The results of experts’ survey of local authorities’ representatives regarding the issues of social and economic development of border oblasts under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement are outlined. The Agreement influence on the development of regions (cities) of border oblasts is evaluated. The spheres most influenced by the Agreement according to experts are examined. Respondents’ evaluation of the Agreement advantages is studied. The types of economic activities that are believed by experts to obtain the most advantages due to DCFTA introduction are defined. Structural changes in exports and imports of goods and services under the Agreement as well as exports geographic structure are evaluated according to experts’ opinions. The list of countries, cooperation with which is seen as most perspective for the development of respective regions (cities), is formed. Assessment of the instruments of social and economic development promotion is outlined. 

European integration processes, border oblasts, social and economic development, EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, experts’ assessment, Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area 

The article dwells on EGTCs advantages over other similar structures in the sphere of cross-border cooperation. The European experience of EGTC establishing and their geographic distribution are outlined. The types of EGTCs are defined depending on their nature and those, which can be the most efficient in Ukraine, are determined. In order to facilitate the process of interested parties’ organizing themselves under the EGTC the detailed procedure of establishing the EGTC is developed. Necessity of extended informational campaign to introduce local authorities and public organizations to the nature and advantages of EGTCs and of finishing the administrative and territorial reform is emphasized. 

cross-border cooperation, European Groupings for Territorial Cooperation, Regulation 1302/2013, EGTC Tisza