ITEM continues: Advancing cross-border cooperation and impact
Over the past ten years, the Institute for Transnational and Euregional cross border cooperation and Mobility (ITEM) has firmly placed cross-border cooperation on both the political and academic agendas. Launched in 2015 as a Kennis-As project, a collaboration between the Province of Limburg and Maastricht University, ITEM has since become an indispensable partner for governments and other organisations.
With the conclusion of the Kennis-As programme, ITEM will continue from 2025 as an institute embedded within the Faculty of Law at Maastricht University. It remains committed to its core strength: creating societal impact by addressing cross-border obstacles in close collaboration with stakeholders.
ITEM’s unique methodologies – such as the ‘Grenstoets’, now an integral part of the Dutch impact assessment process, and its recent collaboration with Dutch and Flemish authorities within the Border Obstacles Taskforce – illustrate its contribution to structural solutions. ITEM also works closely with European partners including the Benelux Union, the European Commission, and the European Committee of the Regions, affirming its role as a valued player in the European landscape.
Strengthening collaboration
The ITEM team is enthusiastic and dedicated to continuing its work: identifying border barriers, valorising knowledge, and offering practical solutions, together with its broad and established network. ITEM looks forward to further strengthening cross-border cooperation, addressing cross-border effects, and removing barriers, contributing to Maastricht University’s positioning in the Euregion. This ambition aligns with the renewed Europe Agenda of Maastricht University.
Future leadership ITEM
Professor Anouk Bollen-Vandenboorn will step down as Director on 15 October 2025. Over the past decade, she has built ITEM with great energy and dedication, together with the ITEM team. Maastricht University and the Province of Limburg are deeply grateful to her for this achievement. As ITEM enters a new phase, she will continue to contribute to cross-border cooperation in her role as professor.
Further information about ITEM’s future leadership will be shared after the summer.
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