The role of economic integration for European cities and border regions

The growth of cities depends on their location and access to markets. Geographical and institutional obstacles – such as national borders – limit that access. This thesis shows how different measures to stimulate economic integration affects the growth of cities. The study focuses in particular on border regions. It shows that national borders have a negative effect on the development of cities in the border regions. On the other hand, towns in the border regions benefit most from measures that try to stimulate economic integration. These effects are asymmetric; sometimes towns on one side of the border profit, while towns on the other side of the border are negatively affected. Finally, this thesis provides some evidence for the effectiveness of cross-border twinning as an alternative way to break down border barriers.