The main goal of this study is to develop a fuzzy multicriteria evaluation model of heterogeneous cross-border cooperation projects to ensure sustainable development of neighbouring regions, taking into account the goals of the announced competition and the possibility of avoiding the resource curse. The model allows you to compare projects of cross-border cooperation of different categories, takes into account expert linguistic conclusions on projects, considers the compliance of the challenge project, moves from expert conclusions to quantitative assessments. At the output of the model, we have an aggregated quantitative assessment of the project and a ranking of cross-border projects is built for their selection and financing. The results of the study can be useful for managers of cross-border project tenders, with the aim of improving the validity of supporting decision-making and sustainable development of neighbouring regions through the prism of the curse, both natural and human resources.