The Euregion Maas-Rhein : The Problematics of being ‘left in the dark’

Abstract

The Euregio Maas-Rhein (EMR) is often proclaimed to be the model for European integration, even being described in EMR literature as ‗Europa im Kleinformat.‘ It is therefore no surprise that this region, comprising of three countries and three language areas, is regularly used as a testing ground for EU integration theories, as well as more practical cross-border co-operation projects. In many respects, it is due to this characteristic that the region first drew my attention. I have a deep interest in languages and cultures in general, and in particular those found in such close proximity in this area. It seemed only natural that any case study for this thesis would be conducted here.