Empowering cross-border communities in Polish – Lithuanian Functional Area
Project number:
LTPL00271
Project status:
Completed
Call:
2
Priority:
3. Strengthening cooperation of local, regional and national stakeholders
Specific objective:
3.2 - Other actions to support a better cooperation governance
Date:
From: 2024.12.01 Till: 2025.11.30
Project summary:
The project aims to strengthen transboundary multi-level governance in the Lithuanian–Polish border region by supporting the establishment of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) “Polish-Lithuanian Functional Area” (PLFA), currently in its final registration stage. The emerging EGTC unites nine Polish local government units (the City of Sejny and the communes of Sejny, Giby, Krasnopol, Puńsk, Jeleniewo, Rutka-Tartak, Szypliszki, and Wiżajny) and three Lithuanian districts (Vilkaviškis, Kalvarija, and Lazdijai). This peripheral, sparsely populated area of the EU faces numerous socio-economic challenges that can be addressed through coordinated cross-border action.
The project’s overall objective is to strengthen collaborative potential and improve the efficiency of cross-border cooperation through consolidation and technical assistance to the emerging EGTC. It will foster neighborly relations among local stakeholders and authorities to promote the harmonious development of border communities. Partners will work jointly to identify mechanisms that facilitate institutional cooperation at multiple levels of governance, ensure sustainable funding, and support the design and implementation of mutually beneficial development projects.
By formalizing collaboration within the EGTC structure, the project will reduce administrative complexities in cross-border interaction, improve the integration of economic activities and public services, and promote socio-economic development through shared resources and economies of scale. The EGTC PLFA will enhance the region’s resilience, accessibility, and quality of life, while nurturing a sense of belonging to a common European space.
Key activities include training events for 32 participants, preparation of targeted analyses and strategic documents, development of territorial mapping tools, establishment of a Territorial Cooperation Community of Practice, and creation of an online cross-border dynamics observatory. These actions will strengthen governance capacities of the participating municipalities and foster a cooperative culture, turning competition into collaboration for the common good.
Ultimately, the project will contribute to a more integrated and cohesive Polish-Lithuanian border region, improving the effectiveness of local authorities, enhancing citizen well-being, and laying the foundation for long-term cross-border partnerships and development initiatives under the EGTC framework.
Lead Partner:
Commune Punsk
Lead Partner region:
Suwalski subregion
Project Partner(s):
Lazdijai district municipality administration
Total project budget:
158.322,00
ERDF:
126.657,60
Does the project contribute to the implementation of the EU BSRS?
Yes
