Articles | Volume 42, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-42-191-1987
https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-42-191-1987
30 Sep 1987
 | 30 Sep 1987

Une Géo-politique de la Regio Genevensis

A. S. Bailly

Abstract. The Franco-Geneva region has been a pioneer region since the establishment of a "Transborder Commission" in 1973 which deals with international problems. One of the most important results of this international Cooperation was a financial agreement.

3.5% of the wages earned by the French frontaliers working in the Canton of Geneva are redistributed to French regional authorities. The total amount which was 10 million Swiss francs (for 25 000 workers) in 1974 has risen to 40 million Swiss francs at present. It allows local communities to finance infrastructures and Services for the resident population.

This agreement is a model case in Europe. However, not all the problems related to the presence of a national boundary dividing an economic region and a labour market are solved.The French side of the region is often regarded as a peripheral area for Geneva. As its agricultural belt and recreational zone with secondary homes, skiing areas and regional parks, it offers Services to the overcrowded Center. Owing to the centralization, however, the French population does not benefit from all the Services offered by the government of Geneva. France has its own Systems of education, public health and administration. Even if people live and act in this regional entity, administrative barriers are still in effect. Solving common problems are one of the main objectives of local authorities in order to create a real Regio Genevensis. While the private sector can deal with local adavantages on each side of the border with relative ease, it takes longer for the "national System" to react to the evolutionary trend toward a closer Cooperation.

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