The impact of land use restraint policies on border areas: two studies conducted by the MOT
On July 8, 2025, the Transfrontier Operational Mission (MOT), with the support of the Banque des Territoires, organized a webinar on “The impact of land use policies on border territories: examples from the French-Luxembourg and French-Flemish regions.” This meeting, which brought together more than 70 participants, was based on the findings of two studies conducted by the MOT on behalf of the Banque des Territoires in northern Lorraine and the Dunkirk region in 2024-2025. Their objective was to analyze the concrete effects of “zero net land take” (ZAN) in border contexts marked by strong land pressure.
Initial conclusions
The presentations highlighted two contrasting but comparable realities: in northern Lorraine, Luxembourg’s attractiveness is driving rapid demographic and residential growth, generating massive demand for housing and infrastructure; in the Dunkirk area, the dynamics of reindustrialization and the arrival of new economic activities will require nearly 20,000 jobs and 12,000 additional housing units by 2034. In both cases, elected officials must reconcile these needs with national and European objectives of land use restraint.
Studies have highlighted regulatory and methodological differences on either side of the border, but also avenues for cooperation. On both the Flemish and Luxembourg sides, land use appears to be more efficient, providing inspiration for French local authorities. Finally, the discussions emphasized the importance of strengthened cross-border governance, a necessary condition for making border areas true laboratories of territorial innovation and shared land use efficiency.
Studies conducted for:
