreg

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Österreichische Institut für Raumplanung GmbH (ÖIR) / Austrian Institute for Regional Studies GmbH (ÖIR) Austria (AT) Palacky University Olomouc / Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci Czech Republic (CZ)

How to cite

APA:

Chilla, T., Bertram, D., Günther, E., Hippe, S., McMaster, I., Vironen, H.,... Bittner, O. (2026). ESPON Core-IB [Collecting and analysing data for the post-27 INTERREG] - Final report.

MLA:

Chilla, Tobias, et al. ESPON Core-IB [Collecting and analysing data for the post-27 INTERREG] - Final report. 2026.

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