Exploring cross-border integration in Europe: How do populations cross borders and perceive their neighbours?

Abstract

Since its creation, the European Union seems to be guided by the idea that an increase in cross-border flows contributes to more European unity. Thus, emphasis has been placed for instance on lowering customs tariffs and encouraging the free movement of goods and people. However, if the opening up of borders creates new opportunities for some residents of border regions, there are others who may not benefit. For this reason, and in a context characterized by the rise of Euroscepticism, it seems crucial to take a more critical look at actual cross-border integration and to unravel its concrete consequences for the people who live in border regions. This paper aims to do so by focusing on two aspects of this process: the functional dimension, through the number of cross-border activities, and the perceptions border residents have of their neighbours, through the level of mutual social trust. The EUROBAROMETER 422 survey is used in order to produce statistical analyses and maps. This enables us to offer a new image of European cross-border integration and to draw the following conclusions. Firstly, cross-border flows are not uniform and vary greatly from one cross-border area to another. Secondly, cross-border regions in which the intensity of flows between neighbouring regions is high do not necessarily show a high level of mutual social trust between borderland populations. Thirdly, there is not always reciprocity with regard to the mutual social trust that people have towards their neighbours within cross-border areas.

Harmonization of socioeconomic policy and institutional set-up for efficient operation on Nepal-India open border small business

“…The governments from the center can inadequately address the border in the periphery. So, obstacles like border blockade even for the short period of time results in significant loss (Houtum, 2000;Anderson & Wever, 2003;Davis, Faberman &Haltiwanger, 2006 andDecoville &Durand, 2018). Second, the cross-border cooperation approach theory emphasizes on cross-border cooperation.…”

“…It is not limited to border as just lines in space. Yet, racial, religious, linguistic and cultural identities also act as separators and in the process of otherization (Houtum, 2000, Anderson & Wever, 2003, Van der Velde & van Naerssen, 2011and Decoville & Durand, 2018.…”

“…According to this theory companies first tend to involve business with the country and people they understand and gradually increase their familiarities to the acquaintances and expand businesses. Cultural differences act as negative stereotyping and doubt but affinities of language, culture, customs and creeds connect people ultimately closer for performing business (Velde & Houtum, 2003;Reisinger, 2009;Van der Velde & Naerssen, 2011;Jackson, 2014;Decoville & Durand, 2018).…”

Socio-Cultural and Economic Factors in Cross-Border Purchase: A Study of Customers’ Perspective in Sunauli-Nepal/India Border

“…When border is in periphery, decisions are made for in the center of the nation and government may not be able to address the local context (scenario) [1] [23].…”

“…strategies to overcome differences [1] [11] [23]. [24] refers cooperation as "an opportunistic strategy for obtaining public subsidies".…”