Challenges of Cross-Border Spatial Planning in the Metropolitan Regions of Luxembourg and Lille

Abstract

The regional policy of the EU aims at harmonization and cohesion in the development of European regions. To achieve this objective, the outlying border territories are engaged in a process of territorial integration. In this context, the issue of spatial planning on both sides of the borders is one of the main challenges for the border regions. The aims of the paper, which focuses on two cross-border metropolitan areas (Luxembourg and Lille), are to study the notion of cross-border spatial planning (CBSP) and then examine its implementation. Within this perspective, a model will be put forward in order to analyse the CBSP. The results of the study show the multiplicity of difficulties encountered by planning actors when realizing cross-border development projects. To overcome these obstacles, adjustments are required.

Keywords::

• spatial planning
• cross-border cooperation
• metropolitan region
• Luxembourg
• Lille

Acknowledgements

This research is part of the Crossplanning project [PDR/09/073] and the MetroNet project – Cross-Border Metropolitan Governance in Europe: A Network Analysis Approach [C09/SR/03] supported by the National Research Fund of Luxembourg. The author thanks Dr Antoine Decoville, Dr Sabine Dörry, Dr Christophe Sohn and Dr OlivierWalther for their comments.