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A Cross-Border Citizens’ Council for a Shared Agglomeration Concept: This is the goal that the German-French border region of SaarMoselle has set for itself within the framework of the project Common Ground – Shaping Across Borders. But what topics should such a concept actually address? And what matters most in a region where the border between the city of Saarbrücken (DE) and the municipal association of Forbach (FR) is barely visible?

To find out, a large-scale survey was conducted—in schools, at bus stops, and in retirement and care homes. The central question: Where do local residents see potential for improving everyday life, and what defines the border region for them?

Based on the results, 40 individuals—20 from each side of the border—were selected to join the Citizens’ Council and work on issues such as mobility and energy. Motivation was high, and the project proved to be a success for the region. The outcomes have since been submitted to the Eurodistrict SaarMoselle, where they are not only being discussed but also evaluated with regard to the future of the cross-border Citizens’ Council.

In June 2025, the project received the Saarland Europe Prize and was honored in the category of “Citizen Participation.”