Unequal powers
The report maps existing instruments that allow regional or local entities in Europe to deviate from legislation in force to solve cross-border problems. More specifically, the report examines possibilities for Limburg and other border provinces to obtain a special mandate from the national government that enables them (legally) to enter into direct contact with sovereign or mandated governments on the other side of the border. While the Netherlands is a decentralised unitary state, with the legislative power vested in the States General in The Hague, the direct neighbours of Limburg - Flanders, Wallonia and North Rhine-Westphalia - have their own local legislative power. This means the powers between these neighbouring countries are not the same for tackling cross-border problems along the Limburg border.

Making better use of existing instruments
In order to solve legal border obstacles, Limburg (or Dutch border provinces in general) should obtain a specific role in the implementation of existing instruments at Benelux and European level, ITEM says. To this end, the application of existing Benelux instruments in particular can play a crucial role. It’s precisely the legal framework of the Benelux Union that offers promising opportunities for solving cross-border obstacles. Existing bilateral instruments (such as in the context of treaties with Germany) can also be used more effectively by giving the province of Limburg more influence on the application of these instruments. Another promising aspect is the newly proposed EU instrument 'cross-border mechanism', which has yet to be voted on. This regulation could make legal adjustments easier for cross-border projects and give provinces such as Limburg a stronger role in cross-border governance. In particular, it could be of great added value for stakeholders in Limburg with cross-border infrastructure projects.

Statute for Limburg?
As a second solution, the report states that a specific, national legal instrument can be established, that border provinces can use to adapt parts of Dutch legislation in the event of border obstacles. Not as a specific legislative instrument for the province of Limburg (as the 'Statute for Limburg'), but rather as an instrument - in the form of a framework law - for all provinces involved in cross-border cooperation projects. Under certain conditions, so-called 'experimentation clauses' could also play a useful role. Recent attempts by the government to introduce experimental legislation have shown that entering into a dialogue between government and local authorities involved can solve cross-border problems, according to the report. Border provinces could implement a similar process. The report also recommends drawing up this 'Dutch statute' with the specific aim of facilitating cross-border cooperation projects. Furthermore, it must be clearly in line with the 'mechanism' proposed by the European Commission.

Follow-up step: applying instruments to practical cases
A deeper analysis is needed to identify the most effective tools to solve obstacles. Therefore, ITEM recommends to further investigate two specific cases, namely the merger of the ports in Ghent, Terneuzen and Vlissingen (the North Sea Port) and the plans for the establishment of a joint Euregional Child Surgical Centre (Aachen/Maastricht/Liège).