End user networks in the implementation of the Polish-German ‘small projects funds’

This paper analyses end user networks across the Polish-German border. It focuses on the implementation of the so-called small projects fund. This policy initiative was first conceived in the Polish-German border region to sponsor small-scale networking events - i.e. small projects - between Poles and Germans in the border region (Jałowiecki and Smętkowski, 2004; Mirwaldt, 2012). Small projects funds are implemented through the four Polish-German cross-border associations of municipalities, the so-called Euroregions. In each of these Euroregions, small projects funding is available to municipalities or non-profit organisations who act as lead organisers of small projects, provided that they have a partner on the other side of the border. Available funding, maximum eligible costs, co-financing rates and other parameters of the funds vary between the Euroregions. These parameters have important effects on who is able to participate in cross-border networking (cf. Perkmann, 2003). In particular, they may in some instances result in municipalities that are constituent members of the Euroregions ‘crowding out’ smaller less well-funded end users such as societies. However, these smaller users may also become integrated into wider municipal networks. Based on a new database of small projects carried out in the Polish-German border region, this paper analyses funding flows and networks between lead project organisers and their partner organisations. Complemented by an analysis of semi-structured interview data, it identifies hubs in cooperation across the Polish-German border but also highlights some of the problems for end users that result from the design of small projects funds. The paper shows that initiatives such as small projects funds can successfully promote cross-border networking and governance, but that the distinct parameters of these initiatives have an important impact on the composition and functioning of the network.