INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the FRONTEM platform on perceptions of bordersFive case studies across Europe
PresentationBirte Wassenberg, project leader & professor at Sciences Po Strasbourg
The Jean Monnet network « Borders in motion » (Frontem)
was officially launched on 18 November 2019. The first network obtained by France within the European Union’s Jean Monnet actions, the network is part of Sciences Po Strasbourg’s tradition of excellence in research on European issues.
Sciences Po Strasbourg also has a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in European Studies, a Jean Monnet Project and has held several Jean Monnet Chairs. Under the leadership of Sciences Po Strasbourg, the Frontem network brings together six other partners:
Sciences Po Strasbourg also has a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in European Studies, a Jean Monnet Project and has held several Jean Monnet Chairs. Under the leadership of Sciences Po Strasbourg, the Frontem network brings together six other partners:
- University of Southern Denmark (Sønderborg, Denmark)
-
Euro-Institut (Kehl, Germany)
-
Centre for Cross-Border Studies (Armagh, Northern Ireland)
-
Babeş-Bolyai University (Cluj, Romania)
-
Catholic University of Louvain (Louvain, Belgium)
- University of Victoria (Victoria, Canada).
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FR-DE Border
The French-German Border
HU-RO Border
The Hungarian-Romanian Border
IRL-UK Border
The Irish-British Border
DE-DK Border
The German-Danish Border
FR-BE Border
The French-Belgian Border
DE-FR Border
FR-DE BorderA model for reconciliation and cross-border integration
The FR-DE border : presentationby Birte Wassenberg and Anne Thevenet
Birte
Wassenberg is Professor
in Contemporary History at Sciences Po, University of
Strasbourg. She holds a Jean Monnet Chair, is director
of the Franco-German
Jean-Monnet Center of Excellence and is a former territorial attaché
responsible for cross-border cooperation at the Région Alsace.
Anne Thevenet is involved in cross border cooperation at the Franco-German border since almost 20 years as deputy Director of the Euro-Institut. She also coordinates the Transfrontier Euro-Institut Network, which gathers 17 members (as well as 2 associated members) at 10 Borders in Europe.
Anne Thevenet is involved in cross border cooperation at the Franco-German border since almost 20 years as deputy Director of the Euro-Institut. She also coordinates the Transfrontier Euro-Institut Network, which gathers 17 members (as well as 2 associated members) at 10 Borders in Europe.
Focus Groups at the FR-DE Border
The 4th focus group, conducted by the Euro-Institut, took place at the Border between France and Germany on 28 June 2022. During a breakfast workshop, participants exchanged views on the role of the citizens in the border region, the difficulties and obstacles in everyday life and the question of a common identity in the Upper Rhine. Similar topics were also discussed in the afternoon over coffee and cake, with representatives of various cross-border institutions exchanging views on the role of civil society, the existing legal and financial instruments, and the existing obstacles and solution mechanisms. A significant topic of discussion in both groups was the pandemic. Citizens and institution representatives shared how their perception of the border and border crossing has changed as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, and discussed how the pandemic has affected mutual trust and cross-border cooperation.
Strasbourg is immersed in Franco-German culture and although the area has been violently disputed throughout history, it has served as a cultural bridge between France and Germany for centuries.Strasbourg (FR)
Strasbourg (FR) and Kehl (DE) are fairly well connected, in particular by the tram that crosses the Rhine.Strasbourg (FR)
By the side of the tram tracks, just a stone's throw from the bridge over the Rhine, this tank reminds us of times of war and the painful past between the two countries.Strasbourg (FR)
Four bridges connect Strasbourg and Kehl. This one is reserved for trams, pedestrians and cyclists.Strasbourg - Kehl (FR-DE)
Felix Neumann
Felix is an artist, producer and hip-hop singer. His band "Zweierpasch", which he founded with his twin brother, performs throughout the border region and beyond. Felix lives in Kehl, on the German side of the Rhine and crosses the border every day to take his son to Kindergarten in Strasbourg.
Interview in English
[00:25]
"For me, as an artist who sings and raps and writing in two languages, it's like the perfect place to live."
[02:45]
"Between Kehl and Strasbourg today [the tramway] is crossing the river [...],before there were tanks and troops [...]. So I'm aware of this, but when I have my son on my bicycle, in the back, and I go to the kindergarten with him [...], I don't think about crossing a border."
[05:55]
"A border means for me a cool thing when I can cross it, and a negative thing when I'm stopped."
"For me, as an artist who sings and raps and writing in two languages, it's like the perfect place to live."
[02:45]
"Between Kehl and Strasbourg today [the tramway] is crossing the river [...],before there were tanks and troops [...]. So I'm aware of this, but when I have my son on my bicycle, in the back, and I go to the kindergarten with him [...], I don't think about crossing a border."
[05:55]
"A border means for me a cool thing when I can cross it, and a negative thing when I'm stopped."
