Consequences of the internationalisation of housing markets within the Greater region – an inter-urban discourse analysis

“Je t’aime, moi non plus” (“I love you... nor do I”): this is how the newspaper L’Express (2011, p. II) summarises the relationship of Luxembourg to its neighbouring countries. On the one hand, the ‘economic engine’ Luxembourg offers workplaces for many commuters, positively affecting the development of this European cross-border polycentric metropolitan region; on the other hand, negative consequences such as the overcrowded real estate market in Luxembourg do not end at the national border and affect neighbouring housing markets. The ‘2020 Concept for the Region Trier’ (‘Zukunft Trier 2020’) shows that city councils perceive the proximity to Luxembourg as a chance for the development of the city (Stadt Trier/MICIC & Partner 2004). Simultaneously, locals might feel displaced due to increasing rents and house prices, and develop resentment vis-à-vis their new neighbours, coming either from Luxembourg or being nationals that moved to the border region to work in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, thus disposing of higher purchase power. Depending on the context, similar effects can thus be perceived very differently by city councils or planners and the local population.

The aim of this study is to explore the consequences of the internationalisation of the housing markets within the Greater region, with a focus on the surrounding cities Arlon (BE), Metz and Thionville (FR), and Trier (DE). Therefore mixed methods will be deployed. Firstly, a quantitative analysis is planned to reveal the magnitude and the spatial distribution of the (cross-border) residential mobility. Secondly, ongoing discourses and the changes of life-worlds will be studied by reviewing guiding principles of municipal policy and urban planning documents. A quantitative analysis of local newspapers will be conducted to reflect public opinion.

Discourse approaches have become common in interdisciplinary social science academic research. However, common theoretical and methodological guidelines do not exist. This project has to deal with this situation and to take into account various cultural backgrounds, heterogeneous language areas and different discussion levels. This study will help to frame today’s situation and foresees to develop sustainable solutions for future urban planning.

References

Express (L’) (2011): Metz, Moselle. Nos amis les Luxembourgeois. N° 3152, 2/12/2011.

Stadt Trier & MICIC & Partner (2004): Strategisches Stadtkonzept „Zukunft Trier 2020“. Trier.