European Journal of Science and Theology, June 2013, Vol.9, Supplement 2, 127-136 _______________________________________________________________________ FOSTERING EUROREGIONAL COOPERATION IN PUBLIC SERVICES EVIDENCE FROM BIHOR – HAJDU-BIHAR EUROREGION Alina Badulescu, Catalin-Adrian Bucur and Daniel Badulescu * University of Oradea, Faculty of Economic Sciences, Str. Universitatii No.1, 410087-Oradea, Romania (Received 20 March 2013, revised 6 April 2013) Abstract The sustainability and effectiveness of the new European construction relies on good relations between neighbouring countries. The importance and effectiveness of cross- border exchanges and co-operation, although recognised in theory, must be approached in a more specific manner, by evaluating and assessing previous co-operation actions and projects. In this context, our paper approaches the institutional co-operation framework, focusing on the provision of public services within a euroregional framework, i.e. the Bihor – Hajdu-Bihar euroregion (located on Romanian-Hungarian border). The paper investigates, on a survey-based research, the effectiveness of the cooperation actions undertaken within an EU co-financed project, developed in this euroregion. The actions undertaken within this project covered the joint provision of public services, especially in the field of police and public order services. The paper focuses on revealing aspects such as aims and results, effects and limits, constraints and long-run sustainability etc. of the cross-border cooperation actions, as from the perspective of the experts questioned, i.e. police managers and public order management personnel. The paper also draws conclusions and provides further recommendations for ensuring the sustainability and enhancing the effectiveness of future cross-border cooperation programs. Keywords: cross-border, euroregional cooperation, public services, police, public order 1. Introduction The late 80s and early 90s experienced unprecedented political, social and economic changes in Europe, preceding EU integration processes. European integration through its various forms gave a completely different meaning to both internal and external borders, by ‘melting’ internal borders of the EU (e.g. European single market), and at the same time by ‘freezing’ outside borders (e.g. * Corresponding author, e-mail: abadulescu@uoradea.ro, phone: +40 740-086882, fax: +40 259-408409