The BAG steel plant in Kehl, on the German side of the border, is one of the most important economic players in the region and a major employer of workers from France as well as from Germany.Kehl (DE)
The company produces more than 2.2 million tons of steel from recovered scrap metal. The furnaces have an electricity consumption equivalent to that of the city of Frankfurt.Kehl (DE)
The BAG plant trains apprentices in various trades. Some of the trainees come from France, across the border.Kehl (DE)
Paul
Originally from Thailand, Paul has lived in France since he was a child. He works at the BAG plant in Kehl, after having completed two years of training there. Paul remarked that he earns around twice as much in Germany as he would in a similar job on the French side and that working conditions are better for him on this side of the border.
Kehl (DE)
Kehl (DE)
Interview in French
00:21
"As the Alsace region is close to several borders, living here is clearly an advantage for me in terms of work, but also for the language and personal development. So, I personally only see advantages."
01:13
"Earlier I thought France would be the El Dorado for workers. But then if you dare to cross the borders, you will realise that this is far from the truth and that the grass is greener on the other side."
"As the Alsace region is close to several borders, living here is clearly an advantage for me in terms of work, but also for the language and personal development. So, I personally only see advantages."
01:13
"Earlier I thought France would be the El Dorado for workers. But then if you dare to cross the borders, you will realise that this is far from the truth and that the grass is greener on the other side."
DE-DK Border
DE-DK BorderA model for minority integration
The DE-DK Border : Presentation Steen Bo Frandsen
Steen is Professor for Border Region Studies at the
Department of Political Science and Public Management
of the University of Southern Denmark.
Focus groups at the DE-DK Border
With the two focus groups held at the border between Denmark and Germany, we wanted to discuss issues of identity as well as changes and dynamics caused by recent developments in the border region and the border regime, in particular since Denmark joined the Schengen Area. In these focus groups we were less concerned with aspects of economy, law, and governance, and we paid no particular attention to other issues of significance for a border region, such as commuting, trade, tax, technical issues or quantitative data related to the border and life in the region.
e data related to the
border and life in the region.
This choice was motivated by our impression that the atmosphere in the border region has undergone some quite interesting developments over recent years. The border, although stable and no longer disputed, has changed substantially. Since Denmark became part of the Schengen Area, we have seen the construction of a wild boar fence, the "temporary" suspension of the open border, and finally the COVID-19 border closure. All these developments have had a huge impact not only on the physical border, but also on the mental one.
We were therefore interested in gathering opinions on the role of majorities and minorities, and in initiating a discussion of what it means to live in the border region.
This choice was motivated by our impression that the atmosphere in the border region has undergone some quite interesting developments over recent years. The border, although stable and no longer disputed, has changed substantially. Since Denmark became part of the Schengen Area, we have seen the construction of a wild boar fence, the "temporary" suspension of the open border, and finally the COVID-19 border closure. All these developments have had a huge impact not only on the physical border, but also on the mental one.
We were therefore interested in gathering opinions on the role of majorities and minorities, and in initiating a discussion of what it means to live in the border region.
The Flensburg Fjord is a prominent part of the landscape of the German-Danish border region.Rønshoved (DK)
The battle of Dybbøl, won by the Germans in 1864, has long remained a traumatic event in the collective memory of the Danish nation. Today, it is an important landmark in the history of the region.Dybbøl / Düppel (DK)
The war is commemorated in a museum on the site of the battle.Dybbøl / Düppel (DK)
Not far from the Museum, the municipality of Padborg (DK), located right next to the border, hosts one of the 13 German minority schools of the region.Padborg / Pattburg (DK)
Before/after view
Most of the pupils belong to the German minority in Denmark. Some children, however, also come from the other side of the border.Padborg / Pattburg (DK)
Käthe Nissen
Most of the pupils belong to the German minority in Denmark. Some children, however, also come from the other side of the border.
Interview in German
[00:55]
"Our schools are important for the identity of our minority."
[03:30]
"Even if the plan was for border controls only to be temporary, they are still there. [The borders are there] physically, but they also fill our heads. Both minorities are a bit frustrated about this border now."
[04:55]
“The borders are still in our heads, but this is our daily life, especially in our schools. The children grow up in Denmark, they are immersed in Danish culture, they watch Danish TV, they speak mostly Danish at home, but the teachers are mostly from Flensburg. That's two cultures coming together.”
"Our schools are important for the identity of our minority."
[03:30]
"Even if the plan was for border controls only to be temporary, they are still there. [The borders are there] physically, but they also fill our heads. Both minorities are a bit frustrated about this border now."
[04:55]
“The borders are still in our heads, but this is our daily life, especially in our schools. The children grow up in Denmark, they are immersed in Danish culture, they watch Danish TV, they speak mostly Danish at home, but the teachers are mostly from Flensburg. That's two cultures coming together.”
"Temporary" controls introduced at the Danish border during the 2015 refugee crisis remain there to this day. Checkpoint Padborg/Harrislee (DK/DE)
Located just south of the border, the city of Flensburg in the Schleswig region is an important economic and cultural centre.Flensburg / Flensborg (DE)
The harbour of Flensburg used to be a merchants’ hub for the region of Schleswig.Flensburg / Flensborg (DE)
The Danish community is very active in Flensburg, with its own cultural centre in the heart of the city.Flensburg / Flensborg (DE)
Katrine Hoop
Katrine is a member of the Danish minority in Germany. For many years she served as the manager of the Danish Cultural Centre in Flensburg.
