Cross-border Projects Research Articles

CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION, PROTECTED GEOGRAPHIC AREAS AND EXTENSIVE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN SERBIA

The concept of Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development (SARD) is based on resources effective usage that brings strengthen social cohesion of rural regions. Sustainable agro systems take care of natural resources conservation, as well as of economic and social aspects of rural economy. In order to advance complementary activities, agricultural sector has been often seen as the base for local economical diversification of capacities. The connections between agriculture, nature and tourism are especially important. The EU countries insist on this kind of connections which is the integral part of financial support of common funds, while the candidate countries are using the IPA assistance for rural development programs. Program of cross - border cooperation has been placed within this context, too. The article, also, gives several examples of cross-border cooperation project that might include Serbia with some of the neighboring countries in the area of tourism and rural development. The most important elements of cooperation with comments and issues from the author’s perspective of view are given in this paper.

Economic (un)natural selection

The credit crunch could turn out to be ‘kill or cure’ for scientific research, weeding out the weak while favouring the strong. While many governments and research institutes are tightening their belts fiscally, some scientific sectors—and even countries—could well emerge fitter from this brutal (un)natural selection. At the same time, the economic crisis could intensify the inequality that is already present in the European research community. Increasing unemployment and the resulting extra burden on social security will force the poorer countries of Eastern Europe—including some of the newer European Union member states—to cut their already meagre research budgets, while wealthier nations, such as Germany and the UK, will be able to afford to stimulate key research areas. Indeed, some research fields, particularly within biomedical research, will benefit directly from stimulus packages. This is already happening in the USA, where President Barack Obama has proposed a stimulus package that would inject an extra US$10 billion into the biomedical research budget of the National Institutes of Health (NIH; Bethesda, MA, USA) for 2009, which certainly poses a major challenge for the whole of Europe, according to Beata Konze‐Thomas, Head of Coordinated Programmes and Infrastructure at the German central science funding agency, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG; Bonn, Germany). “I think it is a problem because if [the Americans] suddenly spend an extra US$10 billion [they will] need the personnel to do the research, and for the last 6 or 7 years not that many people have gone to the US from Europe,” she said. “Now the opportunities are increasing [and] people will again start going to the US. [The Americans] probably need 15,000 people from Europe alone to do all the extra research this money will support.” The research‐stimulus package will certainly give a huge boost to the projects that are funded directly …

New regionalism in Southern Africa? Between South African hegemony and globalisation

This article describes and explains the process of regionalism in Southern Africa. In doing so, it argues that although the new regionalism has come to mark the on-going regional integration process, traces of the old regionalism are still to be found at work in the region. The new regionalism expresses itself through the increasing role of multinational corporations and their investments in cross-border infrastructure development projects located in development corridors, a role previously played exclusively by the state. The new regionalism is expected to deepen the levels of integration in the region and lead to the birth of a common regional agenda that is likely to enable the region to effectively respond to the challenges posed by globalisation. However, the pursuit of the interests of the South African state and its multinationals have often been found to be at variance with those of its neighbouring states, and this has created widespread resentment of what is perceived as South Africa’s intention to dominate the region.

Außer Spesen nichts gewesen?


 
 
 Stakeholders in public authorities are often sceptical towards cross-border cooperation projects in spatial development. The reason for this is that the benefit too often remains unclear, even after the closure of such processes that are in many cases funded by EU Programmes. A reasonable expenditure of European subsidies for cross-border cooperation becomes a challenge. But it is up to the stakeholders themselves to benefit from the achieved results of cooperation. This requires a longterm perspective, joint and realistic objectives and expectations as well as skills for dealing with existing constraints of cooperation.
 
 
 
 
 

Калининградская область: уникальный регион и типичный центр

This article analyses the cross-border co-operation between the Kaliningrad Region and the neighbouring Polish and Lithuanian regions. It provides, firstly, a short overview of the cross-border co-operation formation and development. The author outlines the present-day co-operation structures. Secondly, the article reviews the asymmetries that hinder the cross-border co-operation. Finally, it offers some examples of the cross-border cultural and social projects proving that the co-operation under difficult conditions can be successful. The analysis is based on the author's empirical research and interviews with regional experts1

