Functional areas at the cross-border scale. Lessons for the Western Balkans

This chapter explores the concept of cross-border functional areas, focusing on their definition, challenges, and management within European territorial cooperation. Functional areas are defined not by administrative boundaries but by shared spatial, economic, and social interactions. As Europe faces increasingly complex territorial dynamics, traditional administrative boundaries often prove insufficient for effective governance. Cross-border cooperation initiatives, particularly under the EU’s Interreg programme, have aimed to address these issues by fostering collaboration across national borders. However, the growing recognition of the need for more integrated and flexible governance models has led to the emergence of “cross-border functional areas”. These areas are characterised by functional relationships, cooperative stakeholder ties, and governance mechanisms designed to address shared goals or challenges. The paper examines key factors that influence the development of cross-border functional areas in the Western Balkans, including transportation networks, labour markets, environmental resources, and shared socio-economic characteristics. Additionally, it highlights the obstacles that can hinder cross-border functionality in the region, such as historical political divides, economic disparities, and lack of political will. Finally, it briefly reflects on the importance of adopting a functional areas approach in the Western Balkans when it comes to implementing cross-border cooperation in a region where cooperation remains challenging.