© Stadt Bocholt
The mayors of the border municipalities met in Bocholt and agreed on further cooperation for the next 3 years. Standing from left to right: Anton Stapelkamp (Aalten), Mechtild Schulze-Hessing (Borken), Jürgen Bernsmann (Rhede), Michael Cabanje (Isselburg), Annette Bronsvoort (Oostgelre, Netherlands), Tom Tenostendarp (Vreden), Mark Boumans (Doetinchem, Netherlands). Thomas Kerkhoff (Bocholt). Seated from left to right: Werner Stödtke (Südlohn), Joris Bengevoord (Winterswijk, Netherlands).

International mayors' meeting of the \ — © Stadt Bocholt
International mayors' meeting of the "Grenzhoppers" municipalities in Bocholt.

24. October 2023Europe/International

Cross-border cooperation of 13 municipalities continues

Municipal initiative "Grenzhoppers" signs strategy paper 2023-2026 in Bocholt // Public network meeting on 16 November in Groenlo (NL)

Mayors of a total of 13 municipalities from the German-Dutch border region, which cooperate under the joint working title "Grenzhoppers" (border hoppers), now signed the "Border Hoppers Strategy Document" at a meeting in Bocholt. The document regulates cross-border cooperation for the years 2023-2026 and is a continuation of the first strategy document from 2017.

Participating municipalities

The cooperation of the municipal initiative is carried and supported by the "Grenzhoppers" steering group, which consists of the mayors of the participating municipalities. The "Grenzhoppers" municipalities include the Dutch municipalities of Aalten, Berkelland, Doetinchem, Oost Gelre, Oude IJsselstreek and Winterswijk. From the German side, the cities of Bocholt, Borken, Isselburg and Rhede as well as the municipality of Südlohn and the city of Vreden are involved in the network. The district of Borken and the EUREGIO are also involved as advisory members.

Strengthening and promoting the border region

The aim of the "Grenzhoppers" is to strengthen and promote cross-border cooperation in the immediate border area of the Achterhoek region and the district of Borken through meetings, information exchange and, in particular, joint projects on the ground. In addition to the municipalities, companies, educational institutions and other social and cultural organisations from the local German-Dutch border area are also involved in the network.

Projects at the working level

The cooperation of the "Grenzhoppers" is managed at the working level by coordinators. Persons are appointed by the member municipalities. Petra Taubach performs this task for Bocholt. "On a voluntary basis, thematic working groups can be formed to structure cross-border cooperation in individual fields of action, to present ideas and initiatives or to realise projects together," said Taubach.

At the most recent meeting, Ludger Dieckhues, Managing Director of the Bocholt Economic Development and City Marketing Association, presented possibilities for the "Grenzhoppers" municipalities to participate in the international local network office.

Network meeting of the Grenzhoppers in Groenlo

This Grenzhoppers steering group meets at least twice a year to discuss and coordinate current priorities in the border region in general and the activities of the "Grenzhoppers" in particular. At the last meeting, the mayors agreed on the next network meeting of all "Grenzhoppers". It will take place on Thursday, 16 November, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Groenlo (Netherlands, , at "Brouwersnös") and is open to the public. Citizens or institutions who are already involved in cross-border activities or would like to participate in the future are invited. Binding registration is possible until 9 November 2023 by emailing Alexandra Arens at a.arens(at)aalten(dot)nl.