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Cross-border
economic
development
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Cross-cutting themes in cross-border economic development
It is important to stress that, unlike in other areas, in the area of
employment, the divisions between institutions are tending to disappear
due to the substantial involvement of private and public players at all
levels: territorial authorities (particularly regions on the French side
with regard to vocational training), the DIRECCTE network (pôle 3E) in
France, public employment services, employment centres in France,
chambers of commerce, employer organisations, training centres, etc.
The various ongoing institutional reforms on the French side are tending
however to greatly reduce the role played by French departments in
the area of economic development: without a general competence
clause, departments cannot be involved in issues fall within the region’s
competence unless the region delegates this responsibility.
Towards an integrated
labour market
Partnerships have gradually been established along France’s borders
to work towards an integrated cross-border labour market.
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The
European network EURES
set up to inform and advise
workers on job offers and living and working conditions in Europe is
very active along the borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany
and Switzerland. It is made up of four structures dedicated to
cross-border mobility (EuresChannel – BE/FR/UK, PED – BE/
FR/LUX, Saar-Lor-Lux-Rhineland-Palatinate – DE/FR/LUX and
Upper Rhine – FR/DE/CH). National employment services (and
their regional administrations) and the social partners participate
in the governance of these structures.
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This European network is supported by local information and
advisory agencies, such as
INFOBEST
on the French-German
border, the
Groupement transfrontalier europ
éen on the French-
Swiss border,
Frontaliers Lorraine
and
Grenzinfopunkt
in the
Euregio Meuse-Rhine.
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These mechanisms contribute to the transparency of the cross-
border labour market and to professional mobility on both sides
of the border, but are geared more towards raising awareness
about professional opportunities available in the cross-border
INFOBEST Pamina