Developing Cross-Border Spatial Planning: Towards a Common Understanding through the Forthcoming EGTC in Inland Gali-cia-Northern Portugal?

At the border between Galicia (Spain) and Northern Portugal, where three European Groups of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) currently operate, the process to establish a fourth one is underway: Raia Seca Gerês/Xurés (RSGX). This new cross-border coopera-tion structure covers an area rich in natural and cultural heritage but has faced significant challenges since the mid-20th century, including population ageing and decline, farm-land abandonment, deterioration of built heritage, and an increase in wildfires. This arti-cle analyses, from an academic perspective, the interviews conducted within the frame-work of developing the RSGX EGTC’s cross-border territorial strategy. The goal is to deci-pher to what extent a common understanding between both sides of the border might en-able the delivery of a common spatial plan managed by the EGTC under the auspices of the sustainable development paradigm. The findings suggest that the success of the future EGTC will depend on its ability to implement shared integrated planning that fosters cross-border cooperation, overcomes administrative barriers, and promotes balanced, in-clusive, and sustainable development.