BackThe future of the Fehmarn Belt Region: a new link, a new identity
Instead of discussing the question of ‘why’, this project asks the question of ‘how’ – how might the people, towns and cultures in this new Danish-German region change once the Fehmarn Belt Link is complete? Aside from the economic development – what kinds of opportunity will emerge?
The coming tunnel across the Fehmarn Belt not only creates transport links, but also an opportunity to bring two countries even closer together. The BELT Planning & Network Initiative, which receives EU support, takes advantage of the opportunity to construct a trans-border identity: through cultural exchanges, collaboration and innovative approaches to urban development.
Anika Slawski, project manager at Technische Hochschule Lübeck, expresses it succinctly:
“We want to talk about the cultural values and benefits that the Fehmarn Belt tunnel can bring.”
The BELT Project considers the region from a citizen-centred perspective and focuses on the towns between Copenhagen and Hamburg. It is precisely in these smaller towns and rural districts that a completely new dynamic can be generated.
Lasse Koefoed, project manager at Roskilde University, emphasises this vision:
“We focus not only on the larger regional perspective, but on the towns that will quite literally become linked. What is it that makes up these areas? What affects them? And what are the values of the region – now and in the future?”
A new perspective through the next generation
Students of Architecture and Urban Planning at Roskilde University and Technische Hochschule (TH) Lübeck play a crucial role in the BELT Project. They analyse the region, develop ideas and prioritise sustainable urban development – sustained by a bottom-up approach that puts people first. It is only when towns are actively utilised that they are brought to life and are able to realise their potential.
Mara, aged 24, is a student of Urban Planning at TH Lübeck and one of these young people. Her journey with BELT started with a BELT Studio – a workshop lasting several days – where she came into contact with Danish students for the first time.
“The Fehmarn Belt Region provides the opportunity for rethinking urban development. It’s about creating a connection between cultures and nationalities, promoting exchanges and together ensuring greater access to the potential of these towns.”
She became fascinated by the intercultural collaboration and finally decided to continue her studies by spending a year in Denmark.
“I always planned to do a semester abroad. During my bachelor’s degree, the pandemic put a stop to that, but I knew that international experience was valuable.”
Her understanding of the region has been especially enhanced by participating in BELT Studios, something she has done several times. It opened up new perspectives, not just by providing an opportunity for experiencing a new country, but also by making her reflect on her own country.
“I’d never previously been to Denmark and getting to know the country was exciting. But it was actually just as fascinating subsequently when I returned to Lübeck – with a new perspective in my toolkit, almost like being a visitor in my own city.”
A network binding people together
BELT is more than an academic exercise – it is an exchange platform. The cooperation between Danish and German actors, between town and country, between science and practice, establishes a network that creates new impulses.
Students develop concepts in urban development in order to keep the urban areas alive.
“Our concepts aren’t finished plans, but are designed to get ideas flowing and act as inspiration for people, municipalities and towns,” explains project manager Anika Slawski.
The focus is mainly on the centres of the towns in the BELT Region as they face structural challenges. Surveys show that young people play a key role as they bring new life to these areas. On this basis, students prepare specific proposals for how these towns can become meeting places and experience sites. Their ideas are presented at public events and exhibited in the public space in order to encourage dialogue between the creatives and the decision-makers.
Cross-border exchanges bring new perspectives:
“Lübeck is inspired by Denmark, for example through the idea of concept stores. In the same way, Denmark is able to learn from Germany’s development of the tourism sector, especially in coastal areas,” explains Majken Toftager, who is project coordinator at Roskilde University.
The BELT Map: knowledge sharing, connections, inspiration
For Josephine Saabye, architect at Rural Agency, which is a Danish project partner, the project involves much more than just planning – it is an opportunity for cross-disciplinary collaboration. For her, it is the networking ideas in particular that play a key role.
“Our main task on the project is the networking,” she explains.
In this context, the development of the interactive BELT MAP constitutes one of the most important initiatives.
The BELT Map brings together urban planning projects, cultural initiatives and measures in the tourism sector and promotes cross-border exchange. Successful projects can be used as examples for other regions.
“When a minor tourism project in Denmark is successful, it can serve as an example to other regions. This is where a transfer of knowledge takes place – with an impact that reaches across borders.”
The aim is to create connections between actors, to share knowledge and promote new partnerships. It is precisely this dynamic that makes the BELT Initiative so valuable.
Interreg: the driving force behind BELT
Without the funding support from Interreg, the project would not be possible.
“Without Interreg, it wouldn’t have been possible for us to build up the BELT Platform, BELT Studios, the exchange between the students and the overall networking structure. It has been critical that a framework has been created in order to enable interdisciplinary and cross-border processes like these,” explains the Danish project manager Lasse Koefoed.
The project has received approximately EUR 815,688 in support from the Interreg Deutschland-Danmark, an EU support programme, and the European Union. Project partners include Roskilde University, Rural Agency ApS, Slagelse Municipality, Stevns Municipality, Landdistrikernes Fællesråd, S/I Erhvervshus Sjælland and Lolland Municipality from Denmark and Technische Hochschule Lübeck, Industrie- und Handelskammer zu Lübeck and Wirtschaftsförderung Lübeck GmbH from Germany.
Demand is great: “A waiting list has been set up for students interested in the BELT activities and the exchange between Denmark and Germany – they want to take advantage of the opportunity for cooperation with other young people and will come to appreciate new perspectives,” explains Majken Toftager.
Despite the previous geographical distance, many similarities exist between the Danish and German parts of the region. And it is precisely this connection that is key to the BELT Planning & Network Initiative project funded by Interreg – a story of exchange, cooperation and a shared future.
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