In this paper will be examined the cross-border cooperation between Greece and Turkey and more specifically the cross-border region of Thrace will be analyzed in detail. The case of the Greek-Turkish cross-border region is becoming more interesting than other cross-border regions, since Greece is a member of EU from 1981 and Turkey is a candidate member since 2005, that is to say the cross-border area in between these countries consists of the external borders of the EU with a potential member state of EU. Furthermore, the region of Thrace (Western Thrace for Greece and Eastern Thrace for Turkey) not only consists of an important region in geopolitical terms for both of the countries, but also the current situation of cross-border cooperation in this particular region represents and in to some extend explains with the most concrete way the prevailed situation of cross-border cooperation in the whole cross-border area of Greece and Turkey, including the border region of the Aegean Sea with coastal Turkey, the sea borders between these countries. Namely, it is indicative that the region of Thrace participated in Interreg IIIA but was excluded in Interreg IV, fact that complexes the cross-border cooperation and will be analyzed in detail in the following chapters. Before analyzing the case of Thrace, it is essential to mention that Greece and Turkey have long history of conflict, which goes back to the dissolution of Ottoman Empire and the formation of the Greek independent state. Currently, there is no military conflict but there are still political matters that are questioned form the one or the other side. The disputable sea borders, the air space, the FIR of Athens and the minorities in both of the countries are some o-border cooperation in a successful way. In specific, in the case of Thrace, the Turkish minority in the Greek part of Thrace plays an important role for cross-border cooperation and can be considered as a parameter that is responsible for the current situation of non actual cooperation.
Table of Contents
A. Introduction
B. Theoretical Framework
C. Cross-Border Cooperation in Thrace
D. Cross-border cooperation under Interreg IIIA-IV
E. Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
This paper examines the state of cross-border cooperation between Greece and Turkey, with a specific focus on the border region of Thrace. It explores why historical conflicts, political disputes, and a lack of local-level institutional integration have hindered successful cooperation, despite the availability of European Union funding initiatives like Interreg.
- Analysis of the Greek-Turkish borderland through theoretical lenses of successful cross-border cooperation.
- Evaluation of the impact of political disputes on border region development.
- Assessment of the Interreg IIIA and IV programs in the context of Greek-Turkish relations.
- Identification of the role of centralized governance in impeding cross-border integration.
- Investigation into the socioeconomic and geopolitical specificities of the Thrace region.
Excerpt from the Book
A. Introduction
In this paper will be examined the cross-border cooperation between Greece and Turkey and more specifically the cross-border region of Thrace will be analyzed in detail. The case of the Greek-Turkish cross-border region is becoming more interesting than other cross-border regions, since Greece is a member of EU from 1981 and Turkey is a candidate member since 2005, that is to say the cross-border area in between these countries consists of the external borders of the EU with a potential member state of EU. Furthermore, the region of Thrace (Western Thrace for Greece and Eastern Thrace for Turkey) not only consists of an important region in geopolitical terms for both of the countries, but also the current situation of cross-border cooperation in this particular region represents and in to some extend explains with the most concrete way the prevailed situation of cross-border cooperation in the whole cross-border area of Greece and Turkey, including the border region of the Aegean Sea with coastal Turkey, the sea borders between these countries. Namely, it is indicative that the region of Thrace participated in Interreg IIIA but was excluded in Interreg IV, fact that complexes the cross-border cooperation and will be analyzed in detail in the following chapters.
Before analyzing the case of Thrace, it is essential to mention that Greece and Turkey have long history of conflict, which goes back to the dissolution of Ottoman Empire and the formation of the Greek independent state. Currently, there is no military conflict but there are still political matters that are questioned form the one or the other side. The disputable sea borders, the air space, the FIR of Athens and the minorities in both of the countries are some of the ‘open’ and questioned issues that worsen potential cross-border cooperation in a successful way.
Summary of Chapters
A. Introduction: Outlines the research focus on Greek-Turkish cross-border cooperation, specifically the region of Thrace, and highlights the geopolitical and historical tensions influencing this relationship.
B. Theoretical Framework: Introduces models by Brunet-Jaily, Wilson and Donnan, and Martinez to conceptualize borderlands and the prerequisites for successful integration.
C. Cross-Border Cooperation in Thrace: Reviews specific initiatives, such as the natural gas pipeline and tourist protocols, while noting the lack of genuine local-level political cooperation.
D. Cross-border cooperation under Interreg IIIA-IV: Examines the implementation and eventual failure of EU-funded Interreg programs in the region due to political friction.
E. Conclusion: Summarizes that deep-seated political tensions and highly centralized state structures continue to prevent effective cross-border cooperation.
Keywords
Cross-border cooperation, Greece, Turkey, Thrace, Interreg, European Union, Borderland studies, Political disputes, Geopolitics, Multilevel governance, Centralization, Nationalism, Alienated Borderlands, Aegean Sea, Foreign relations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this research?
The research focuses on the challenges and current status of cross-border cooperation between Greece and Turkey, particularly within the region of Thrace.
What are the central themes of the work?
The core themes include border theory, the influence of historical and political conflict on regional cooperation, the role of EU funding programs, and the impact of centralized state governance.
What is the primary research question?
The study aims to understand why, despite the importance of the region and the availability of EU programs like Interreg, successful cross-border cooperation in Thrace remains elusive.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The paper utilizes a qualitative analysis of theoretical frameworks regarding borderlands combined with a case study approach involving documentation review and expert insight into Interreg program history.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body details the theoretical approaches to borderlands, analyzes specific cooperation attempts like the natural gas pipeline, and discusses the administrative hurdles faced by Interreg IIIA and IV.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Cross-border cooperation, Thrace, Greece, Turkey, Interreg, Borderland studies, and Political disputes.
Why was the region of Thrace specifically selected for analysis?
Thrace is selected because it serves as a critical geopolitical area where the EU's external borders meet a candidate member state, making it a microcosm of broader Greek-Turkish diplomatic complexities.
How does the author explain the failure of the Interreg programs?
The author attributes the failure to a lack of effective consultation, conflicting national political agendas, and the interference of central governments which prioritize sovereignty issues over local regional development.
- Quote paper
- Stavroula Chrisdoulaki (Author), 2010, Cross-Border Cooperation: Greece and Turkey, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/160551
