European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs) were set up to facilitate cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation between Member States or their regional and local authorities. EGTCs enable these partners to implement joint projects, share expertise and improve coordination of spatial planning.

An EGTC can be created by partners based in at least two Member States (or one Member State and one or more non-EU countries) and belonging to one or more of the following categories:

• Member States or authorities at national level;
• Regional authorities;
• Local authorities;
• Public undertakings or bodies governed by public law;
• Undertakings entrusted with operations of services of general economic interest;
• National, regional or local authorities, or bodies or undertakings from third countries (subject to specific conditions);
• Associations consisting of bodies belonging to one or more of these categories.

EGTCs have legal personality and are governed by a convention concluded unanimously by its members. As a minimum requirement, an EGTC must have two organs: an assembly, which is made up of representatives of its members, and a director, who represents the EGTC and acts on its behalf.

EGTCs along the Hungarian border

Further information: http://egtcmonitor.cesci-net.eu