Research on the Policy of the European Commission Towards the Re-bordering of the European Union

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Greece’s borders with Albania, FYROM and Bulgaria

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Case Study: Austrian-Hungarian Border Region

Geography, population profiles

The region's urban settlement network and is characteristic of a largely rural area with numerous small and a few larger urban centres (Györ, Sopron, Eisenstadt, Szombathely). The Austrian State of Burgenland, which borders Hungary, has struggled with depopulation, an ageing population and outmigration for many years. The proximity of the Vienna region, however, serves to stabilise the border region's population somewhat in the northern reaches of the Austrian side.

Project Coordinator: Dr. James Scott

Socio-economic and political situation of the area

Paradoxically, the West Hungarian regions along this border are among Hungary's most prosperous, with above average GDP growth rates and low levels of unemployment. Györ, Sopron, Székesfehérvár have all profited from the structural changes brought on by systemic change and economic transformation. The region, at least its northern half, is strategically located between two capitals cities: Vienna as well as Budapest act as important regional markets and poles of attraction. Politically the region is stable and co-operation has been rather amicable, despite differences in mentalities and the uncertainties arising from socio-economic and political asymmetry. Principal cross-border co-operation challenges

The main challenges here deal with smuggling and the control of illegal immigration. In certain areas economic development is a vital issue requiring co-ordinated efforts. Cultural understanding is another area where co-operation must be promoted, particularly where Austrian capital has penetrated land markets and local economies in cities located near to the border. The improvement of cross-border transport infrastructure also requires action. Finally, the administrative asymmetry of this binational relationship (Burgenland is a federal state within Austria whereas the Hungarian regions are weak county-based units) requires more forceful cross-border mediation structures.

Overview of research carried out on the case study area

There is a well developed body of research, particularly in Hungary, that focuses on regional development issues, European policy aspects of cross-border co-operation, and the environment. Much of this research has been descriptive although critical Hungarian studies have produced interesting analyses of cross-border co-operation as it relates to regionalisation processes in the country.