Germany

Working Paper Vol. 14

Visuel
working Paper nr 14
Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic and the related border restrictions have had numerous social, economic and political consequences for border regions. The temporary border closures impacted not only the lives of borderlanders whose everyday practices are embedded in cross-border spaces, but also the functioning of institutional actors involved in cross-border activities. The aim here is to investigate the communication surrounding the pandemic and the reactions and (new) strategies of cross-border institutional actors in the context of (re)bordering. Applying the concept of resilience, this paper explores coping mechanisms and modes of adaptation as well as strategies developed to adjust to new circumstances. Against this backdrop, factors that enhanced or hindered the adaptation process were identified. The German-Polish borderland serves here as a case study, although it will be situated within a wider European context.

Miniature
Summary

The state development program is a cross-departmental and intersectoral spatial framework that underpins the development of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The State Development Program (LEP IV) is titled “Recognizing Challenges – Acting Sustainably – Shaping the Future.” The program, which came into force in 2008, deals with issues such as public services and the development of spaces. In particular, it deals with the challenges of demographic change and globalization.

Miniature
Summary

The guiding principles create the following fields of action:

  • 1. Strengthen competitiveness:
    • 1.1 Develop metropolitan regions;
    • 1.2 Strengthen cooperation and networking of spaces;
    • 1.3 Support spaces with special structural needs;
    • 1.4 Secure infrastructure connectivity and mobility
  • 2. Secure public services:
    • 2.1 Apply central-location systems consistently;
    • 2.2 Expand cooperation;
    • 2.3 Secure supply to sparsely populated rural areas;
    • 2.4 Secure accessibility
  • 3. Strengthen and sustainably develop land use:
    • 3.1 Minimize spatial conflicts of use;
    • 3.2. Create large-scale linked open spaces;
    • 3.3 Design cultural landscapes;
    • 3.4 Reduce new land use;
    • 3.5 Sustainably manage the use of mineral resources and other underground uses;
    • 3.6 Sustainably use coastal and marine areas
  • 4. Shape climate change and energy system transformation:
    • 4.1 Adapt spatial structures to climate change;
    • 4.2 Manage the expansion of renewable energies and grids
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