Sustainable rural development and cross-border cooperation

The concept of sustainable rural development comprises three aspects - social, economical and ecological. They are supposed to act in synergy, but, at the same time, these aspects are supposed to be competitive. Agriculture, as a traditional activity of rural economy, contributes to the sustainable development of rural areas only if there is an adequate resources management. If not, there will be a significant degradation of rural environment. These are the reasons why sustainable agriculture development is emphasized since it maximizes productivity and minimizes negative effects on nature and human resources. In this context, one should observe the connection between agriculture and tourism existing in the EU, where the application of sustainable agricultural development concept produces external effects connected to biodiversity protection and environment in rural areas. These become a good foundation for the development of rural and ecotourism. EU enlargement induced diversification of support programmes that EU gives to the candidate countries, as well as to those who are just entering the process of stabilization and association to the EU. Through cross-border cooperation projects, many goals can be accomplished, among which aspiration for promotion of sustainable economical and social development in border regions is one of the leading. Knowing that these regions are usually passive and underdeveloped, the projects of cross-border cooperation could induce development of those activities in local economy, which could bring better living conditions and economic prosperity on the one hand, and protection of environment on the other. Examples of this kind of projects in Serbia can usually be found in rural and ecotourism development.

Трансграничное сотрудничество как инструмент регионального маркетинга в Балтийском регионе

The article offers a pragmatic approach to certain aspects of the cross-border regionalisation phenomenon. The marketing component of euroregion development and the realisation cross-border cooperation projects is considered as one of the key directions of the joint activity of cross-border partner regions. The authors analyse the possibilities of the application of the territory brand model to the research on the mechanism of cross-border cooperation and elaboration of an efficient development strategy as a promising direction of further research in the cross-border cooperation and regionalisation phenomena.

Border Narratives at Work: Theatrical Smuggling and the Politics of Commemoration

This paper discusses how cultural and artistic work constitutes a powerful means for mediating the collective memory of state borders. The empirical case study concerns the commercialisation of a borderland culture in the form of a ‘Smuggling Opera’ in a cross-border project on the Finnish-Swedish border region where border crossing has been unrestricted for decades. This theatrical performance constructs a particular local narrative which contests the authorised representation of borders in the discourse of the nation-state. The narrative analysis method is applied to this popularised border narrative and its interpretation among local participants, leading to the conclusion that the understanding of state borders differs between authorised border narratives and the stories of borderland people for whom it represents part of the everyday surroundings, although both serve to fix the meaning and moral justification of the border or argument for its rejection. The narratives of people living in the ‘borderless’ Finnish-Swedish border region show the continuing significance of the border in people's lives as both a barrier and a place of contact.

‘Settling back’? A biographical and life-course perspective on Ireland's recent return migration

Abstract This paper uses a biographical and life-course perspective to explore some of the key narratives of return among return migrants to Ireland, focusing in particular on the themes of family, child-rearing, relationship breakdown and ‘settling down’. The ways in which return migrants use the concept of life-course transitions in order to make sense of and narrate their migration stories is explored. I argue that their narratives reflect a normative association of life stage with place, and that return migration reflects the ways in which key events in the individual life course transitions and family life cycles of 1980s emigrants have intersected with processes of economic and social transformation in Ireland. This occurs within the context of heteronormative and kinship-based ideals of Irish culture and of powerful myths of return. The data used in the paper is taken from the Narratives of Migration and Return research project, a north–south cross-border project which assembled an oral archive of 92 return migrant life narratives. In the paper, I draw on 33 of the interviews conducted in the south, which focused on the cohort of return migrants who had emigrated in the 1980s.

EU–Russia Relations Through the Prism of the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument

The joint ownership principle on which EU–Russia relations are based has been put to the test by divergences over recent political and economic developments and the adoption of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). While Russia has excluded itself from the ENP, the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI), the ENP’s main financial instrument, extends its coverage to the Russian Federation. This article argues that, with the adoption of the ENPI, the EU has reintroduced a form of conditionality that undermines the main principle on which the EU–Russia partnership is built. Even if cooperation in the shared neighbourhood, for instance through cross–border projects funded under the ENPI, could be improved, it is by no means certain that such an example could be replicated when it comes to consolidating democracy, promoting human rights and creating development in Russia.

Project work across borders in the arctic Barents region: Practical challenges for project members

The aim of this article was to explore cross-border project cooperation in applied settings in health education as this emerges in the Barents region. Specifically, we wanted to identify the practical challenges for those who participate in the work. This is of direct and indirect relevance to nursing education due to the rapidly increasing student exchange rates, the teachers' increased impetus to take part in international collaboration, and the increased emphasis within nursing education to be culture sensitive and ethnically fair. The considerable differences between countries in the Barents region present clear challenges. Knowledge based on experience from everyday cross-cultural and multinational project work has not been communicated extensively, and each project will have to acquire its own knowledge. Based on participation in various cross-national collaboration projects, we organize the identified practical challenges into five interrelated, everyday challenges: (1) cultural differences: obvious and overlooked, (2) the continuous challenge of language, (3) organizational variations, (4) possibilities and obstacles related to technology, and (5) the important minutiae of project logistics. These exist in all stages of a project. In project applications, these challenges and corresponding realistic consequences for funding are vital. Nursing students and their teachers should be aware that practical cross-national project work poses important challenges that nevertheless might be overcome.

