The Cross-Border Data Collection Project

The Cross-Border Data Collection Project, commissioned by DG REGIO with the support of Eurostat, is a pioneering initiative aimed at improving the understanding and collection of cross-border commuter data across the European Union. This work is being carried out by a consortium led by ÖIR, in partnership with Statistics Netherlands and with the support of the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) and Statistics Denmark.

The project started in October 2024 and over the course of 18 months, the project team will liaise with national statistical authorities to identify the available (administrative) data sources, assess their properties, and develop a comprehensive method for the production of comparable cross-border commuting data in the future. Ultimately, this should provide policymakers, regional authorities, and cross-border communities with the necessary data to support better decision-making in border areas helping to realize the full potential of these regions. The project is supported by an Advisory Board comprising experts from across Europe who will provide user-centric feedback to developed method and quality of data.

Key objectives

  • Assess Administrative Data Sources: The project aims to utilize existing administrative data from EU Member States to analyse detailed cross-border dynamics, with a focus on labour and commuting patterns. The activity builds on the DG REGIO pilot study Border Region Data Collection Study that highlights this data as the most promising resource. Additional background and detailed information can be found in here.
  • Overcome comparability issues: Variations in data collection methodologies, access, and comparability across countries make cross-border data collection complex. The project seeks to overcome these barriers through a refined methodology building on existing sources, without requiring the production of additional data.
  • Develop Comparable Data: The project will develop a method accompanied by an exemplary dataset, to demonstrate the applicability to the approach. The full implementation of the method will rely on future efforts by data producers such as National and Regional Statistical Institutes.

How the project works

The project combines desk research, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative analysis. The work is structured into key phases:

Data Collection and Assessment:

  • The project team liaises with National Statistical Institutes to assess the availability and quality of existing administrative data across participating countries.
  • Building on a standardised template, the data is collected from the National Statistical Institutes.

Data analysis and development of the method:

  • The collected data is analysed for comparability and required approaches for computing.
  • The method for computing is defined and a harmonised dataset calculated based on the collected data.
  • The general method(s) are outlined and documented for future application.

Dissemination and knowledge sharing:

  • Workshops: An initial series of online workshops is planned throughout 2025, starting in March, to gather feedback and foster collaboration.
  • Dissemination Seminar: A concluding seminar, scheduled for February 2026, will offer a deep dive into the project’s results, recommendations, and potential policy implications.

Contact and Updates

For questions, suggestions, or collaboration opportunities, contact us at crossborderdata@cbs.nl. Regular updates and insights will also be shared on the Border Focal Point Network, ensuring stakeholders remain informed about progress and milestones.