Cross-border Assessment 2022

Dossier 6: Has the border resident’s perception of the “border” changed since the COVID-19 crisis? (opinion piece)

 

Dr. Math Noortmann

Sander Kramer

During the COVID-19 crisis, (physical) borders were re-erected between the Member States in the EU. This phenomenon is likely to have affected the perception residents have on the border. Especially in a cross-border region like the Euregio Meuse-Rhine, where a 360°-perspective is being promoted when it comes to cross-border cooperation, living and working, deeper insights into such perceptions are of interest when pondering ideas like Euregional identity. This year a commentary will address these aspects as a follow-up to the two research dossiers on the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 and 2021. Additionally, it serves as the foundation for developing a uniquely localised barometer on identity, which will be expanded upon in future research.