Common Ground
A Cross-Border Citizens’ Council for the Future
In the SaarMoselle region, a bold idea took shape: a cross-border citizens’ council to help guide the future of a shared urban space. Through inclusive participation and concrete dialogue, residents became co-creators of a regional vision.
Daring to do something never done before—that was the starting point for the Franco-German border region of SaarMoselle. To develop a joint agglomeration concept for the region’s future, local actors launched an ambitious initiative: the creation of a cross-border citizens’ council. The idea was simple yet powerful—engage residents on both sides of the border from the very beginning, and invite them to discuss what truly matters for the future of their shared home. The mission: advise together, shape together.
But what topics should such a concept include? What matters most in a region where the border between the city of Saarbrücken (Germany) and the Forbach municipal association (France) is barely visible?
Deliberation of results during the plenary session of the Citizens' Advisory Council to consolidate outcomes (March 11, 2025).
Concrete Questions, Not Abstract Concepts
To find out, a large-scale survey was conducted—in schools, at bus stops, in supermarkets. The central question: where do people see room for improvement in everyday cross-border life, and what defines the region for them?
One insight quickly emerged: abstract strategies and long-term visions weren’t enough to spark engagement. To motivate participation, the process had to connect directly with people’s lived realities—through concrete questions rooted in daily life along the border.
To reach groups that are often underrepresented—such as young people and migrants—the region used tailored formats and direct outreach. A mix of online surveys and live events proved especially effective.
- Active outreach is essential at the start of any participation process. To gather diverse perspectives and include those who might not speak up otherwise, it’s important to meet people where they are—at supermarkets, festivals, on public transport, or in local clubs.
- Establishing a cross-border citizens’ council requires thorough preparation. This includes broad recruitment and, above all, the development of a clear framework that defines the council’s purpose and function—and ensures alignment with key decision-makers.
From Citizens’ Council to a Joint Concept Paper
These efforts paid off. Around 650 people took part in the survey, and many more joined events, World Cafés, and local activities. The result: a selected citizens’ council of 40 members—balanced by nationality and gender—took on the challenge and worked intensively on future-oriented topics such as mobility, health, and intercultural exchange.
With great success: after months of discussion, research, and collaboration, the council produced a 29-page final report with clear recommendations for policymakers and administrators. The document was submitted to the Eurodistrict SaarMoselle and marked a turning point for cross-border participation in the region. Political leaders signaled their willingness to establish the council as a permanent advisory body. Citizens, too, expressed strong interest in continued engagement.
To top it off, the region received formal recognition: The Common Ground project SaarMoselle was awarded the “Saarland Europe Prize 2025 – Special Award for Citizen Participation.”