Around 50 LEADER representatives from Germany, Austria, Italy and Luxembourg learned how the spirit of Schengen allows European neighbours to overcome most challenges together on a three-day excursion to the Moselle.
How can commuter flows be managed, cultural landscapes preserved and rural areas strengthened economically? The cross-border LEADER region Miselerland & Moselfranken provides answers to these questions with projects that address challenges in the border region - from mobility and sustainability to tourism. The Local Action Groups Miselerland in Luxembourg and Moselfranken in Rhineland-Palatinate have not only been working together on individual projects since 2006, but are also pursuing a joint, cross-border development strategy - as Europe's first and so far only transnational LEADER region.
On an eventful tour along the Moselle, the visitors not only gained an impression of the scenic beauty of the region, but also learnt about many innovative solutions that have been implemented with the help of LEADER.
Directing commuter flows
A special pilot project based on a cross-border study is currently under construction in Merzkirchen, Rhineland-Palatinate: A multimodal mobility hub is being built here on 6,000 square metres, intelligently linking bus, bicycle and private transport. The project, which is fully funded by LEADER and the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, aims to make daily commuting more efficient and lower emissions.
The planned development of the ferry connection between Oberbillig and Wasserbillig goes one technological step further. Building on an already electrified ferry, an INTERREG project is currently working on a partially automated solution. Sensor technology, digital control and automated processes are intended to ensure long-term operation - despite the increasing shortage of skilled labour.
Preserving the cultural landscape
The Biodiversum nature conservation centre in Remerschen provided the ideal setting for the presentation of several projects with a focus on the environment, nature and resource conservation: the cross-border campaign „Trink!Wasser“ promotes the conscious use of local tap water, while the digital platform „Wéngertsbourse“ actively combats the abandonment of vineyards and thus supports the preservation of the characteristic wine landscape.
Enjoyment in the border triangle
At the same time, the border triangle is being positioned as a gourmet region. Initiatives such as „Terroir Moselle“ and „Via mosel’“ connect producers and tourist offers across national borders and create new value chains in rural areas. The guests had the opportunity to find out more about supra-regional marketing over a good glass of wine at Winery Jeff Konsbrück.
As a special feature of Luxembourg, the foreign regional managers got to know the village development programme of the Luxembourg Ministry of Agriculture and its close links with LEADER: While the village development programme creates the infrastructural basis, LEADER enables innovative uses and concepts. Examples such as the remodelling of a historic tithe barn in Grevenmacher or the „Kulturhaff Millermoler“ in Hinkel (Mëllerdall region) show how lively places for community, culture and the regional economy have been created.
The outcome of the excursion is clear: the LEADER region Miselerland & Moselfranken is developing practical solutions for key issues of the future - and demonstrating how cross-border cooperation in Europe can work in practice.
Photos: LEADER / Pancake ! Photographies
