The NETA project (North European Trade Axis) is a practical example of transnational spatial planning across 4 member states, focused on a broad trade and transport corridor along the axis from Ireland, across northern England and via the short sea crossing to the Netherlands and Germany, with potential for eastward extension to the emerging economies of eastern Europe.  There are currently 21 partners and more than 30 other contributors from the 4 participating member states.

It has now successfully completed its initial programme which was funded under the Interreg IIc programme.  Details of the conclusion of the study are contained on the web site.

Background

The NETA concept grew organically from an exercise in spatial planning carried out by a group of public and private sector interests in northern England with funding from the European Commission, building on co-operation with potential partners in Ireland and northern mainland Europe, based on Europe 2000+ and the aims of Interreg IIC.

Content

A wide ranging study assessed economic, environmental and eco-cultural factors with the aim of identifying those with future potential for sustainable development.  The work programme was divided into 3 levels:

The Core Project reviewed the Corridor, its potential growth, develop a vision and provided a context for the 8 pilot projects.

Six multi-partner pilots - logistics and telematics - Eco Management - Sustainable Development of Industrial Areas - The Berlin Train Line - East/West Trade & Transport Network - Political and Professional Networks.

Two Site-specific pilots - Intermodal Chain Management - Portnet Amsterdam

Outcomes
 

	development of the potential for a major east/west Eurocorridor
	more sustainable development patterns and specific proposals for multi-modal transport
	a strong transnational environmental context
	effective cross-border co-operation

Organisation

The NETA Steering Group met quarterly to manage the overall project.  Teams drawn from the partnership worked on each of the pilots or modules and reported back to this group at significant stages of the project's development.

This dedicated NETA website, which is regularly updated, provides information and keep partners informed of the progress of the nine pilot projects.

Ultimately it is envisaged that a NETA Standing Conference of elected members will be established, to assure continuity and further development of the NETA Corridor.

The NETA Project was a joint initiative between the North West Metropolitan Area (NWMA) and North Sea Region mega regions at a total cost of 3,014,255 euros.  The results were published and discussed during the project's Spatial Vision Conference which was held in Amsterdam in October 2001.  The project was finally completed in December 2001.
 

Project reports:
 

	Executive Summary
	Summary of Projects
	Final Reports
	Conference report 2001 For a copy of the glossy report contact the NETA Secretariat

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