Bridging the European Union and Eastern Europe: Cross-border Cooperation and the Euroregions

This article explores the development of Euroregions on the European Union's eastern border and then suggests how their contribution to overcoming the various barriers between societies may be assessed. In particular, this analysis focuses on both the stated goals and actual activities of one Euroregion, the Euroregion Pro Europa Viadrina on the German-Polish border. With its focus on small-scale projects that affect people's daily lives, the Euroregion provides opportunities for elites and average citizens on both sides of the border to overcome mutual suspicions, work together to promote the regional economy, and foster linkages with the European Union.