Cross-border health activities in the Euregios: Good practice for better health

Health-related cooperation between neighbouring countries has a long tradition in the European Union, especially in the transfrontier structures well-known under the label of Euregio or Euroregion. Overview and analysis of cross-border health-related activities in the Euregios. The EU-funded project "EUREGIO" carried out a systematic inventory analysis of cross-border health projects. It is based on written surveys among 53 Interreg IIIA secretariats, 67 Euregios and 328 project bodies. The responses of 122 health projects were considered. 37 Euregios or similar cross-border structures established health-relevant working groups, working circles, forums or projects. The cross-border health projects cover a wide spectrum of issues, e.g., education and training, patient care, prevention, and disaster control. Target groups were in most cases medical personnel, patients or decision-making bodies. Four official criteria for cooperation (joint project development, implementation, staffing and financing) are met by the great majority of projects. However, the survey shows a lack of information, publication and evaluation. Cross-border cooperation in health is underrepresented in many regions. The project results point to great potentials which should be further developed both in terms of quantitative and qualitative aspects. Recommendations are given for project actors and stakeholders.

Cocaine profiling for strategic intelligence, a cross-border project between France and Switzerland: Part II. Validation of the statistical methodology for the profiling of cocaine

Harmonisation and optimization of analytical and statistical methodologies were carried out between two forensic laboratories (Lausanne, Switzerland and Lyon, France) in order to provide drug intelligence for cross-border cocaine seizures. Part I dealt with the optimization of the analytical method and its robustness. This second part investigates statistical methodologies that will provide reliable comparison of cocaine seizures analysed on two different gas chromatographs interfaced with a flame ionisation detectors (GC–FIDs) in two distinct laboratories. Sixty-six statistical combinations (ten data pre-treatments followed by six different distance measurements and correlation coefficients) were applied. One pre-treatment (N + S: area of each peak is divided by its standard deviation calculated from the whole data set) followed by the Cosine or Pearson correlation coefficients were found to be the best statistical compromise for optimal discrimination of linked and non-linked samples. The centralisation of the analyses in one single laboratory is not a required condition anymore to compare samples seized in different countries. This allows collaboration, but also, jurisdictional control over data.

Breaking the Deadlock: Lessons from Cross-Border Spatial Projects in Flanders and the Netherlands

This paper explores the specific char acteristics of decision-making in cross-border spatial projects and draws some lessons for European territorial cooperation. This is done by examining three major infrastructure projects between the Netherlands and Flanders: the construction of a high-speed rail link between Antwerp and Rotterdam, the deepening and widening of the Scheldt River, and the reopening of the Iron Rhine freight railway between Antwerp and the German Ruhrgebiet (which cuts across Dutch territory). The analysis is structured into four issues that are often considered problematic for large spatial projects. First, a sound analysis of the actual problem that spatial projects are supposed to solve and a comparison of alternative courses of action are often lacking. Second, projects usually take longer than planned. Third, projects often encounter strong opposition. Fourth, impact research can be easily discredited in the decision-making process. The paper shows that cross-border projects encounter specific problems in all four areas, some of which could be ameliorated by more involvement by the European Union.

European Territorial Cooperation and Learning

European territorial cooperation is the third objective of the EU Cohesion Policy for 2007–2013, as well as being the new umbrella under which ESDP follow-ups, such as INTERREG and ESPON, can continue. Cooperation is inherent to planning, and so is learning, and this is even more the case for European planning. Learning in itself can become a source of change, such as when ESPON gave rise to the Territorial Agenda. The papers in this issue cast light upon the various aspects of European territorial cooperation and learning, both within the mainstream instigated by the European Cohesion Policy as well as cross-border and bilateral projects. This introduction also speculates on the wider implications of cooperation and learning: the emergence of a transnational group of experts who promote change.

