Cross-Border Cooperation as a Way of Overcoming the Global Financial and Economic Crisis

Abstract

The global financial and economic crisis has resulted in large macroeconomic imbalances and a sharp strain on public finances. The negative effects and consequences of the crisis can be more easily and successfully overcome with the help of cross-border cooperation, particularly through the transfer of good practice, experience and knowledge across borders. The aim of this paper is to show that cross-border cooperation can help to overcome the global financial and economic crisis. Factors promoting and hindering cross-border cooperation play a pivotal role in the success of cross-border cooperation. The paper employs a descriptive and analytical approach. The results of empirical research into cross-border cooperation in the Alps-Adriatic region between Carinthia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Slovenia are analysed. These results highlight the factors which promote and hinder cross-border cooperation, suggesting that personal contacts are the most important factors in promoting cross-border cooperation, while the level of assistance provided and administrative/legislative barriers are the greatest hindrances to cross-border cooperation.