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Constructive approach to sharing the border...

  • Nathalie VERSCHELDE profile
    Nathalie VERSCHELDE
    23 January 2018
  • 2 comments
    Total votes: 1

When even inside the EU there remain a few disputed border lines, the Netherlands and Belgium are taking a highly pragmatic approach to border sharing....  Check out this article  published by the Guardian : https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/30/belgium-and-the-netherlands-exchange-land-because-it-makes-sense A more recent swap came to complete the move.  Impressive peaceful process.

What I like best about this is the "because it makes sense" bit....

 

 

 

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Martin Guilllermo Ramirez's picture
Martin Guilller...,
23/01/2018 21:24

This is certainly a good example to think of. In particular, when we visit other border areas where there is a dispute, this could be the first paper we could share...

Total votes: 1
Nathalie VERSCHELDE's picture
Nathalie VERSCHELDE,
24/01/2018 08:52

Yes - it would be interesting to explore what conditions are needed for capitals/national authorities to approach their borders in a more functional, even utalitarian approach.  Sovereignity is of course not to be ignored - but within the EU there is surely scope for a more constructive approach based on genuine functional areas and more effective service provision to border citizens.  Would our research community friends want to investigate this ?  Or has it already been done ?  Nathalie

Total votes: 1