Work

Developing Cross-Border Spatial Planning: Establishing a Common Understanding Through a Forthcoming European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation Between Galicia and Portugal

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: At the border between Galicia (Spain) and Northern Portugal, where three European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) currently operate, the process to establish a fourth one is underway: Raia Seca Gerês/Xurés (RSGX). This new cross-border cooperation structure covers an area rich in natural and cultural heritage and mostly matches the Gerês/Xurés Transboundary Biosphere Reserve designated in 2009. The goal of this paper is to decipher to what extent a common understanding between both sides of the border might enable the delivery of a common spatial plan managed by the EGTC under the auspices of the sustainable development paradigm. The findings obtained from the interviews conducted indicate that borders remain present in the experiences and mentalities of the interviewed stakeholders and that cross-border spatial planning largely depends on territorial agendas linked to national-state sovereignty, hindering its factual implementation. The interviewees expect the future EGTC to serve as a mechanism to channel cooperation and redefine the role of the already designated Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, moving beyond isolated actions funded by Interreg and embracing a more integrated approach to cooperation.

Source: Land

DOI: 10.3390/land14030542

Authors: Roberto Vila-Lage, Alejandro Otero-Varela, Valerià Paül

Institution: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela

Language: English

Topic: Cross-Border Cooperation and Integration

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funders: Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, European Regional Development Fund