diehl(at)stiftungzukunftberlin.eu
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Metropolitan Region Berlin-Brandenburg
Following the failed merger of their two states, policy-makers in Berlin and Brandenburg now appear to have lost the heart for developing a shared basic concept for the future of the region. To be sure, there are isolated future-oriented projects that are conducted jointly, but these are no substitute for a common regional strategy. Not content with this state of affairs, we are working on several strategies focusing on areas of common ground in the region.
"I'm interested in joining forces with other players in Berlin-Brandenburg to find out how we see our region and how we can go about raising its profile – for us and for the rest of the world." - K. Brake
What Civil Society Can Do
In Germany, the Metropolitan Regions are a frequent model of intra-regional cooperation for the good of all parties involved. Constructive cooperation is not confined to the public sector, however. Instead, the Metropolitan Region is a form of cooperation encompassing – and open to – any meaningful joint projects and drawing its impetus in particular from civil society.
In 2006, Berlin and Brandenburg agreed to form a common Metropolitan Region. In 2019, the Solidarity Pact is due to expire, creating an entirely new and difficult fiscal situation for both states. If they are to have a successful future, Berlin and Brandenburg will need to join forces. Strengthening and consolidating cooperation in the region is therefore what is called for now.
An Agenda for the Region
Many successful measures are already in place. Numerous societal organizations from Berlin and Brandenburg are already working together. Many public institutions, in particular the regional planning authorities, are working for both federal states. The failed merger of the two states in the 1990s should provide an incentive to step up cooperation without regard for the issue of status.
As a joint entity, the Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Region should focus on economic development in the two states. This also involves developing a shared sense of regional identity and the will to draw up a common agenda to meet the challenges it faces.
Another issue the Metropolitan Region should address is Berlin and Brandenburg’s diverse and differently accented cultural landscape. This is of interest not only for “internal business” but also for efforts to enhance the region’s external profile.