Stefaan De Clerck is president of the Lille-Kortrijk-Tournai Eurometropolis, which encompasses a territory of 145 municipalities in France and Belgium. It was the first European Grouping of Cross-border Cooperation (EGCC) to be created, even before France had transposed the relevant regulation into its national legislation. This Eurometropolis presents an interesting case study, providing an overview of what an EGCC can be and illustrating the limits of this instrument.

What practical actions have been organised through the EGCC? What has changed as a result in the day-to-day life of inhabitants of the Eurometropolis?

It would be presumptuous to say that their life has changed radically since the EGCC was put in place. Real progress is being made, however. For example, following a major meeting of rail transport stakeholders, there has been a reduction in tariffs on train routes connecting the three main cities of the Eurometropolis - Lille, Kortrijk and Tournai - and in the longer term, travel time will be optimised. Inhabitants will soon have access to a tourist card that will facilitate tourism in the Eurometropolis area. They will also be able to take advantage of the wide range of cultural activities available on both sides of the border through better information.

What are the main difficulties encountered when setting up an EGCC? Do some of them tend to linger on?

The difficulties haven’t disappeared but they are gradually fading. We have to work on fine-tuning two or sometimes three different systems, regulations, administrative traditions and cultures. So I welcome the goodwill shown by all the partners. I would add that the French state, represented by the Prefect of the North-Pas de Calais Region, Jean-Michel Bérard, played a remarkable role, permitting our structure, whose registered office is in France, to function in conformity with European rules, including those relating to staff. Linguistic parity is progressing as more French nationals learn Dutch and as Dutch speakers rediscover the charm of speaking French.

What improvements could be made?

We think it is important to facilitate personnel management through the creation of a European statute, making it possible to deal with all the difficulties related to taxation, social legislation, working conditions and so on, under arrangements that are most favourable to employees. Maybe we could even imagine the gradual extension of such a statute to all aspects of the EGCC to ensure the cross-border and European nature of its operations.

What advice would you give to regions that would like to set up an EGCC?

They should have a pioneering spirit and be determined, bold and enthusiastic. Otherwise, they may be put off by the difficulties involved in the juxtaposition of different systems and cultures. They should also be aware of the ideal they serve, namely European integration at the grassroots level, closest to citizens and communities. An EGCC is a fabulous local development tool if its stakeholders are not stopped by the obstacles that can crop up at any time, if they are energetic and inspired by the desire to act in practical terms, with and for the populations, to serve the project of European integration, which is the case of the Eurometropolitan community. This is a historic responsibility.