In a CoR plenary debate on the Conference on the Future of Europe with Commissioner Šuica, ECR member Pavel Branda, who also serves as Deputy Mayor of Rádlo Municipality in Czechia, focused his intervention on the importance of cross-border cooperation, which "unfortunately is not specifically mentioned in the Conference".

Cross-border cooperation, although not specifically mentioned in the Conference on the Future of Europe, is a topic that "affects many citizens across Europe and should be an integral part of the Conference" emphasized Mr Branda and CoR rapporteur for the opinion on cross-border public services. 

Referring to the resolution adopted during the CoR July plenary session which calls on the European Commission to present a proposal for maintaining cross-border cooperation and cross-border life in the event of future crises, Mr Branda stated that if we want cross-border cooperation to develop further in the future, "internal EU borders must remain open". The resolution contains multiple proposals to improve cross-border cooperation and calls on the European Commission to follow up on already existing legislation and treaties, whose implementation could often still be improved.

Evoking childhood memories of crossing borders with his grandfather, Mr Branda threw up images of barbed wire and strict border controls alluding to the fact that we should never have to experience closed internal borders again.

Concluding his intervention Pavel Branda expressed hope that we will reach these goals on cross-border cooperation "thereby improving the lives of citizens in EU border regions".