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Editorial by Mireille HINGREZ-CEREDA, 1st Vice-President of Pas-de-Calais, in charge of European and cross-border relations

As of 2019, our two local authorities have decided to join forces with the other local authorities bordering the English Channel and the North Sea: the Province of West Flanders, the Province of Zeeland and the Nord department.

Thus was born the Comité du Détroit initiative, officially launched on February 5th, 2020, with the aim of creating a space for dialogue and joint work on the scale of the Pas de Calais Strait.

Joined a few months later by the Province of East Flanders, the Province of South Holland and finally Essex, the Comité du Détroit is made up of 8 local authorities affirming their desire to strengthen joint projects, exchanges, and partnerships.

The Comité du Détroit contributes to the emergence of solutions that are better adapted to local realities thanks to its simple mode of operation, both in terms of governance and accessibility for all types of actors, whether initiated or not, in the sphere of cross-border cooperation.

The Comité du Détroit is an area of cooperation that draws its strength from a common, shared history. We need to think in terms of how our companies can develop in partnership rather than in competition. We need to think about how our young people can find opportunities for professional and personal fulfillment in our regions. Finally, we need to collectively rise to the challenge of the ecological transition, without which none of our ambitions are conceivable. These are the pillars on which our 2021 strategy is based.

The Comité du Détroit is part of a functional geographical area and represents an innovative approach which, despite modest financial support, is attracting more and more requests and encouraging the emergence of cooperative projects. The year 2024 looks very promising!

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