As early as 1986 the Prime Minister of the state of Baden-Württemberg decided upon the creation of a department for cross-border relations (today: Stabsstelle für grenzüberschreitende Zusammenarbeit und europäische Angelegenheiten - SGZE) at the Regional Council (Regierungspräsidium) in Freiburg. It was established to coordinate and intensify the work along the borders of Baden-Württemberg (520 km) and to ease and shape relations with neighboring regions as the Upper Rhine, High Rhine and Lake of Constance. In the meantime the departments’ close cooperation has extended to include France, Switzerland,Liechtenstein and Austria. This administrative department is directly assigned to the President of the Regional Council, aiding and representing her in her function as Chief or member of several bodies that deal with cross-border affairs.