Großregion

The term "Großregion" is a German word that translates to "Greater Region" or "Metropolitan Region." It is used to describe a geographically defined area that encompasses a major city and its surrounding commuter belt, as well as economically and functionally linked areas. These regions are typically characterized by a high degree of interaction and interdependence between the central city and its periphery, often in terms of labor markets, infrastructure, and cultural activities.

Großregionen are not strictly administrative units but rather functional economic and social spaces. Their boundaries are often fluid and can be defined by various criteria, including commuting patterns, economic ties, and the reach of public transportation networks. The concept is particularly relevant in the context of European integration, where it is used to foster cross-border cooperation and development. Several such regions exist across Europe, often spanning national borders. These cross-border Großregionen aim to strengthen economic competitiveness, improve infrastructure, and promote cultural exchange between different countries. Examples include the Saar-Lor-Lux region (Saarland in Germany, Lorraine in France, Luxembourg, and parts of Belgium and the Netherlands) and the Euregio Rhine-Waal (between Germany and the Netherlands). The development and recognition of Großregionen are seen as a way to harness the potential of interconnected urban and rural areas for sustainable growth and regional identity.