Borders should not stand in the way of solving challenges that neighbouring regions share. The b-solutions initiative helps turn this principle into practice by addressing concrete legal and administrative obstacles that make cross-border cooperation more difficult. Its 200th case now brings this work directly to the Ohrid–Prespa region, where Albania, Greece and North Macedonia share an exceptional natural and cultural heritage.
Turning border obstacles into solutions
b-solutions is an initiative promoted by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) and managed by the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR). It supports public authorities and cross-border structures in tackling concrete legal and administrative obstacles by providing expert analysis and identifying possible practical solutions.
Since its launch in 2018, b-solutions has examined challenges from across Europe and neighbouring countries. In September 2026, the initiative reached an important milestone with the selection of its 200th case – with a strong connection to the Adriatic-Ionian region.
The 200th case: cooperation in the Ohrid–Prespa region
The 200th b-solutions case was submitted by the Tourist Association of Ohrid city Biljana and focuses on the transboundary Ohrid–Prespa lake system shared by Albania, Greece and North Macedonia.
Despite the ecological and cultural links connecting the area, differences between national legal and administrative frameworks make coordinated management of this shared ecosystem more difficult. According to the b-solutions case description, these differences hinder joint action in areas such as biodiversity protection, water governance and cultural heritage preservation. They also contribute to environmental pressures and reduce opportunities for sustainable development.
An expert appointed through b-solutions is analysing these legal and administrative obstacles and will provide guidance on possible ways to strengthen institutional cooperation between the authorities involved. More effective cooperation could contribute to environmental protection and local resilience, while supporting longer-term opportunities for sustainable development.
A direct link to EUSAIR priorities
The case is particularly relevant for EUSAIR, as Albania, Greece and North Macedonia are all part of the ten-country Adriatic-Ionian cooperation framework. It also builds on cooperation already taking place in the Ohrid–Prespa region.
In March 2026, representatives of North Macedonia, Albania and Greece, together with the European Commission, UNDP, PONT and EUSAIR Pillar Coordinators, met to reaffirm their commitment to the area and accelerate joint action under the Strategy. The discussions highlighted contributions from Pillar 3 – Environmental Quality & Biodiversity and Pillar 4 – Sustainable Tourism, as well as further work towards developing a cross-border Community-Led Local Development strategy.
The 200th b-solutions case adds another practical dimension to this cooperation by focusing specifically on the legal and administrative barriers that can make joint action across borders more difficult. For EUSAIR, the Ohrid–Prespa case is therefore not only an important milestone for b-solutions, but a concrete example of how different European cooperation instruments can contribute to addressing shared challenges in the Adriatic-Ionian region.
More information: Read about the 200th b-solutions case.