Interview in German
[03:40]
"When the border control suddenly came back and then this fence, it was really intense. I had the impression that someone was building a fence right in front of my home."
[04:40]
"I always find it exciting, whether there is a border control or not, that I always notice which side we are on. As a child, when we went to Denmark, I always fell asleep in the car. And when I woke up, I could immediately see whether we were in Denmark or Germany."
[07:20]
"My utopia was always that we would make the minorities useless because we simply live in a German-Danish region and therefore the border would slowly fade away."
"When the border control suddenly came back and then this fence, it was really intense. I had the impression that someone was building a fence right in front of my home."
[04:40]
"I always find it exciting, whether there is a border control or not, that I always notice which side we are on. As a child, when we went to Denmark, I always fell asleep in the car. And when I woke up, I could immediately see whether we were in Denmark or Germany."
[07:20]
"My utopia was always that we would make the minorities useless because we simply live in a German-Danish region and therefore the border would slowly fade away."
HU-RO Border
HU-RO BorderAn external Schengen border inside the EU
The HU-RO Border : presentationby István Polgár
PhD Lecturer at the Faculty of History, International Relations, Political Science and Communication Sciences
of the University of Oradea
Focus groups at the border between Romania and Hungary
The focus groups were held on 19 May 2022 in Cluj-Napoca (Romania) and centred first around the history and present state of border management and then on how the citizens perceive, re-/de-construct and live the border . Participants shared their experiences of the strictly controlled border during the communist era and emphasised that the permanent postponement of Romania's accession to the Schengen Zone significantly hinders the development of stronger integration and mutual trust across the border.
Scholars and representatives of regional and local authorities, cross-border structures (European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation), border police and ethnic organisations who participated in the focus groups drew attention to ethnic diversity and inter-cultural influences in the border area, as well as the role that the ethnic minorities can play in building trust.
Scholars and representatives of regional and local authorities, cross-border structures (European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation), border police and ethnic organisations who participated in the focus groups drew attention to ethnic diversity and inter-cultural influences in the border area, as well as the role that the ethnic minorities can play in building trust.
Oradea (or Nagyvárad in Hungarian) is located approximately 10 km from Borș, one of the most important crossing points on Romania's border with Hungary.Oradea (RO)
Situated in a plain on the edge of the Carpathians, this economic, cultural and industrial centre is surrounded by an agricultural lands.Oradea (RO)
Before/after view
The road between Oradea and Ártánd is a busy road with heavy truck traffic.Borş (RO)
Restaurants, supermarkets, truck logistics depots, petrol stations…Borş (RO)
... currency exchanges offices, and shops are dotted along the road…Borş (RO)
... all the way to the border crossing.Checkpoint Borş / Ártánd (RO-HU)
Péter Sándor
Péter Sándor has served as head of the
Biharkeresztes Border Police Station
for 23 years. He has been working at the border post for a total of 37 years, and has therefore experienced the many changes in the status of the border, from the Iron Curtain to today.
Interview in Hungarian
[00:19]
" The Hungarian-Romanian border has two main characteristics: One, it is the European Union's internal border; and two, it is at the same time the Schengen external border. "
[12:54]
"Thirty years from now, I'll be 90 years old, if I'm still alive. The signs currently marking the state border will be presented as historical artefacts and open to the public as museum objects. And the borderline between these stones will become invisible."
" The Hungarian-Romanian border has two main characteristics: One, it is the European Union's internal border; and two, it is at the same time the Schengen external border. "
[12:54]
"Thirty years from now, I'll be 90 years old, if I'm still alive. The signs currently marking the state border will be presented as historical artefacts and open to the public as museum objects. And the borderline between these stones will become invisible."
While waiting for Romania to enter the Schengen Zone, roads that were built with European funding have been artificially closed for years.
Géza Bátori
Since 1988, Géza Bátori has been the mayor Borş, a border municipality mostly inhabited by people of the Hungarian minority. His own mother tongue is Hungarian.
Interview in Hungarian
[02:04]
“Let's look at the period before the ’90s. There were practically only two options: Crossing the border with a 'large passport', this meant that you could only travel to other formerly Socialist countries. The other was the 'small border pass', which was only valid directly around the border. With this, you could only cross in a 15-kilometer radius. So, that was until the ’90s. After 1990, there were radical changes.”
[08:35]
"From an economic point of view, having the border closed is a disadvantage."
[16:14]
"And then, everyone will be an equal European citizen. There won't be such thing anymore as a 'type 1' or a 'type 2' European citizen."
“Let's look at the period before the ’90s. There were practically only two options: Crossing the border with a 'large passport', this meant that you could only travel to other formerly Socialist countries. The other was the 'small border pass', which was only valid directly around the border. With this, you could only cross in a 15-kilometer radius. So, that was until the ’90s. After 1990, there were radical changes.”
[08:35]
"From an economic point of view, having the border closed is a disadvantage."
[16:14]
"And then, everyone will be an equal European citizen. There won't be such thing anymore as a 'type 1' or a 'type 2' European citizen."
