Governance mechanisms for cross-border functional areas

The aim of the European research project is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of cross-border functional areas, including on the policy implications, across the ESPON space. Investigating both the status-quo and the potential of the functional cross-border integration, the following steps are required: (I) examine in-depth the concept of a functional cross-border area and its relation to territorial governance mechanisms, taking into consideration / synthesizing key theoretical frameworks, and results of empirical studies, and (II) conduct a detailed territorial analysis by looking at the spatial, economic, social, cultural, and multi-level governance dimensions of functional cross-border areas. Given the diversity of borders, of geographical/territorial and of national contexts (scale, decentralisation level and competences, for instance), cross border territorial governance models could be built on the bottom-up, specific, approaches, fostering multi-level cooperation. Within this context it is, therefore, important to understand the drivers, obstacles / bottlenecks, as well as opportunities and development trends determining the origin and evolution of such new functional territories and, also, to look at the applicable territorial governance mechanisms.