Cross-border Sport and Leisure: Public Action, Practices and Usage in the European Union

Abstract

ABSTRACT The process of European integration has received special attention from European border studies, with a particular focus on internal market issues and cross-border cooperation. Sports are often presented among the transnational activities likely to contribute to “European citizenship” and the creation of an imagined community. Despite the increase in publications in 2016 linking sports, leisure, and cross-border activities, research remains rather limited. In this special issue, we shall focus on the transnational spaces of European cross-border cooperation, as studied from the perspectives of construction and appropriation. We shall go beyond institutional analysis to offer a more comprehensive and balanced approach, taking into account both public policies and the experiences of individuals and groups involved in sports and leisure activities in three border areas. Our analysis will encompass public action, the use of sports areas, facilities and equipment, and cross-border entrepreneurs.