The Mediterranean region faces complex challenges, from climate change and digital transformation to social inclusion, all impacting economic, social, and territorial cohesion. MedCoopNet aims to provide a clear, evidence-based understanding of how projects and organisations collaborate across the Mediterranean to address these issues. Understanding who is working together, what they are working on, and where is essential. 

Setting the strategic objectives for cross-border cooperation in the post-2027 period is of key importance. As the 9th cohesion report highlights: "border regions account for more than 40 % of the EU’s landmass, 30 % of its GDP and 30 % of its population, some 150 million people. Almost 2 million people live in one country in the Schengen area and work in another, and some 3.5 million people cross one of the 38 internal borders of the EU every day.

The objective of this European research project is to analyze the regional effects arising from scenarios related to Open Strategic Autonomy (OSA). This includes assessing the impact of diversification benchmarks for strategic raw materials outlined in the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act (ECRMA). Additionally, the project evaluates the regional consequences of trade concessions in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), particularly those that contribute to diversification targets for strategic raw materials.

The targeted analysis URDICO aims to analyse and compare the implementation of the urban dimension of Cohesion Policy as well as some crisis response mechanisms (e.g. Recovery and Resilience Facility) in stakeholder territories, representing a diverse group of cities and urban areas. The comparative analysis shall build on data and evidence on how stakeholder cities and urban areas use EU funds, allowing to benchmark different approaches to sustainable urban development.

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of territorial exaptive resilience along the EU's eastern borders, examining how regions mobilize and repurpose existing assets and capabilities in response to external challenges or shocks. Through rigorous quantitative analysis and detailed case studies, the research advances our understanding of regional adaptation and transformation in peripheral areas, contributing to both theoretical discourse and policy development.