On the Territoriality of Cross-Border Cooperation: “Institutional Mapping” in a Multi-Level Context

Territoriality is mostly discussed as the political competence to exert control on a
certain space, in particular with regard to the nation state. Globalization and European
Integration have initiated some debate on this understanding, but cross-cross-border cooperation
has rarely been linked to this debate. In these areas enormous political changes have been seen
during the recent years. Still, the territorial dimension cannot be addressed, as territoriality as
known from nation states is challenging politics. However, the territorial implications are
manifold and are increasing throughout Europe. Against this backdrop is conceptual reflection.
This paper starts with a brief overview of discussions and the empirical implementation of the
territoriality debate. Based on this, the paper attempts to catch up with the political changes
– the reflection of cross-border territorialities in a two-fold way. The purpose of this paper is to
contribute to this field.
First, we propose a methodological approach to study the essential aspects. We study from a
conceptual point of view, the dimensions of territoriality in cross-border contexts. These are
explored as well as the political-juridical background of cross-border cooperation. Based on this,
a C-B-IM-tool (Cross-Border Institutional Mapping) has been introduced, involving three steps:
(a) (a1) multi-level mapping of cross-border institutions, (b) (a2) mapping of policy arenas and
(c) (a3) mapping of the political topography in the sense of going beyond formalized and codified
governance patterns. Secondly, with the example of the Greater Region around Luxembourg, the
empirical and conceptual findings on cross-border territoriality are illustrated. We can state an
establishing cross-border territoriality that does not replace domestic, state-centric territorialities
but that inserts new and complex elements of a multi-level territoriality system.