Eurorégion, transnational co-operation (document en anglais)

Euroregion. (Doc 4 p.75)

Introduction:

Euroregion usually refers to a transnational co-operation structure between two (or more) territories located in different European countries. Euroregions represent a specific type of cross border region. At the beginning, cross-border spaces were created in Eastern Europe. (Carpathian area). Euroregion is an administrative structure. The Cross Channel Euroregion was created after the installation of the well know tunnel under the English-Channel in 1990. This Cross-Channel Euroregion is made up off 5 five areas from three different countries Kent in UK, Flanders Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium and the Nord-Pas de Calais in France. The measure taken in this area affects 16 millions people. We deal with an article from “The Christian Science Monitor” published in May 2000. Peter Ford writes the article and it is named “Redefining neighbour in Europe”.

KQ: How borders are redefined in terms of economic cooperation in some areas?

The set up of Euroregion and the advantages due to this structure.

The limits of the system on the county scale and on the national scale.

I.

. The main goal of the cross-channel was to develop an important economic activity in the area and created a “free trade” thanks to the tunnel. The creation of the tunnel led to several investments to develop jobs, tourism and transport in the countries.

As said by Mr. Barret “ It is might make more sense for a Kent company to source its supplies in Nord- Pas de Calais instead of Birmingham”. It is useful for a company to settle in other countries. The people in favour of Euroregion think that it would help attract investment to Nord-Pas de Calais for instance. These Euroregions further highly skilled workers to go working in other countries. Moreover it advantages the contest between European leaders. In 1998, Bruce Lockhart the leader of the Kent county council and Michel Delabarre from Nord-Pas de Calais expect 14 000 new jobs in their area. One of the main goals of Euroregion was make economic forecasts to be able to adapt the investment.

Moreover, this cross-channel links are good for trade and tourism and cultural ties. This cross channel leads to a decrease of the cost of travel. It is much easier for a middle class family to came and visit London for example what is an important city from a cultural point of view.

II.

. However, although Peter Ford says that this is business and not politics the politic system is really linked to every single project created between Kent and Nord Pas de Calais for instance. He says that the national governments are still very strong. Euroregion do not have any politic power.

For Instance, Bruce Lockhart is not really found of the project. Bruce Lockhart is more a believer in nation state; Moreover since December 1998 Bruce Lockhart became at the head of Euroregion. Bruce Lockhart takes part in the Euroregion but he doesn’t believe in a common politic he did it for the good development of his county.

We may also notice the importance of the national governments. Central

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