European outline convention on transfrontier co-operation between territorial communities or authorities and implementation of Turkey

ABSTRACT It is accepted by the European Union and Council of Europe that there should be strong local and regional authorities in order to settle and develop transfrontier co-operation within local and regional authorities. Therefore in this study, the policies and research needed to strengthen local and regional authority and to empower transfrontier co-operation between the European continent and Turkey are evaluated. The general concepts and basic principles relating to the implementation of transfrontier co-operation are set out in the Madrid outline for convention and additional protocols. In these basic documents, different approaches are envisaged for regional, urban and rural development, the protection of the environment, the strengthening of public infrastructure and services, and the urgent need to find mutually acceptable solutions to these issues. In Turkey some transfrontier co-operation programs were implemented within the framework of convention put in place before 2001. Union of East- West Trakya Municipality, Union of Meriç Municipalities, and the Border Governorships Open-Border Cooperation Network, are some initiatives within this concept. These studies, which are carried out not only at the municipal level, but also at governorship level, aim to contribute to the development of border regions, to find solutions to common problems, and to promote the move towards the development of mutual understanding and cooperation. Two studies that were carried out in Turkey on transfrontier co operation are; Greece-Turkey transfrontier co-operation programme - Interreg III, planned to be implemented between the years 2004 - 2006, and the Turkey-Bulgaria transfrontier co-operation programme. The Turkey- VIIGreece transfrontier co-operation programme couldn't be implemented due to the lack of clarity of many issues between the two countries. The Turkey- Bulgaria transfrontier co-operation program is on target. In our study, the transfrontier co-operation policies, programmes and their implementation are researched and evaluated with the help of partner institutions from both sides getting to know each other better, and it showed us that the establishment of dialogue and a common work culture is a great need. On the evaluation regarding present transfrontier co-operation implementations; recommendations has been put forward regarding the development of transfrontier regions and how to overcome common problems. vni