Determinants of cross-border interaction in the EU

What is it about?

The abolition of the artificial impediments of cross-border interaction inside the European Union, has released dynamics that have influenced significantly the economic space at the frontiers. In contrast, at the European Union external borders, the constraints concerning cross-border interaction with third countries have become more tangible in the sphere of reality. Under this framework, a new mix of opportunities and the threats seems to come forth together with a new political, social and economic map that redefines the notion of vicinity. In the present article, the study of the “border effect” in Europe is attempted through the investigation of the basic determinants of the spatial dynamics of cross-border interaction. The findings of the article contribute to the better understanding of the “border effect” with significant implications for both theory and policy.

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Why is it important?

The abolition of border impediments concerning the movement of people and production factors is one of the most basic lements of the European integration. The abolition of the artificial border impediments inside the European Union (EU) has released dynamics and brought into the surface a new mix of opportunities and threats together with a new political, social and economic map. At the external EU borders, on the contrary, the barriers to cross-border interaction with the neighboring third countries became more sensible, forcing many people to discuss about a “fortress-Europe”.