Many of the communication routes that existed before WWI were cut off and left to decay, such as this railway line at Chiriseg, Romania
The Romanian village of Toboliu is located right by the border.
Adrian Craciun
Adrian Craciun is the mayor of the municipality of Toboliu.
Interview in Romanian
[00:17]
"We have a road linking Hungary to Toboliu but it only operates on Saturdays. It would be useful to use it all the time: for trade, for people, for the smooth running of things in the municipality. And to be connected to Europe, not only to Hungary but also to Europe."
[02:18]
"If the road were open, people from Hungary would come to work here, because we have problems in terms of human resources. We can't find people to hire on the Romanian side."
[04:38]
"For the people who work in agriculture, it would help to start from an equal standpoint with the Hungarian side. Now we are not equal, we get a subsidy of about 100 euros, our neighbours get three, four times more. We are not equal on the market."
"We have a road linking Hungary to Toboliu but it only operates on Saturdays. It would be useful to use it all the time: for trade, for people, for the smooth running of things in the municipality. And to be connected to Europe, not only to Hungary but also to Europe."
[02:18]
"If the road were open, people from Hungary would come to work here, because we have problems in terms of human resources. We can't find people to hire on the Romanian side."
[04:38]
"For the people who work in agriculture, it would help to start from an equal standpoint with the Hungarian side. Now we are not equal, we get a subsidy of about 100 euros, our neighbours get three, four times more. We are not equal on the market."
Another example of the many closed roads between Hungary and Romania.
IRL-UK Border
IRL-UK BorderThe unbearable lightness of the Ireland-Northern Ireland border
The IRL-UK Border : presentationby Dr Anthony Soares
Dr Anthony Soares is Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies, an independent organisation based in Armagh, Northern Ireland, dedicated to improving cross-border cooperation.
Focus groups at the IRL-UK border
Two focus group discussions took place in March 2022 in the Ireland-Northern Ireland border region. One took place in the offices of the North South Ministerial Council in Armagh (Northern Ireland), and brought together several key actors with oversight of or involved in a range of areas relevant to cross-border mobility; the other met in Creative Spark in Dundalk (Republic of Ireland) and comprised a range of community groups, as well as civic society organisations whose work includes addressing issues related to citizens’ cross-border mobility.
The main issues discussed involved views of border management and the Covid-19 crisis, memories of the border during the conflict, and the change of the status of the border to an external EU border. It was clear from the discussions that the participants in the focus groups value the “openness” of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and were concerned that citizens’ cross-border mobility and the ability to engage in cross-border cooperation should be protected.
The main issues discussed involved views of border management and the Covid-19 crisis, memories of the border during the conflict, and the change of the status of the border to an external EU border. It was clear from the discussions that the participants in the focus groups value the “openness” of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and were concerned that citizens’ cross-border mobility and the ability to engage in cross-border cooperation should be protected.
Londonderry / Derry is a town in Northern Ireland with a population of about 100,000, situated on the border with the Republic of Ireland. The very name of the city is a matter of debate between the two communities. While the official name is Londonderry, the Catholic and nationalist inhabitants inhabitants of the city call it Derry. Derry / Londonderry (UK)
As in Belfast, many buildings in Derry/Londonderry are covered with murals that carry political messages and signify which community is the majority in the district.Londonderry/ Derry (UK)
These murals are themselves subject to graffiti and misappropriation, becoming places of expression and protest for both communities. Londonderry/ Derry (UK)
Brian Dougherty
Brian has been involved in the voluntary and community sector for over
25 years, working primarily in Protestant/Unionist/Loyalist communities
in Londonderry. Among his current roles he leads the North West Cultural
Partnership, which promotes art, culture
and heritage activities
Interview in English
02:00 > 05:00
Living as a minority Protestant community in a border city: "The last bastion of Protestantism on the west bank".
05:00 > 07:20
The border during "the troubles": "I felt safer by those military security forces being there".
07:20 > 13:00
Brexit and the border: "Since 2016 there has been a real sense of demonisation of pro-Union culture"
13:00 > 20:00
Facing the divides in the border city : "The problems are internal"
20:00 > 24:00
The border as a positive: "It's an advantage for me because it retains my sense of Britishness"
From 24:00
The border in 30 years: "The border will still be here in 30 years - I'm pretty confident of that".
Living as a minority Protestant community in a border city: "The last bastion of Protestantism on the west bank".
05:00 > 07:20
The border during "the troubles": "I felt safer by those military security forces being there".
07:20 > 13:00
Brexit and the border: "Since 2016 there has been a real sense of demonisation of pro-Union culture"
13:00 > 20:00
Facing the divides in the border city : "The problems are internal"
20:00 > 24:00
The border as a positive: "It's an advantage for me because it retains my sense of Britishness"
From 24:00
The border in 30 years: "The border will still be here in 30 years - I'm pretty confident of that".
Annual parade of the Protestant association "Apprentice Boys", one of the biggest parades in Northern Ireland.Londonderry / Derry (UK)
On the night of the 11th of July, bonfires are lit in Protestant loyalist neighbourhoods. These events are regularly condemned for perceived sectarianism or ethnic hatred against Catholics and Irish nationalists because of the burning of the Irish tricolour and other emblems.Londonderry (UK)
Brexit has revived new tensions and deeply questions the status of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Paula Flanagan
Paula was born and grew up in Northern Ireland, but later moved to the
Republic of Ireland where she now lives in Donegal.
