Dynamiques des projets de territoire transfrontaliers en Grande Région

Following an introduction into the context of cross-border cooperation in Europe (via institutions, agreements, charters, etc.), the author describes the variety of different territories that constitute the Greater Region. The thesis is principally interested in the spatial impact of the divergent visions shaping the spatial planning of the Greater Region. To this end, it analyses old and new perceptions of the spatial planning policy in each state. Comparative and in-depth analyses of the development projects in three rural border areas in the Greater Region are provided on every scale (communal, intercommunal, departmental, provincial, regional, national, and in relation to the European Union). The main question is: “On what criteria and how is a cross-border territory project developed in a rural context?” (p. 18).

In the opening section, the scientific interest of this project is accounted for by way of an epistemological analysis of the different levels (local, national, and international). The particularities of each area as well as the hypotheses and methodology of the project are introduced. Thus, the author describes the procedures that account for sustainable development in each of the member states of the Greater Region.

The second part of the thesis consists of a discourse analysis, of cross-border projects and territory projects, of surveys, of spatial planning documents, of public hearings, and implemented studies in the hopes of drawing conclusions and projections. The author finds that the concept of trans-territorialisation does indeed apply to rural, cross-border spaces. The value of this concept is particularly evident in the use it makes of local sustainable development resources and local spatial planning documents.

The author presents maps and statistical data, as well as photos in order to properly illustrate the development of rural areas. Thus, the Vosges du Nord/Pfälzerwald Transboundary Biosphere Reserve is described as “a cooperation of regional proportions, among the different cultures living in a rural and not very densely populated area” (p. 107); Montmédy and Gaume are called “cooperations on an intercommunal scale, of Latin culture” (p. 117); and Beckerich and Attert, “a cooperation on a local level, defined simultaneously by Luxembourgish and French cultures, under the cross-border metropolizing influence of Luxembourg City, but in a rural space that is both rurban and periurban” (p. 126).

The third part, finally, seeks to specify the process involved in building cross-border territory projects in rural areas. The existing limits that continue to confront such a process are acknowledged. Moreover, the author endeavors to draw comparisons with projects elsewhere in Europe in order to elicit eventual similarities.

Content

General Introduction

Part 1: Theories, Methodologies, Territories: an Operational Framework Rich with Heterogeneity

• Chapter 1: What challenges are particular to hybrid border territories, notably in the Greater Region?
  • 1.1 Borders, cross-border cooperation, quality-durability: cross-referencing concepts associated with the study
  • 1.2 The Greater Region, a pioneer in matters of cross-border cooperation
• Chapter II: Are the border-spaces in the Greater Region ready to build durable cross-border territory projects?
  • 2.1 Explaining the theoretical model behind such cross-border territory projects
  • 2.2 The choice of territories
  • 2.3 The researched territories present a diversity of challenges

Part 2: The Dynamic of Cross-Border Territories and the Tools of Implementation

• Chapter III: The trans-territorialization of rural, cross-border areas in the Greater Region: nature, applications, limits
  • 3.1 Proximity as a contributing factor of trans-territorialization
  • 3.2 The dynamics of development on either side of the border as a triggering the onset of trans-territorialization
  • 3.3 Implementing sustainable development and green energy transition in the planning of cross-border territory projects
  • 3.4 Rural cross-border governance having a hard time asserting itself? Attempting a typology
• Chapter IV: Rural Development Plans, the Climate Compact, the Center for Rural Excellence, the Transboundary Biosphere Reserve: Theoretical Comparison of National Programs Providing Support for Durable Rural Trans-Territorialization
  • 4.1 Rural development plans: origins, operation, challenges
  • 4.2 Climate compact principles: centrality, financing, green energy transition
  • 4.3 Center for rural excellence, a recent French territory project
  • 4.4 The Vosges du Nord/Pfälzerwald Transboundary Biosphere Reserve: Shared management tools

Part 3: Proposed Typology and Opening

• Chapter V: Typology on three different scales of the three phases of cross-border territory project development
  • 5.1 Defining and acquiring a common territory, the prelude to any cross-border strategy: bringing Montmédy and Gaume together through a shared tourism project
  • 5.2 Harmonizing development: the case of the Attert valley investment in renewing energy resources
  • 5.3 Constructing a common cross-border territory project: sustainable development and the RBT case
• Chapter VI: Limits and elements of comparison in France and Europee
  • 6.1 Juridical, personnel, and financial challenges to cross-border cooperation
  • 6.2 Elements of comparison in France and Europe

General Conclusion