Citizen Participation in the German-French Border Region

Fortune favors the bold: With this spirit, the district of Emmendingen (Germany) and the French PETR Sélestat-Alsace Centrale set out to strengthen ties across the border. But what would closer cooperation actually look like? That question was left to the citizens—because who better to define what truly matters in everyday life than the people living it?

The starting point was a former customs island in the Rhine River. Once a site of border controls, the island had long been abandoned. That was about to change. Through the project “R(h)einverbindlich,” citizens were invited to help breathe new life into the area—and to explore what connects them in terms of mobility, food systems, biodiversity, and energy.

Citizens weren’t just asked to advise—they were empowered to actively shape their region. This freedom opened up new possibilities, but also revealed the difficulty of balancing diverse needs. The project quickly exposed some of the challenges of cross-border collaboration: On the French side, public institutions played a leading role, while in Germany, volunteers were more heavily involved. This imbalance was reflected in citizen engagement: despite significant efforts to recruit randomly selected participants in Germany, the response fell short of expectations. 

A new approach was needed—and it was colorful and accessible. Instead of complex selection processes, the project turned to formats rooted in everyday life, making the European idea tangible. Cross-border “climate brunches,” community walks with citizens, politicians, and experts, and joint activities like orchard maintenance and cycling tours on renewable energy brought people together in meaningful ways.

These activities sparked conversations between people who might never have met otherwise. Cultural and linguistic differences between the German and French sides were not seen as obstacles, but as assets in shaping a shared vision.

As a result, stronger networks emerged between administrations, civil society, and political actors across the border. Citizens also contributed a wide range of ideas for the Rhine island—through online participation and public events. Suggestions ranged from recreational spaces to restaurants and tourism offerings. These ideas were presented during the first-ever joint district council meeting across the border—a milestone moment. The proposals are now being reviewed by decision-makers on both sides.