The Wendish Research Exchange - Helfer, Malte and Christian Wille: Economic Transformation Processes and Socio-Cultural Implications for the Macro-Region

Lětopis Abstract 2010 2: Helfer, Malte and Christian Wille: Economic Transformation Processes and Socio-Cultural Implications for the Macro-Region

This paper examines structural and identity changes in the so-called “Macro-region,” which comprises a European cross-border region of cooperation in the South-West of Germany. This macro-region is a cross-border, European area of cooperation where four countries meet: Germany – France – Luxemburg – Belgium. Its core area was dominated in the past by coal mining, as well as the iron and steel industry. However, the coal and steel crises in the 1950s and 1970s caused the disappearance of important key sectors of industry. The development or increase in cross-border movements of labour were linked to the dramatic economic changes in the region. Cross-border commuting was directed more and more towards Luxemburg. As a result, the Grand Duchy has – after Switzerland - the most cross-border commuters in the EU. There has as yet been no investigation in Luxemburg of what effect their large presence, representing 44% of the workforce, has on identity creation. This paper provides first indications of a renaissance of national identity structures in the context of cross-border commuting in the Grand Duchy.