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Cross-border
economic
development 83
Cross-cutting themes in cross-border economic development
Ì Ì The regional level, which is relevant for scarce services
(universities, etc.), regional and inter-regional transport (airports,
etc.), coherence between metropolitan areas and the territory as
a whole (dual production-based and residential systems), etc. It is
at this level that economic and innovation strategies are devised.
In cross-border terms, this level corresponds to Euroregions
(Upper Rhine, Greater Region, etc.).
Ì Ì The national and supranational level (EU), which is used for
legislation, cohesion and redistribution policies, major inter-
regional or European infrastructure projects (such as TEN-T and
TEN-E), etc. In cross-border terms, this level corresponds
to international entities (intergovernmental committees,
coordination of legislation, etc.).
Within each country, territorial architecture in terms of institutions and
solidarity across areas and individuals lies at the heart of the political
model (i.e. decisions about social and territorial cohesion).126
In border areas, the issue of the development of cross-border territories
leads to the coordination of such national systems.
Although these aspects will not be developed further in this introduction,
the importance of effective governance for the development of cross-
border territories should be noted. 127
126 See L. Davezies, Le nouvel égoïsme territorial, Seuil, 2015.
127 See MOT, Methodological Guide, November 2012
en/european-activities/the-mots-european-projects/project-articulate-cohesion-policy-
governance-structures-and-cross-border-territorial-approaches/#c1964)
Territorial and economic
governance in France
and its implications for
cross‑border cooperation
The role of the public authorities in this area is changing on account of
recent and ongoing reforms that are altering the division of responsibilities
among public players. Given that this analysis focuses primarily on
France’s borders and France is undergoing major reforms, it is important
to consider these changes.
The process of decentralisation in France is gradually increasing the
role of the regions in economic affairs.
Strasbourg-Ortenau Eurodistrict, and the “Jardin des Deux Rives” (cross-border garden)
© Jean Isenmann, ADEUS