Paula is a community worker and researcher, collaborating with community organisations on both sides of the Ireland-Northern Ireland border
Paula is a community worker and researcher, collaborating with community organisations on both sides of the Ireland-Northern Ireland border
Interview in English
00:00 > 03:00
Border memories: " The border, in my memory, is almost invisible as a youngster growing up on the Northern side, but as I grew older it became more visible."
03:00 > 07:30
The "troubles" border: " Interestingly, we had very few relatives from the Republic who would come north, we would meet them places and have the day out, but they wouldn't come north. So again, that always struck me as being kind of strange that that line on the map was somewhere they didn't feel they could go over and cross."
07:30 > 08:30
The border as an advantage: "we can create opportunities that are quite unique for discussions and spaces. So I can see that as a benefit. But then, I wonder about some of the pain and hurt that still exists in communities on the border."
12:00 > 13:00
The future of the border: "In 30 years we will have a non-existent border"
Border memories: " The border, in my memory, is almost invisible as a youngster growing up on the Northern side, but as I grew older it became more visible."
03:00 > 07:30
The "troubles" border: " Interestingly, we had very few relatives from the Republic who would come north, we would meet them places and have the day out, but they wouldn't come north. So again, that always struck me as being kind of strange that that line on the map was somewhere they didn't feel they could go over and cross."
07:30 > 08:30
The border as an advantage: "we can create opportunities that are quite unique for discussions and spaces. So I can see that as a benefit. But then, I wonder about some of the pain and hurt that still exists in communities on the border."
12:00 > 13:00
The future of the border: "In 30 years we will have a non-existent border"
FR-BE Border
FR-BE BorderThe first example of a Eurometropolis
The FR-BE Border: Presentationby Bernard Reitel and Fabienne Leloup
Fabienne
Leloup is Professor of political sciences, University of Louvain
(UCLouvain – FUCAM – Mons) and a member of the Franco-Belgian scientific
grouping « Institut des Frontières et des Discontinuités »
Bernard Reitel is Professor of political and urban geography, Artois University (Arras) and a member of the Franco-belgian scientific grouping « Institut des Frontières et des Discontinuités »
Bernard Reitel is Professor of political and urban geography, Artois University (Arras) and a member of the Franco-belgian scientific grouping « Institut des Frontières et des Discontinuités »
Focus group at the FR-BE Border
The border between France and Belgium is what we could call an open and friendly border with long-standing interactions and cross-border cooperation. It is the site of the first European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation: the Eurometropolis Lille Kortrijk Tournai, a place where innovative and fruitful projects connect cultural actors, regional natural parks, local police or health organizations... Yet still – as all participants mentioned during the focus groups – crossing the border still requires good will and unlimited tenacity, since institutional and cultural (including linguistic) differences remain high despite the apparent proximity.
The border between Belgium and France runs from Dunkirk on the coast of the English Channel…Dunkirk (FR)
... to the tripoint between France, Belgium and Luxembourg about 400 km further south-east.Tripoint Aubange (BE), Mont-Saint-Martin (FR), Rodange (LU)
Lille is the most important city on the border between Belgium and France. It is also the epicentre of the Lille-Kortrijk-Tournai Eurometropolis, which brings together 157 French and Belgian municipalities and over 2 million inhabitants. From Lille-Europe station, Brussels is 33 minutes away, Paris 1 hour and London 1.5 hours.Lille (FR)
The main train lines link Lille to the surrounding capitals. In the heart of the Eurometropolis, however, the car remains the principal mode of transport to travel between cities.Motorway between Tournai (BE) and Lille (FR)
The border facilities have not officially been in operation for almost 30 years, following the introduction of the first Schengen agreements.Former checkpoint between Lille (FR) and Tournai (BE)
Before/after view
A look at the 'Grande Place' in Lille (FR) and the Theatre Square in the border town of Kortrijk (BE) shows a great unity of style in the architecture on either side of the border.Kortrijk (BE) / Lille (FR)
Catherine Christiaens
Catherine is Program Coordinator at the Eurometropolis Lille-Kortrijk-Tournai. She lives in Menen, right on the border and works in Kortrijk.
Interview in Flemish
[03:32]
"If you are in the Barakken district in Menen (BE), you'll not hear any Dutch in the shopping streets, at the baker, butcher or in the cafés. That's already a piece of France. Actually, it always gives me a very warm feeling. The proximity and crossing of the border."
[06:27]
"Closing the border meant a lot for us: for workers who could no longer commute smoothly, for the children going to school on one or other side of the border, for family visits or divorced parents where one parent lives in France and the other in Belgium. So, when the border was closed, we noticed the big impact it has on our daily lives. So please, let us not close the border anymore."
[06:38]
"I hope in thirty years the border will anyhow remains as it is, but that there can still be greater fluidity around certain issues."
