The European Framework Convention of Transborder Cooperation of Territorial Communities and Authorities was enacted on December 22, 1981.
The document was signed by 33 member-states of the Council of Europe, with 27 countries, including Ukraine, Moldova, Latvia and Lithuania, already ratifying it. The document is designed to promote the conclusion of transborder cooperation agreements between regional authorities of different countries in such areas as regional development, environmental protection, land use along rivers on borders, and mutual assistance in emergencies. It is also planned to set up an association of transborder cooperation or a union of local authorities.