The action plan is organised into four main actions, each addressing a key dimension of metropolitan governance, planning, and cooperation. Together, these actions aim to improve the efficiency of funding mechanisms, update planning instruments, deepen strategic coordination, and strengthen inter-municipal collaboration. Their combined impact is expected to reach the entire metropolitan area, including the Berlin-Brandenburg relationship and the diverse sub-regions of Brandenburg, and the connections with neighbouring regions.
1. Review of funding opportunities for metropolitan cooperation in the next EU funding period
The first action is primarily preparatory, based on the insights gained during the MECOG-CE study visit in Warsaw. It focuses on improving the application of EU funding instruments to make them more efficient and better aligned with metropolitan cooperation goals. A key element is the exploration of funding schemes such as Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI), which can activate and intensify cross-regional cooperation between stakeholders. By refining funding procedures and project design, this action aims to strengthen cohesion within the large two-state region and enhance the overall effectiveness of financial support mechanisms.
2. Preparation of the next regional spatial development plan for the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region
The second action addresses the most important formal instrument of joint regional development. Its main task is to innovatively update the regional development plan, ensuring it reflects current challenges and future needs. A strong emphasis is placed on the introduction of new participation formats, which are intended to better reach relevant target groups and improve their involvement in the planning process. This approach not only enhances the legitimacy of the plan but also enables the identification and integration of new and emerging topics into spatial development.
3. Consolidation and deepening of the regional development strategy
The third action focuses on strengthening Brandenburg’s most important planning instrument. The goal is to anchor the regional development strategy more firmly within the metropolitan context by actively involving relevant stakeholders. A key priority is to place greater attention on neighbouring regions and interdependencies. The axis development model plays a central role here, representing functional connections both between Berlin and Brandenburg and between Brandenburg and its neighbouring regions.
4. Implementation of the guiding principle of the Municipal Neighbourhood Forum
The fourth action targets the practical dimension of cooperation between municipalities in the sphere of the Municipal Neighbourhood Forum. It seeks to intensify collaboration between unequal but legally equivalent partners such as smaller municipalities in Brandenburg and larger districts in Berlin, in order to jointly address shared challenges. By fostering closer interdependence and promoting a shared regional perspective, this action strengthens governance at the local and metropolitan levels.
Strengthening metropolitan cooperation
Across all four actions, the plan emphasises key themes such as “Metropolitan Vision and Strategic Objectives,” “Governance Systems,” and “Stakeholder Involvement” according to the MECOG-CE Strategy for Strengthening Metropolitan Cooperation and Governance in Central Europe. The action plan builds on existing procedures and integrates lessons from recent practices and international exchange. In the medium to long term, it will increase the legitimacy of planning instruments, improve participation, strengthen cooperation around shared goals, and reinforce stakeholder identification with the region, enhancing overall cohesion and functionality of the Berlin–Brandenburg metropolitan area.
The full Action Plan can be found under this link.