"If you are in the Barakken district in Menen (BE), you'll not hear any Dutch in the shopping streets, at the baker, butcher or in the cafés. That's already a piece of France. Actually, it always gives me a very warm feeling. The proximity and crossing of the border."
[06:27]
"Closing the border meant a lot for us: for workers who could no longer commute smoothly, for the children going to school on one or other side of the border, for family visits or divorced parents where one parent lives in France and the other in Belgium. So, when the border was closed, we noticed the big impact it has on our daily lives. So please, let us not close the border anymore."
[06:38]
"I hope in thirty years the border will anyhow remains as it is, but that there can still be greater fluidity around certain issues."
The "Place transfrontalière Jacques Delors" was built in 2014 between the municipalities of Halluin (in France) and Menen (in Belgium). Located two-thirds on the French side and one-third on the Belgian side, the square is equipped with a surveillance camera system to control illegal cross-border traffic.Halluin (FR) / Menen (BE)
On the cross-border square, as in many places along the border, specific businesses are springing up, especially on the Belgian side, attracting French people living nearby. Many of these are shops selling tobacco, chocolates, petrol, but there are also casinos or aquaculture stores.Halluin (FR) / Menen (BE)
A few dozen kilometres further south of the Eurometropolis, the Scarpe-Escaut European Nature Park, which extends over French and Belgian territory, is another example of a cross-border project.Rumegies (FR) / Rongy (BE)
Lisa Bardot
Lisa is in charge of cross-border cooperation at the Scarpe-Escaut European Nature Park. She recently arrived in the region and lives in Lille, 30 kilometres from the park. Every day, she takes the train and then the car to get to her workplace, sometimes in France and sometimes in Belgium.
Interview in French
[00:55]
"Today, we talk more and more about ecological continuity, and we can see this even more clearly with nature, for example rivers that are not limited to the border. So working together is firstly a way of facilitating the task, because it is easier to coordinate on common territory. But it also allows more things to happen, there are more opportunities: we innovate together, we support each other."
[03:54]
"Even if we are not far away, we have to take the car and drive 30 minutes to meet, otherwise we work together virtually, which still poses technical problems, for instance with file exchange or on which platforms we work."
[06:58]
"I have had the opportunity to meet [people from] other European cross-border parks and by talking with them, we realise that we are extremely lucky to share the same language. We already have this advantage and the ease of work linked to this linguistic and cultural proximity. That's great!"
"Today, we talk more and more about ecological continuity, and we can see this even more clearly with nature, for example rivers that are not limited to the border. So working together is firstly a way of facilitating the task, because it is easier to coordinate on common territory. But it also allows more things to happen, there are more opportunities: we innovate together, we support each other."
[03:54]
"Even if we are not far away, we have to take the car and drive 30 minutes to meet, otherwise we work together virtually, which still poses technical problems, for instance with file exchange or on which platforms we work."
[06:58]
"I have had the opportunity to meet [people from] other European cross-border parks and by talking with them, we realise that we are extremely lucky to share the same language. We already have this advantage and the ease of work linked to this linguistic and cultural proximity. That's great!"
This former customs cabin is located on the edge of the Scarpe-Escaut European Nature Park.Rumegies (FR) / Rongy (BE)
Mental Maps
The mental mapsA contribution by Pauline Pupier
In this video, Pauline Pupier explains her contribution on mental maps for the FRONTEM project.
The 5 mental mapsClick on the mental map of your choice or just scroll down
The Franco-German map is the only
one which presents a consensual selection frequency of 100%. The unique square
is located in the European capital and cross-border city of Strasbourg, where
the focus group took place.
More than three quarters of the
respondents highlighted the Upper Rhine region, from Karlsruhe to Basel. This
is the institutional perimeter of several trinational cooperations like the
Franco-German-Swiss Conference, the Rhine Council, the Trinational Metropolitan
Region, etc.
The cross-border region follows the
border in a narrow strip of 30-50 km on each side.
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The Franco-German map is the only one which presents a consensual selection frequency of 100%. The unique square is located in the European capital and cross-border city of Strasbourg, where the focus group took place.
More than three quarters of the respondents highlighted the Upper Rhine region, from Karlsruhe to Basel. This is the institutional perimeter of several trinational cooperations like the Franco-German-Swiss Conference, the Rhine Council, the Trinational Metropolitan Region, etc.
The cross-border region follows the border in a narrow strip of 30-50 km on each side.
This map presents an interesting
singularity: the cross-border region is not necessarily continuous. Following
the perception of two respondents, it can rather be understood as a
network of major cities like Flensburg/Sonderborg
at the border but also Copenhagen and Hamburg.
Stretching
over 68 km,
the Danish-German land border is very short in comparison with the other
studied European borders. Accordingly, the cross-border region appears rather
small, with an average selected area of 9.200 km².
Due to the specific geography, a
few respondents include maritime borders in their representation of the
cross-border region. Here, two respondents highlighted the German island of
Fehmarn and the Danish island of Lolland which will be linked by an underwater
tunnel by 2027.
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This map presents an interesting singularity: the cross-border region is not necessarily continuous. Following the perception of two respondents, it can rather be understood as a network of major cities like Flensburg/Sonderborg at the border but also Copenhagen and Hamburg.
