Approaches to the Definition of Cross-Border Cooperation: Discussion Points

In the context of the existing relations between Russia and Ukraine issues of cross-border cooperation acquire special relevance. Itdisplayed in the possibilities of common solutions of current challenges and using the potential of adjacent areas of neighboringcountries. Subject of research are theoretical approaches to the definition of the notion of cross-border cooperation. The aim of thework is to define the basic concepts in the sphere of cross-border cooperation and to form the new approach to understanding thisprocess. The generalized definition of the process of international, transnational, near-border, cross-border cooperation, etc., withusing methods of theoretical analysis, comparison, modeling and systems analysis is given. Hypothesis about necessity of changethe essential content of the concept of cross-border cooperation in terms of expanding and subsequently erasing its borders in orderto form meaningful relationships and implementing mutually purposeful activity (authorities, population, business and neighboringcountries) to solve the social, economic, environmental and other issues of territorial communities in neighboring countries isproposed by author. Author concluded that cross-border cooperation should be extended to the concept of “cooperation-withoutfrontiers”(cooperation without borders). The physical state border between the two countries can not be identified as the barrier ofborders cooperation, as the total lack of understanding and unwillingness of mutual solving of the problems.