Grenslandconferentie 2025
On December 11, 2025, the 7th Grenzland Conference (Grenslandconferentie) took place at the Toon Hermans Theatre in Sittard, the Netherlands. The conference brought together stakeholders from Germany and the Netherlands, including representatives from politics, public administration, business, academia, and civil society. Its main objectives were to strengthen cross-border dialogue, highlight successful cooperation projects, and provide strategic impulses for the future of the border region.
A strategic platform for cross-border exchange
The Grenzland Conference continues to serve as a central platform for exchange, strategic alignment, and networking across borders. Participants included representatives from Overijssel, Gelderland, Twente, and Achterhoek, as well as the Münsterland districts of Coesfeld, Borken, Steinfurt, and Warendorf, the City of Münster, and the District Government of Münster, coordinated by the Euregio. The conference demonstrated how closely political, administrative, economic, and scientific actors are connected in the region.
TECH.LAND at the Grenzland Conference
TECH.LAND actively participated with its own exhibition stand, showcasing regional projects, initiatives, and ambitions. The event offered the opportunity to connect with existing partners, strengthen relationships, and engage with stakeholders from other border regions. The breadth and diversity of cross-border initiatives highlighted the holistic nature of cooperation in the region.
Key themes and workshops
This year, the Grenzlandagenda set a clear focus on security and crisis management, reflecting the importance of coordinated efforts between authorities and organizations. Additional topics addressed included:
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Education and labour market: Cross-border recognition of training and qualifications.
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Research and innovation: Opportunities arising from large-scale projects such as the Einstein Telescope.
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Sustainability and mobility: Strategies for a climate-friendly and connected future.
All participants had the opportunity to attend two workshops of their choice, featuring practical project examples, innovative solutions, and actionable ideas for future cross-border collaboration. Notable contributions included presentations by Fontys University, the Euregionale Durchlopende Leerlijn (EDL), and university partners within CrossCircular, highlighting the mutual benefits of cross-border cooperation.
Grenzland Award 2025
A major highlight of the conference was the Grenzland Award ceremony, recognizing outstanding cross-border initiatives. The €5,000 award was presented to the project “We are pART of Culture”, which fosters collaboration between the Achterhoek region and West Münsterland, particularly through the newly founded association “Bocholt-Pride”, with the goal of increasing visibility for the queer community on both sides of the border. Key highlights of the project include the first Christopher Street Day in Bocholt and the traveling exhibition of the same name, which was also displayed across the region.
Other projects shortlisted for the award included the Euregionale Bildungskette (EDL) and the TV series “Europe Close Up”, focusing on European politics.
Networking and cross-border collaboration
Beyond the formal agenda, the conference once again highlighted the value of personal exchange and networking. Open discussions, familiar faces, and new connections created a collaborative and trusting environment—underscoring why the Grenzland Conference feels like a true family gathering of the border region.
Looking ahead
The next Grenzland Conference will take place in 2026 in the Münster administrative region (Bocholt). TECH.LAND looks forward to continuing its active role in cross-border innovation and collaboration in the years ahead.
For more insights and pictures, have a look here.
