This document, published in 2007, is one of the results of the PolyMetrexplus project, which was an EU funded project promoted by METREX. PolyMetrexplus aimed to contribute to effective polycentric metropolitan relationships based on complementarity and cooperation in respect of the European Union’s European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP) and its Territorial Agenda.
The working approach of PolyMetrexplus produced a Framework for a Polycentric Metropolitan Europe. It created an Action Plan and a Polycentric Practice Benchmark derived from a programme of Representative Interregional Networking Activities (RINAS). The RINAS test the scope for additional polycentric clusters and visions within PolyMetrexplus. This North-South Interface RINA represents part of the PolyMetrexplus Action Plan. It forms one of a series of RINAS in the ‘Outcomes and Output’
The North-South interface RINA focuses on creating key policy options and instruments to guide the participating city-regions of Helsinki, Vilnius, Warsaw, Bucharest, Sofia, Thessaloniki and Athens towards better cooperation and in doing so, develops a spatial vision for the North-South interface.
The key policy options are directly linked to the relationship with the EU Pentagon Global Integration Zone. The main thrust of the RINA is to create a unified polycentric set of city-regions with high-speed train connectivity between Helsinki and Athens. The setting out of a broad strategic Vision within which city-regions can consider the possibility of forming polycentric relationships will help foster their collective economic and social strengths and address common environmental issues.
Additionally, agreement enabled an Action Plan, entitled ‘Joint Statement of Intent’ to deliver the necessary proposals to ensure the key policy options are implemented. In doing so, it is intended that these conclusions will highlight the effectiveness of having a Polycentric Benchmark of instruments that can be drawn together as a direct input from the collective views of city-regions from the North in Finland to the South in Greece to the future well-being of Europe spatially.