Stretching over 68 km, the Danish-German land border is very short in comparison with the other studied European borders. Accordingly, the cross-border region appears rather small, with an average selected area of 9.200 km².
Due to the specific geography, a few respondents include maritime borders in their representation of the cross-border region. Here, two respondents highlighted the German island of Fehmarn and the Danish island of Lolland which will be linked by an underwater tunnel by 2027.
Tri-national border points are
relevant for two thirds of respondents, whether on the border with Ukraine in
the north or with Serbia in the south.
The aggregate mental map of the
Romanian-Hungarian cross-border region corresponds rather to a diffuse
cross-border strip whose importance decreases with the distance to the border.
The highest selection frequency (73%) is quite low. It is located near the Romanian metropolitan area of Oradea and the neighbouring small Hungarian towns of Artand, Biharkeresztes and Pocsaj. This indicates that several respondents selected only a part of this 448 km long border.
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Tri-national border points are relevant for two thirds of respondents, whether on the border with Ukraine in the north or with Serbia in the south.
The aggregate mental map of the Romanian-Hungarian cross-border region corresponds rather to a diffuse cross-border strip whose importance decreases with the distance to the border.
The highest selection frequency (73%) is quite low. It is located near the Romanian metropolitan area of Oradea and the neighbouring small Hungarian towns of Artand, Biharkeresztes and Pocsaj. This indicates that several respondents selected only a part of this 448 km long border.
On this mental map of the border
between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the
highest frequency of selection is 89%. The percentage is high but does not show
a consensus
among respondents.
It corresponds to 3 different
squares which can be considered as local centres of the cross-border region.
They are respectively located
around the twin cities of:
- Londonderry/Derry
- Sraud/Garrison
- Emyvale/Killybrone/Aughnacloy
- Londonderry/Derry
- Sraud/Garrison
- Emyvale/Killybrone/Aughnacloy
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On this mental map of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the highest frequency of selection is 89%. The percentage is high but does not show a consensus among respondents.
It corresponds to 3 different squares which can be considered as local centres of the cross-border region.
They are respectively located
around the twin cities of:
- Londonderry/Derry
- Sraud/Garrison
- Emyvale/Killybrone/Aughnacloy
Despite the Brexit, the British
coast, the Channel and the whole maritime area are included in some
representations of the cross-border region.
The cross-border conurbation of
Lille clearly appears as the main centrality of a vast cross-border region.
This coincides with the perimeter of the institutional cooperation of the EGTC Eurometroplis
Lille-Kortrijk-Tournai.
Although the focus group discussed
the French-Belgian border, the survey question did not specify any borders. In
this mental map, up to a third of the panel includes other international
borders, here notably with the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg. The result
is a very large cross-border region, with an average area of 24,400 km².
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Despite the Brexit, the British coast, the Channel and the whole maritime area are included in some representations of the cross-border region.
The cross-border conurbation of Lille clearly appears as the main centrality of a vast cross-border region. This coincides with the perimeter of the institutional cooperation of the EGTC Eurometroplis Lille-Kortrijk-Tournai.
Although the focus group discussed the French-Belgian border, the survey question did not specify any borders. In this mental map, up to a third of the panel includes other international borders, here notably with the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg. The result is a very large cross-border region, with an average area of 24,400 km².
Partners & Credits
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Credits
Credits
Fullscreen
Concept and production of the platform:
Limo for Research (www.4research.eu )
Brunel & Pannetier GbR - Atelier Limo
Franz-Mehring-Platz 1
10243 Berlin
Germany
All photos, videos and interviews
by Limo for Research (Simon Brunel)
except:
- on the IRL-UK border: Mariusz Śmiejek
- the areal photo and the inside of the steel factory in Kehl: BAG Kehl
- the photos of the focus group in FR-DE, HU-RO and IRL-UK made by the project partners
Mental maps
by Pauline Pupier
Limo for Research (www.4research.eu )
Brunel & Pannetier GbR - Atelier Limo
Franz-Mehring-Platz 1
10243 Berlin
Germany
All photos, videos and interviews
by Limo for Research (Simon Brunel)
except:
- on the IRL-UK border: Mariusz Śmiejek
- the areal photo and the inside of the steel factory in Kehl: BAG Kehl
- the photos of the focus group in FR-DE, HU-RO and IRL-UK made by the project partners
Mental maps
by Pauline Pupier
Scroll down to continue
Swipe to continue
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Welcome to the FRONTEM platform on perceptions of borders
Presentation
FR-DE Border
The FR-DE border : presentation
Focus Groups at the FR-DE Border
Strasbourg is immersed in Franco-German culture and although the area has been violently disputed throughout history, it has served as a cultural bridge between France and Germany for centuries.
Strasbourg (FR) and Kehl (DE) are fairly well connected, in particular by the tram that crosses the Rhine.
By the side of the tram tracks, just a stone's throw from the bridge over the Rhine, this tank reminds us of times of war and the painful past between the two countries.
Four bridges connect Strasbourg and Kehl. This one is reserved for trams, pedestrians and cyclists.
Felix Neumann
The BAG steel plant in Kehl, on the German side of the border, is one of the most important economic players in the region and a major employer of workers from France as well as from Germany.
