“Xareta Mugarik Gabe” (“Xareta Without Borders”): Cooperation and Tourism Promotion in a Cross-Border Area

Within the framework of the European Union, border regions count on various mechanisms to facilitate cross-border cooperation initiatives, with tourism frequently playing a central role. This article examines “Xareta Mugarik Gabe”, a cross-border association originally dedicated to the tourism development of the Xareta Valley, located at the westernmost edge of the Pyrenees, along the Spain – France border. Drawing on semi-structured interviews, this research traces the initiative’s trajectory from its early emphasis on tourism promotion to its current state of near inactivity. The findings underline both achievements and shortcomings: while the association initially succeeded in establishing a joint strategy around the valorization of the valley’s cultural and natural assets, it failed to consolidate a long-term and integrative framework. The case illustrates that cross-border relationships between stakeholders are often ambiguous and non-linear, offering critical insights into the dynamics of cooperation in European context.