SaarLorLux

SaarLorLux is a cross-border region in Western Europe that brings together the German state of Saarland, the French region of Lorraine, and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The name is a portmanteau used in policy and media to reflect a shared geography along the Moselle and Saar river corridors and their economic ties.

The term is closely associated with broader cross-border cooperation initiatives, particularly the Greater Region. Although sovereign states are separate, SaarLorLux functions as a cooperative zone that coordinates economic development, transport, education, research, and culture across the borders of Germany, France, and Luxembourg.

Historically dominated by coal mining and steel, the area has diversified toward services, logistics, and high-tech manufacturing. Luxembourg’s financial sector also anchors the economy, creating strong cross-border labor and business links with adjacent Saarland and Lorraine.

Major urban centers within the area include Luxembourg City, Metz and Nancy in Lorraine, and Saarbrücken in Saarland. The region relies on cross-border transport links, road and rail connections, and international airports near Luxembourg and Metz, supporting commuter and trade flows.

Cultural and linguistic diversity is pronounced, with French and German widely spoken and Luxembourgish common in Luxembourg. The area hosts joint cultural programs and educational exchanges, reinforcing its identity as a European cross-border community.

Policy-wise, SaarLorLux is used as a frame for cross-border projects funded by the European Union, aiming to improve competitiveness, innovation, and quality of life through collaboration across borders and sectors.