This background material was prepared for the reference group of the #ACCESS project held on February 2, 2024 in Esztergom. The purpose of the meeting was for the mayors of the Esztergom region and the experts to discuss the progress and challenges of cross-border cooperation in the integration of Hungary and Slovakia, especially with regard to the Esztergom-Štúrovo twin city agglomeration. The background material prepared for the reference group thoroughly reviews the progress achieved in cross-border integration since the EU enlargement, highlighting the significant increase in trade, daily commuting, and educational exchanges between Hungary and Slovakia. It highlights the significant effects of this dynamic on local communities, economies and the general development of the region. The document covers the development of cross-border urban agglomerations, emphasising Esztergom’s strategic role as an economic and functional hub.