The methodological approach to the research subject reflects our conceptual considerations on the nexus of spatial constructs and cross-border governance. Coming from an actor-centred perspective, we focus on rationales and experiences of municipal actors with regard to the construction processes of “borderlands of governance” within a multilevel system, further complemented by insights by political and administrative experts. In order to appropriately grasp both (inter)subjective perspectives as well as broader trends and/or spatial differences, we combine qualitative and quantitative methods, i.e. expert interviews with mayors and other political and administrative experts, and surveys among French and German mayors.