The background material was prepared for the reference group meeting held on February 13, 2024 at Sátoraljaújhely within the #ACCESS project, which seeks to enhance legal accessibility in the Slovak-Hungarian border region. This meeting brought together local government officials and experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities of cross-border cooperation and integration. It aimed to assess the impacts of cross-border movements, legal and administrative obstacles, and the socio-economic conditions affecting residents and businesses in the border areas, in order to identify collaborative projects that could boost regional development and cohesion. The document set the stage for detailed discussions, outlining the unique strategic position of Sátoraljaújhely within the border area’s urban network and its significant role in the broader regional context. It also highlighted the city’s potential as a center for cross-border integration and cooperation, focusing on its capabilities to serve a wider cross-border urban influence zone. Specificities included the city’s lack of direct competition from nearby Slovakian urban centers, its significance as the only local hub with a major employer in the area, and the challenges posed by limited cross-border transport infrastructure, emphasising the need for enhanced connectivity and cooperation in the region.