The company produces more than 2.2 million tons of steel from recovered scrap metal. The furnaces have an electricity consumption equivalent to that of the city of Frankfurt.
The BAG plant trains apprentices in various trades. Some of the trainees come from France, across the border.
Paul
DE-DK Border
Focus groups at the DE-DK Border
The Flensburg Fjord is a prominent part of the landscape of the German-Danish border region.
The battle of Dybbøl, won by the Germans in 1864, has long remained a traumatic event in the collective memory of the Danish nation. Today, it is an important landmark in the history of the region.
The war is commemorated in a museum on the site of the battle.
Not far from the Museum, the municipality of Padborg (DK), located right next to the border, hosts one of the 13 German minority schools of the region.
Most of the pupils belong to the German minority in Denmark. Some children, however, also come from the other side of the border.
Käthe Nissen
"Temporary" controls introduced at the Danish border during the 2015 refugee crisis remain there to this day.
Located just south of the border, the city of Flensburg in the Schleswig region is an important economic and cultural centre.
The harbour of Flensburg used to be a merchants’ hub for the region of Schleswig.
The Danish community is very active in Flensburg, with its own cultural centre in the heart of the city.
Katrine Hoop
HU-RO Border
The HU-RO Border : presentation
Focus groups at the border between Romania and Hungary
Oradea (or Nagyvárad in Hungarian) is located approximately 10 km from Borș, one of the most important crossing points on Romania's border with Hungary.
Situated in a plain on the edge of the Carpathians, this economic, cultural and industrial centre is surrounded by an agricultural lands.
The road between Oradea and Ártánd is a busy road with heavy truck traffic.
Restaurants, supermarkets, truck logistics depots, petrol stations…
... currency exchanges offices, and shops are dotted along the road…
... all the way to the border crossing.
Péter Sándor
While waiting for Romania to enter the Schengen Zone, roads that were built with European funding have been artificially closed for years.
Géza Bátori
Many of the communication routes that existed before WWI were cut off and left to decay, such as this railway line at Chiriseg, Romania
The Romanian village of Toboliu is located right by the border.
Adrian Craciun
Another example of the many closed roads between Hungary and Romania.
IRL-UK Border
The IRL-UK Border : presentation
Focus groups at the IRL-UK border
Londonderry / Derry is a town in Northern Ireland with a population of about 100,000, situated on the border with the Republic of Ireland. The very name of the city is a matter of debate between the two communities. While the official name is Londonderry, the Catholic and nationalist inhabitants inhabitants of the city call it Derry.
As in Belfast, many buildings in Derry/Londonderry are covered with murals that carry political messages and signify which community is the majority in the district.
These murals are themselves subject to graffiti and misappropriation, becoming places of expression and protest for both communities.
Brian Dougherty
Annual parade of the Protestant association "Apprentice Boys", one of the biggest parades in Northern Ireland.
On the night of the 11th of July, bonfires are lit in Protestant loyalist neighbourhoods. These events are regularly condemned for perceived sectarianism or ethnic hatred against Catholics and Irish nationalists because of the burning of the Irish tricolour and other emblems.
Brexit has revived new tensions and deeply questions the status of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Paula Flanagan
FR-BE Border
The FR-BE Border: Presentation
Focus group at the FR-BE Border
The border between Belgium and France runs from Dunkirk on the coast of the English Channel…
... to the tripoint between France, Belgium and Luxembourg about 400 km further south-east.
Lille is the most important city on the border between Belgium and France. It is also the epicentre of the Lille-Kortrijk-Tournai Eurometropolis, which brings together 157 French and Belgian municipalities and over 2 million inhabitants. From Lille-Europe station, Brussels is 33 minutes away, Paris 1 hour and London 1.5 hours.
The main train lines link Lille to the surrounding capitals. In the heart of the Eurometropolis, however, the car remains the principal mode of transport to travel between cities.
The border facilities have not officially been in operation for almost 30 years, following the introduction of the first Schengen agreements.
A look at the 'Grande Place' in Lille (FR) and the Theatre Square in the border town of Kortrijk (BE) shows a great unity of style in the architecture on either side of the border.
Catherine Christiaens
The "Place transfrontalière Jacques Delors" was built in 2014 between the municipalities of Halluin (in France) and Menen (in Belgium). Located two-thirds on the French side and one-third on the Belgian side, the square is equipped with a surveillance camera system to control illegal cross-border traffic.
On the cross-border square, as in many places along the border, specific businesses are springing up, especially on the Belgian side, attracting French people living nearby. Many of these are shops selling tobacco, chocolates, petrol, but there are also casinos or aquaculture stores.
A few dozen kilometres further south of the Eurometropolis, the Scarpe-Escaut European Nature Park, which extends over French and Belgian territory, is another example of a cross-border project.
Lisa Bardot
This former customs cabin is located on the edge of the Scarpe-Escaut European Nature Park.
The mental maps
The 5 mental maps
The DE-FR Border
The DE-DK Border
The HU-RO Border
The IRL-UK Border
The FR-BE Border
Comparative results
Partners & Credits
The partners