Metropolitan and Cross-Border Functionality – Definitions, Examples and Methodologies for Post-2020 Programming

Joint organisers: ESPON and the Czech Ministry of Regional Development

Centred on the topic of Functional Urban Areas (FUAs), this Policy Lab explored interpretations of “functionality” in metropolitan and cross-border areas, as well as applicable methodologies for defining functionality’s parameters and perimeters.

Reflecting the diversity of challenges and potential solutions FUAs present, experts illustrated case studies from various EU countries, covering both metropolitan governance and cross-border cooperation projects. In light of recharacterising the New Leipzig Charter, set to be coordinated by the 2020 German Council Presidency, the discussion highlighted the need for cooperation with both the EUKN and ESPON in order to share experiences, and co-define both challenges and conditions for cooperation.