Cross-Border Metropolitan Integration in Europe (Luxembourg, Basel and Geneva)

IRISS Working Paper 2009-02

24 Pages Posted: 3 Oct 2010

See all articles by Christophe Sohn

Christophe Sohn

LISER

Bernard Reitel

Université de Haute Alsace

Olivier Walther

University of Florida

Date Written: February 2009

Abstract

This article questions the integration processes in three small cross-border metropolitan areas: Luxembourg, Basel and Geneva. By referring to an original analysis framework, it evaluates the nature and intensityof the functional and institutional integration and highlights the elements that structure the cooperation between the actors. The analysis shows that there is not necessarily a reciprocal link between the size of the functional area and the extent of the cooperation. Whilst no metropolitan-sized project is on the agenda in Luxembourg, the example of Basel and Geneva shows that the presence of a national border offers an opportunity to invent original forms of governance, increase the autonomy of the local authorities by different types of cooperation which transcend the institutional and territorial divides, and enable the international character of the metropolitan centre to be valued for what it is. In a context of global competition, these features represent an undeniable benefit.

Keywords: Cross-border metropolitan regions, Europe, cooperation, Luxembourg, Basel, Geneva

Suggested Citation

Sohn, Christophe and Reitel, Bernard and Walther, Olivier, Cross-Border Metropolitan Integration in Europe (Luxembourg, Basel and Geneva) (February 2009). IRISS Working Paper 2009-02, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1685837 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1685837

Christophe Sohn (Contact Author)

LISER ( email )

11, Porte des Sciences
Campus Belval – Maison des Sciences Humaines
Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4366
Luxembourg

Bernard Reitel

Université de Haute Alsace ( email )

Rue des Frères Lumière
Mulhouse, 68093
France

Olivier Walther

University of Florida ( email )

3205 Turlington Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611
United States

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