Does the national government fear an empty-nest syndrom ? : lessons in defining and realizing effective solutions for urban areas in other European countries. In her most recent study the Council of Civil Works in the Netherlands points out the necessity of regional cooperation to solve the problems with mobility in the urban areas. The impression rises that, compared to the surrounding countries, we have increasing difficulities in defining and realizing effective solutions. We find that one of the main reasons for this might be the position of the local government: its dependence on the national government for financing infrastructure and the lack of possibilities to make own choices to gain extra income. Efficient cooperation between governments demands an independent position and a clean definition of the common interest. Does the national government dares to let lose the golden chains of finance ? (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting