Michael Dejozé, director of the EGTS since 2017, witnessed his third chairmanship change and spoke enthusiastically about the new impulses this brings for cross-border cooperation.

The Euregio Maas-Rhine is more than just an area on the map; it is a region where four million people live and (co)work across borders. With the EGTS, we continuously strive to make life easier for all citizens in this area, said
Dejozé.

Progress under Roemers Chairmanship

Under the leadership of Emile Roemer, several groundbreaking projects have been initiated in recent years, including:

  • Einstein Telescope: Preparations for the candidacy are in full swing – made possible by close cooperation with the Euregio partner regions in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.
  • Small Project Fund (started in February 2025): This fund supports hundreds of smaller initiatives and connects thousands of residents from all parts of the EMR.
  • Collaboration between educational institutions: Initiatives such as ConnectED, Cross Circular, and Teach³ strengthen exchanges between schools and universities in the three countries and promote research and innovation.
  • Cross-border safety: Cooperation between emergency services and police has been further deepened, allowing ambulances, for example, to quickly cross borders to ensure the safety of residents.

Emile Roemer looks back with satisfaction: “I am proud of how we have strengthened cooperation in the Euregio Maas-Rhine. It is thepeople who put this into practice daily that make our region so strong. I confidently hand over the chairmanship to Jos Lantmeeters and am convinced that the EMR has a bright future ahead.”

Panel Discussion

During the event, an engaging panel discussion took place under the leadership of Michael Dejozé, with contributions from Emile Roemer, Jos Lantmeeters (Managing Without Borders), Andreas Dovern (EMRIC, Saving Without Borders), Hans Plets (EMR Einstein Telescope Project Office, Researching Without Borders), and Pascal Arimont (European Parliament, Cohesion Without Borders).

Outlook

The newly appointed chairman Jos Lantmeeters outlined his ambitions: “I am honored to take over the chairmanship at such a crucial moment, with the Einstein Telescope project in sight. I want to build on Emile Roemer’s course and further position the EMR as the platform for cooperation, innovation, and safety. In 2026, we celebrate 50 years of Euregio Maas-Rhine: a perfect moment to highlight the importance of our region for people, science, and the economy.”

The change in chairmanship underscores the strength of the EMR as a connecting factor for Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. Cross-border cooperation in innovation, safety, and cohesion is increasingly becoming a daily reality for the region’s residents.