What began with the need to address challenges that transcend national borders has grown into a broad cross-border network. The first cooperation initiatives in emergency services and policing date back before 1976, the year Princess Beatrix gave the cooperation a sustainable character. Today, the EMR encompasses areas such as education, the labor market, healthcare, economy, nature, and climate. A team of 25 employees in Eupen and an extensive network of partners support this cooperation, making life easier for residents.
The value of this network is evident in concrete services such as the GrensInfoPunten (Border Information Points) for cross-border commuters, Euregio(profile) schools introducing young people to neighboring regions, and collaboration between hospitals for healthcare services. The Drielandenpark focuses on nature and climate adaptation. In terms of safety, the Euregionaal Politie Informatie- en Coördinatiecentrum (EPICC) and the EMRIC network (Euregio Maas-Rijn Incident Management and Crisis Control) enable structured information exchange and crisis management.
Recent crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the flood disaster of 2021, have highlighted the importance of this cooperation. The commuter vignette and the rapid deployment of EMRIC systems during the High Fens fire in 2026 demonstrated how concrete aid can be provided when cooperation knows no borders.
Jos Lantmeeters, chairman of the Euregio Maas-Rijn and governor of the Belgian province of Limburg, emphasizes the EMR's role as a connecting and supporting force. Since 2019, the EMR has been a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), offering new opportunities for European networks and subsidy programs. The EMR is also developing a modernized website to enhance accessibility and transparency.
The Euregio Maas-Rijn also supports future projects like the Einstein Telescope, showcasing the power of long-standing partnerships and joint advocacy. The anniversary celebration in Alden Biesen underscores the importance of mutual trust and the will to cooperate, forming a solid foundation for future developments.
