Electronic copy available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1685837
Centre d'Etudes de Populations, de Pauvreté et de Politiques Socio-Economiques
International Networks for Studies in Technology, Environment, Alternatives and Development
IRISS Working Papers
IRISS Working Paper Series
IRISS-C/I
An Integrated Research
Infrastructure in the
Socio-economic Sciences
2009-02 February 2009
Cross-border metropolitan integration in Europe
(Luxembourg, Basel and Geneva)
by
Christophe Sohn
Bernard Reitel
Olivier Walther
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Electronic copy available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1685837
Centre d'Etudes de Populations, de Pauvreté et de Politiques Socio-Economiques
International Networks for Studies in Technology, Environment, Alternatives and Development
Cross-border metropolitan integration in Europe (Luxembourg, Basel and
Geneva)
Christophe Sohn
Centre for Population, Poverty and Public Policy Studies (CEPS/INSTEAD), Luxembourg
Bernard Reitel
University of Upper Alsace, France
Olivier Walther
Centre for Population, Poverty and Public Policy Studies (CEPS/INSTEAD), Luxembourg
Abstract This article questions the integration processes in three small cross-border metropolitan areas: Lux-
embourg, Basel and Geneva. By referring to an original analysis framework, it evaluates the nature and intensity
of 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.
Reference IRISS Working Paper 2009-02, CEPS/INSTEAD, Differdange, Luxembourg
URL http://ideas.repec.org/p/irs/iriswp/2009-02.html
The views expressed in this paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect views of
CEPS/INSTEAD. IRISS Working Papers are not subject to any review process. Errors and omissions are the sole
responsibility of the author(s).
(CEPS/INSTEAD internal doc. #07-09-0462-E)
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