Cultural cross-border co-operation among Balkan's countries with the case of Serbia and Bulgaria

Cultural cross-border cooperation includes all fields of cross-border cooperation and gives base for main connections and interactions. Without strengthening cultural cross-border cooperation, it is impossible to build significant relations between neighbors. Culture, as a foundation, an activator and a purpose of development in cross-border regions, represents a cardinal and conditional factor of cross-border cooperation. Today's situation in the Balkans reveals ethnic diversity of this region and territorial dispersion of ethnic groups. This implies at the same time great cultural diversity as well as dispersal of various national cultures over the Balkan's states. During the 20th century Serbia and Bulgaria have very complex political and intrastate relations. But in the last 10 years there have been significant improvements in the cross-border cooperation between Serbia and Bulgaria. The results of these improvements are established Euro-regions and implemented cross-border projects between these two countries. Existing Euro-regions between Serbia and Bulgaria created links between various local authorities and made excellent basis for cross-border initiatives and joint projects to promote common interests across the border and cooperation for the common good of the border areas populations. The well managed cultural cross-border cooperation between these two countries will provide a clear view of common features and raise common identity for the region, contribute to tolerance and understanding between people in this area and enable them to overcome the peripheral status of the border region in their countries and improve the living conditions of the population.

Reducing HIV infection among new injecting drug users in the China–Vietnam Cross Border Project

To assess an HIV prevention programme for injecting drug users (IDU) in the crossborder area between China and Vietnam. Serial cross-sectional surveys (0, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months) of community-recruited current IDU. The project included peer educator outreach and the large-scale distribution of sterile injection equipment. Serial cross-sectional surveys with HIV testing of community recruited IDU were conducted at baseline (before implementation) and 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months post-baseline. HIV prevalence and estimated HIV incidence among new injectors (individuals injecting drugs for < 3 years) in each survey wave were the primary outcome measures. The percentages of new injectors among all subjects declined across each survey waves in both Ning Ming and Lang Son. HIV prevalence and estimated incidence fell by approximately half at the 24-month survey and by approximately three quarters at the 36-month survey in both areas (all P < 0.01). The implementation of large-scale outreach and syringe access programmes was followed by substantial reductions in HIV infection among new injectors, with no evidence of any increase in individuals beginning to inject drugs. This project may serve as a model for large-scale HIV prevention programming for IDU in China, Vietnam, and other developing/transitional countries.

From Border Problem to Cross-Border Project: towards a Territorial Governance

Les sciences politiques et l’économie territoriale permettent de proposer une nouvelle compréhension de l’action publique locale et des dynamiques de développement. Cette compréhension s’avère particulièrement utile dans le contexte des projets transfrontaliers.Les dynamiques présentes ne se résument plus à une réponse ponctuelle à un problème : l’enjeu peut être de construire un territoire de projet.L’analyse de trois actions transfrontalières franco-belges met entre autres en évidence les bricolages et les « rattrapages » juridiques, les enjeux culturels ou fonctionnels, les processus de pérennisation mis en œuvre sur ces « frontières qui gagnent ».

HIV prevention for injection drug users in China and Vietnam: Policy and research considerations

A pattern of serious injection drug user (IDU) driven HIV epidemics in Asia, with emerging evidence of generalization through heterosexual transmission, indicates the need for interventions focusing on both drug- and sex-related risk reduction. In a cross-border HIV prevention project for IDUs in northern Vietnam and southern China, peer educators disseminated risk reduction information to IDUs in the community and provided 20,000–25,000 sterile needles/syringes and 4,000–6,000 condoms per month. Since implementation of these interventions, the frequency of both injecting and sexual risk behaviours fell significantly, HIV prevalence among IDUs declined or stabilized, and HIV incidence dropped. There is official support for harm reduction interventions in both countries but this appears precarious in view of persistently powerful political and financial support for a law enforcement approach. Moreover, the simultaneous pursuit of inconsistent policies can have negative effects on the implementation of interventions. A harmonized and consistent policy environment is needed. Most of the evidence for efficacy of community-based HIV prevention comes from the developed world, but well-designed evaluations of such interventions in Asia and elsewhere in the developing world would have a better chance to influence policy decisions there. A synergistic approach to research, policy development, and service delivery is best calculated to achieve positive results in the struggle against HIV/AIDS in developing countries.

The environment – Energy security nexus: critical analysis of an energy ‘love triangle’ in Southeast Asia

The mantra of energy security is regularly employed as an excuse for governing elites in the less affluent South to pursue large-scale energy projects that are often inappropriate and unnecessary for local development needs. This situation is exemplified in Thailand, Burma and Laos. Here the dominant classes have created an energy ‘love triangle’, whereby Thailand exports the many problems associated with cross-border energy projects to its more authoritarian neighbours while importing the resultant energy. This article employs critical security literature and the concept of earth rights to investigate these relationships and elucidate resultant linkages between environmental and energy security. It finds that, far from safeguarding local communities from depravation, these projects often exacerbate existing social tensions and conflict, hastening environmental degradation and intensifying various manifestations of insecurity.