Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation through Local Actors’ Involvement. The Case of Tourism Cooperation in Bihor (Romania) – Hajdú-Bihar (Hungary) Euroregion

Abstract

For centuries, borders have been considered as firm lines legitimating and defending the essence of the nation-state. However, present times report a redefinition of the role and importance of the border and of the border regions. At European level, the emergence and development of a common European policy have fostered cross-border cooperation (CBC) and self-governance through an increased involvement of local authorities and communities. The paper investigates, both theoretically and based on an empirical quantitative and qualitative research, the role and effectiveness of CBC cooperation in tourism sector in Bihor – Hajdú-Bihar Euroregion.