Transnational Cooperation in Europe: The Example of Integrated Spatial and Transport Development along the Hamburg-Athens Corridor

Abstract

As defined by the European Commission, the Hamburg–Athens Corridor is one of the most significant European transportation axes. It is one of the key areas for international investments in transportation hubs and lines; however, it coincides with the Western Balkan and Eastern Mediterranean migration routes. Global issues, hence, make the Hamburg–Athens Corridor a key strategic area in Europe. As paper presents the results of the initial phase of the European project on transnational cooperation in the domain of integrated spatial and transport development along the Hamburg–Athens Corridor, the overview of the results is given as follows. Firstly, the paper presents the main trade, economic and demographic statistic indicators in order to clarify the strategic position of Europe against transcontinental relations. Secondly, major findings on infrastructural, economic and demographic parameters relevant for the countries along the Hamburg–Athens Corridor are indicated. Finally, a close interaction between transport and spatial development in the cities along the corridor is briefly presented. Such a multi-scalar perspective gives a hint on the dynamics of transnational cooperation (in broader terms), as well as the cooperation process among many stakeholders from various domains, mainly transportation and spatial planning (in narrow terms).